In 2025, the Japanese-German Center Berlin (JDZB) will celebrate its 40th anniversary. In light of global political developments, the JDZB as a place for friendly international encounters is perhaps more important than ever. Secretary General Dr. Julia Münch writes about our beginnings and how the JDZB has developed over the course of the years. | Cover picture: His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito at the inauguration of the renovated embassy building in 1987