User blog comment:Teeyanuh/Portugal's design proposal/@comment-4280538-20111010164729

The first contact between Japan and Portugal began in 1542 when three Portuguese reached the southern tip of Japanese Archipelago after their boat was blown off course. Since then until Japan adopted the policy of seclusion, Portuguese brought various examples, both physical and abstract, of European culture and civilization to Japan. In the middle of the 16th century, Portugal also became the first European country that Japanese visited. Except for a short period of absence after the Second World War, Japan and Portugal have enjoyed good relations. To commemorate the 450th anniversary in 1993 of their good relations, both countries organized and held a variety of events in each country. In the same year, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado made an official visit to Portugal, and then President Mario Soares visited Japan as a state guest. In 1998, Expo 98-Lisbon is being held from May 22 to September 30 under the theme of "Oceans-Heritage for the Future," and the Japanese government has opened a Japanese pavilion at the exposition. From May 23 to 25, Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress made their first visit to Portugal during their trip to Europe. In 2010 Japan and Portugal will cerebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Treaty of Peace, Amity and Commerce.