What is the reason why Japan and Mexico are friendly nations? Please explain specifically from various aspects such as history, affinity, and economic relations.

 The reason why Japan and Mexico are "historically and currently extremely strong friendly nations" lies in multiple aspects, including over 400 years of exchange history, mutual respect (affinity), and deeply tied economic relations.

Here is a detailed explanation of these factors from historical, cultural, economic, and political perspectives:

1. Historical Ties (400 Years of Exchange and the "First Equal Treaty")

• Rescue of Shipwrecked Sailors in Onjuku (1609)
  The origin of bilateral relations dates back over 400 years to 1609. The galleon San Francisco, sailing from the Philippines to Mexico (then under Spanish rule), ran aground and was wrecked off the coast of Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture. Local fishermen and female divers (ama) risked their lives in the rough waves to rescue and warmly nurse the crew. This kind reception left a strong, positive impression of Japan on the Mexican side.

• Japan’s First "Equal Treaty with a Non-Asian Country" (1888)
  During the Meiji era, Japan struggled to revise unequal treaties (which included extraterritoriality and lack of tariff autonomy) forced upon it by Western powers. Amid this, the Japan-Mexico Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation was concluded in 1888. This was Japan's first "equal treaty" (free of inequality) with a country outside of Asia, and Mexico's first treaty with an Asian nation. Mexico's sincerity became a major breakthrough for Japan's subsequent treaty revision negotiations.

• Pioneering Japanese Emigration to Latin America
  In 1897, through the efforts of Takeaki Enomoto and others, the first organized overseas emigration from Japan (the Enomoto immigration group) headed to Chiapas, southern Mexico. This paved the way for many Japanese people to move to Mexico, adapt locally, and contribute to society, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.

2. Cultural Affinity and Close Psychological Proximity

• Mutual Respect and "Pro-Japan / Pro-Mexico" Sentiments
  Mexicans generally possess a warm hospitality and cherish family and others, holding a deep respect and interest in Japanese culture as well. On the Japanese side, Mexico's vibrant and passionate culture, rich history, and cuisine are widely beloved, creating very low psychological barriers.

• History of Protecting Dignitaries
  During the Mexican Revolution in 1910, relatives and associates of President Madero, who were targeted in a coup, took refuge in the Japanese legation and were protected, fostering a solid foundation of mutual trust during crises.

3. Deep Economic Relations and "Strategic Partnership"

• A Pioneer in Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA)
  The Japan-Mexico Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in 2005, was Japan's first comprehensive EPA. It dramatically accelerated trade and investment between the two countries.

• Massive Supply Chain Centered on the Automotive Industry
  As Mexico serves as a gateway to North America (under the USMCA framework) and boasts excellent labor and infrastructure, numerous Japanese manufacturing companies—led by Nissan Motor—have expanded locally. Japan is one of the leading investors in Mexico, contributing significantly to local employment and industrial development, making Japan an extremely trusted partner for the Mexican government and business community.

4. Political and Diplomatic Cooperation

On the international stage, Japan and Mexico closely cooperate as partners sharing common values on global issues such as peace, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, environmental issues (climate change), and sustainable development. With few conflicting interests and a solid diplomatic foundation as "good friends who trust each other," their relationship remains robust.