In 1898 Arthur Stanhope Aldrich was appointed as an honorary consul in New Zealand after retiring from a career in the Japanese civil service.

However Australia's fear of a Japanese threat was greater, while New Zealand regarded Europe as the most likely area of future conflict.

However, when Washington desired a softer approach to Japan, New Zealand and Australia both wanted American guarantees for their security.

The U.S. did this with the three-way ANZUS Pact signed in San Francisco in September 1951 before the peace conference opened.

[2] In 1955, Prime Minister Sidney Holland became the first New Zealand head of government to pay an official visit to Japan.

As of result, New Zealand team collected a total of 20 medals: 7 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze, at these Games, surpassing the record of 18 gained at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

New Zealand's main exports to Japan include timber, aluminium, dairy (especially cheese), kiwifruit and beef.