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 The 2009 Kevin Rudd visit to Japan was a state visit by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to Japan in December 2009. Rudd's trip occurred with the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament report being released. Mr. Rudd issued a legal threat to Japan to stop whaling or face legal action.  He said it wasn't scientific hunting.Japan could face court on whaling: Rudd. Sydney Morning Herald. 12-11-2009.Australian PM Rudd arrives in Japan. channelnewsasia.com. 12-15-2009. 

 Japan is Australia's largest export market.  Rudd met his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.Rudd to visit Japan en route to Denmark. Sydney Morning Herald. 12-11-2009.Australian prime minister to head to Japan. ptinews.com. 12-11-2009. Rudd's office said it would ""underline the government's commitment to strengthening economic and trade ties between Australia and Japan."" 

 ==Agenda== 
 Prime Minister Rudd  visited Japan on Tuesday 15 December 2009.Rudd jets in to Japan, Copenhagen next. perthnow.com.au. 12-15-2009. Meetings were planned between Rudd and Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama as well as an address to a business audience on the Australian economy.  Rudd also planned to meet the Japanese foreign minister.Visit to Japan by the Hon. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 12-11-2009.Rudd to visit Japan en route to Denmark. ninemsn.com.au. 12-11-2009. Japan is Australia's largest export market and a major investor in Australia.  
 On Rudd’s agenda was to discuss strategy to the Copenhagen climate change meeting, military cooperation, and nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.PM to visit Japan. Media Statement - 11th December 2009. Official Website of the Australian Labor Party. 12-11-2009. 
 Rudd’s visit preceeded his trip to the Copenhagen climate change meeting. 

 ===Military cooperation=== 
 In 2007, Japan and Australia signed a defence pact which was only the second such pact signed by Japan, the first being a mutual defence treated with the United States. Among Rudd's agenda for the trip was military cooperation. Revisions to be made to the action plan for security cooperation between Japan and Australia were discussed between Rudd and the Japanese foreign minister.  It was agreed to strengthened logistics cooperation between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Australian military.  A 3rd Japan-Australia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultation meeting was planned for 2010.Courtesy Call on Mr. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia, by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan (Overview). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 12-15-2009. 

 ===Whaling controversy=== 
 Prior to the visit, Rudd threatened legal action against Japan for whaling, while the Japanese government defended the practice as part of it’s heritage.Australia threatens Japan over whaling program. boston.com. 12-11-2009.Australian PM arrives in Japan. yahoo! news. 12-14-2009.  Rudd said, as reported by the Singaporean and French press, which is not Australian nor Japanese, ""If we cannot resolve this matter diplomatically, we will take international legal action. I've said that before, I'm serious about it,""  The hunt for whales, using the excuse of research,  takes place near Australia.Australia PM warns Japan over whaling ahead of visit. France24. 12-11-2009. When Rudd met the J