People across the UK and Japan are set to benefit from a range of
new cultural, educational and youth programmes and exchanges,
which will be announced by the Culture Secretary in Osaka later
this week.
will launch the 'Musubi
Initiative' at the World Expo in Osaka (22 May), triggering a new
phase of UK-Japan cooperation that will strengthen connections
and opportunities for economic growth as part of the government's
Plan for Change. This will also include collaborations in science
and innovation.
It will support a wide range of programmes including
scholarships, increasing opportunities for women in business, as
well as cultural and sports exchanges between the UK and Japan,
through private sector investment. This will help develop the
next generation of business leaders across the UK and Japan,
growing the international talent pool needed to grasp future
opportunities.
The initiative - named after the Japanese word for 'connection' -
represents a groundbreaking public-private partnership designed
to nurture talent and build lasting relationships between both
nations.
Nandy is also in Japan to promote Britain's creative industries
overseas, push British brands within Japanese markets, and
attract trade and investment into the UK. This will help drive
growth and create jobs at home, while showcasing the best of
British culture to the world.
Today (21 May) the Culture Secretary will meet with Minoru
Kiuchi, a senior Japanese minister with responsibility for the
Cool Japan Strategy, in Tokyo to discuss strengthening creative
industries collaboration. Whilst in Tokyo, she will also meet
with executives from major video games organisations, including
Bandai Namco and Nintendo, as well as the Japanese cast of Harry
Potter and the Cursed Child.
Japan is currently the UK's 6th largest investor, with an inward
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock of more than £86 billion at
the end of 2023, and with bilateral trade worth £31 billion in
2024.
Ahead of the trip, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and
Sport, said:
“It is a privilege to host the UK National Day at the Osaka World
Expo, where we will be showcasing Britain's extraordinary
cultural heritage on the global stage.
"The UK-Japan relationship is strong, with close collaboration
across our creative industries and technology sectors.
"The Musubi Initiative will further deepen these vital
connections as part of the government's Plan for Change, by
creating new partnerships in cultural exchange, generating
opportunities for people in the UK and Japan and strengthening
trade links."
As host of the UK National Day (22 May) at the World Expo, the
Culture Secretary will reveal the first partners backing this
initiative. The move supports the government's Plan for Change by
strengthening international relationships that drive economic
growth.
During her visit to Osaka, the Culture Secretary will attend the
UK National Day reception at the British Pavilion and the BBC
Planet Earth III Live in Concert featuring the Japan Century
Symphony Orchestra that includes British musical talent.
Each of the UK's four nations will have talent on display
showcased across the Expo site on Yumeshima Island to celebrate
UK National Day - from bagpipes to bass guitars - with performers
who have been supported by the UK Government's Music Export
Growth Scheme.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
-
Hundreds of British organisations and businesses are taking
part in activities at the UK Pavilion throughout the World
Expo in Osaka, with Birmingham Royal Ballet performing and
department store Liberty showcasing their designs. British
animation, film, music video gaming and TV are also present
including Aardman, BBC Studios, Paddington, and the Royal
Edinburgh Military Tattoo..
