As Monaco’s Princely Family prepares to visit Osaka for Expo 2025, the enduring bond between the Principality of Monaco and Japan comes into sharp focus. Rooted in mutual respect and shared values, this relationship has been nurtured with care over decades, reaching new heights through personal and institutional ties.
The foundation was laid in 1981, when Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace made an official visit to Japan, marking the start of a deepening connection. Since then, the Princely Family has consistently cultivated these ties, fostering cooperation across diplomacy, science, and culture.
Prince Albert II has forged a particularly strong relationship with Emperor Naruhito, grounded in their shared commitment to science, water conservation, and ocean protection. This alignment of priorities has strengthened the bond between Monaco and Japan, reflecting a partnership that transcends mere protocol.
In 2010, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène made an official visit to Nagoya from October 26 to November 2 for the Biodiversity Summit. During their stay, they were honored with a dinner hosted by the Emperor and Empress, a gesture that underscored the warmth of the relationship. In 2014, Princess Charlène welcomed a delegation of young Japanese women to the Princely Palace as part of an initiative supporting children affected by the Fukushima disaster, demonstrating Monaco’s solidarity with Japan in times of hardship.
A tangible symbol of this friendship is the Japanese Garden in Larvotto, created in 1994 at the behest of Prince Rainier III. Designed by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, a Grand Prix winner at Osaka’s 1990 Floral Exhibition, the garden adheres strictly to Zen principles, offering visitors a serene journey to the Land of the Rising Sun within the heart of Monaco.
From diplomatic cooperation to scientific dialogue, cultural exchanges, and a shared pursuit of excellence, the friendship between Monaco and Japan thrives with respect and modernity. It is a durable bond, carried forward at the highest level, poised to shine at Expo 2025 and beyond.
Photo credits: Palais Princier de Monaco Instagram.