From diplomatic acknowledgment to Sugihara's feat in Kaunas

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The conditions for Lithuania and Japan to initiate bilateral relations arose only in the 3rd decade of the 20th century. They were primarily predetermined by the proclamation of Lithuania's independence in 1918, though Japan also showed incentives to expand international relations and influence.
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Mutual Interest under the Conditions of the Cold War

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Lithuania was unable to develop independent foreign policy after the occupation of the Soviet Union; consequently, foreign consulates in Kaunas were closed, and international agreements were terminated. As a result, the relationship between the Lithuanian SSR and Japan developed very slowly. On the other hand, during the Soviet period, we can track several episodes of rapprochement of Lithuania and Japan. Attention should be paid to the first summits, visits of Lithuanian and Japanese delegations, public and cultural exchanges, and in a broader context, an attempt of the Lithuanian diaspora to spread the news about independent Lithuania.
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``Even closer, even friendlier``

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Japan recognized the restored Republic of Lithuania on the 6th of September 1991 and re-established diplomatic relations on the 10th of October. The following mutual interest was quite strong, as evidenced by the regular and frequent visits of both Lithuanian and Japanese representatives, agreement signing, and ongoing events. The most outstanding of them is a visit of Emperor Akihito of Japan and Empress Michiko, which happened on the 26-27th of May 2007.
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From Heart to Heart

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The most beautiful examples of communication between Japan and Lithuania stem from the initiatives of the civilians. Some communities support and sustain others despite being thousands of miles away, thus creating bridges of friendship and goodwill. Japan contributed to the recovery of Lithuania after regaining independence, while Lithuania helped Japan recover after the earthquake in 2011. Close relations between individual municipalities and people communities were established actively.
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Trade, investment, tourism

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Lithuania had been off the world map for a long time. Thus, it was unknown to Japanese entrepreneurs. The situation changed after Lithuania joined the European Union. In 2004, the delegation of Keidanren led by the Chairman of NEC (computer company) board Hajime Sasaki visited Lithuania, while the representatives of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists visited Japan in the same year. Later both countries sent delegations of entrepreneurs on national and regional levels.
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