Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan was established on 15 November 1967. Over the past four decades, relations of friendship and understanding between the two countries have grown from strength to strength. Since the mid-1980s, Japan has been one of the biggest bilateral development partners of the Maldives. From human resources development to environmental protection, sustainable fisheries to communication and humanitarian, and reconstruction assistance in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004.

The relations between the two countries was elevated to new heights in April 2014, when H.E. Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives, made an Official Visit to Japan on the invitation of the Government of Japan. This was the first time for a Maldivian Head of State to make an official visit to Japan on the invitation of the Government of Japan. The visit took place from 14 to 17 April 2014. During the visit the two countries agreed to expand and accelerate their cooperation based on over forty years of friendship and trust.

Japan opened its resident mission in Male’ from 1 January 2016. The official opening ceremony was held 8 February 2016.

The two countries have also been working closely in the international arena on important international issues such as peace and security, climate change, human security and promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world.

People to people contact as well as trade and commercial relations between the two countries have grown steadily over the years. Nearly 40 thousand tourists from Japan visit the Maldives annually.