May 16, 2012, Updated May 17, 2012

Israel and Japan kicked off celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The year will be marked in both Israel and Japan with cultural events, academic meetings, and visits by senior officials.

On May 21, the Israeli embassy in Tokyo will stage a special gala concert with the unique collaboration of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and leading Israeli musicians.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the bilateral relationship between the two countries as one that “enjoys stability and constant growth.”

Japan is involved in a number of projects in the region including the Peace Corridor project, which entails the establishment of an agro-industrial park near the city of Jericho with the four-party participation of Japan, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. Japanese military forces are also deployed within the UNDOF framework on the Golan Heights and Japan provides financial support to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) deployed in the Sinai Desert.

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