Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1869, that lasted until severed in 1914 due to the First World War.

In 1869, the first Austro-Hungarian diplomatic mission arrived at Japan, headed by Baron Anton Freiherr von Petz.

Following negotiations, the first Austro-Japanese treaty of friendship was concluded on October 18 of the same year.

[1] In June 1999, the President of Austria Thomas Klestil paid a state visit to Japan.

[3] In 2007, Japan was Austria's third most important overseas trade partner.