A showcase of Wales' top artists and creative industry top dogs
have descended on Japan to bolster opportunities between the two
countries.
More than 20 events and collaborations from Tokyo to Osaka, Oita
and Hokkaido include:
- Gwenno to serenade with her latest album Utopia in
intimate gigs,
- Only Boys Aloud to sing alongside Japanese choirs across the
country,
- Hijinx Theatre performs their award-winning inclusive
production, Meet Fred
The Super Furry Animals' Cian Ciaran, in the wake of the group's
recent comeback tour announcement, also joins the mission with
his reinterpretation of Welsh classic folklore on self-playing
Yamaha pianos.
The artist troupe will be boosted with theatre, film and literary
trade missions to inspire creative collaborations.
The tour is part of Welsh Government's Year of
Wales and Japan – supported by partners across
Wales throughout 2025 to cement business, sport and diplomatic
ties.
First Minister of Wales, , said:
“This exciting cultural exchange represents the best of Wales on
the international stage. Our artists are ambassadors for Welsh
creativity, sharing our rich heritage whilst inspiring new
partnerships with Japan.
“These collaborations will inspire future generations and
strengthen our bond through the universal language of arts and
culture.”
Head of Arts at British Council Wales, Elena Schmitz,
said:
"We're delighted to partner with Welsh Government and Wales Arts
International to deliver the Wales Japan 2025 Cultural Programme.
Our two countries already share deep cultural connections, and
these creative collaborations offer a powerful way to strengthen
and celebrate these ties.
“We're supporting over 20 projects spanning different art forms
but all with a clear focus on cultural wellbeing, sustainability,
inclusion and Indigenous languages. We're excited to see these
activities come to life during a week of showcases in Osaka and
Tokyo next week, and beyond."
Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker is holding talks on
Wales as the world's first country to introduce a progressive
Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Wales has been working with Japan to ensure policy decisions made
today protect the interests of tomorrow's generations.
Notes to editors
The tour follows Wales Day at World Expo earlier this year, where
Welsh Government injected efforts to increase economic ties.
- There are approximately 70 Japanese companies in Wales with
around 7,200 employees. What's more, Wales exported nearly £300m
in goods to Japan last year. Panasonic has already announced a
£20m investment in Wales as part of the Wales and Japan year.
A £290,000 Wales Japan Cultural, led by Wales Arts International,
the British Council, and the Welsh Government, is delivering a
wide-ranging series of projects that reflect Wales' deep
commitment to cultural wellbeing and sustainability.
From Tokyo to Osaka, Oita to Hokkaido, over 20 events and
collaborations will showcase the breadth of Welsh creativity and
the strength of its cultural connections and shared values with
Japan. Highlights include:
-
Hijinx Theatre's award-winning inclusive production
Meet Fred, touring Tokyo, Tottori and Osaka.
-
Only Boys Aloud, Wales' renowned youth choir,
performing alongside Japanese choirs in Oita, Kitakyushu,
Hiroshima and Tokyo.
-
Gwenno, the trilingual Welsh-Cornish artist,
presenting her latest album Utopia in intimate Tokyo
performances.
-
Cian Ciarán of Super Furry Animals
reinterpreting Welsh folklore at teamLab Borderless
Tokyo.
- A Creative Industries Showcase at the
British Embassy Tokyo, featuring leaders from Wales' film, TV,
music and animation sectors.
-
Literary collaborations, including bilingual
children's book projects and residencies with Parthian Books
and Literature Across Frontiers.
-
Sustainability-focused events, including SDG
dialogues at Expo Osaka and the British Embassy Tokyo, led by
Wales' Future Generations Commissioner.
The programme also features artist residencies, media innovation
exchanges, and cultural showcases at major events such as the
Hankyu British Fair in Osaka, where Welsh food
and drink brands will be introduced to Japanese audiences.
From experimental soundscapes and inclusive theatre to
traditional crafts and digital storytelling, the Wales Japan
Cultural Programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the
creative energy and shared values that unite Wales and Japan.
For full programme details and background on the Year of Wales
and Japan:
ENG Wales and Japan 2025 Media Pack
| Wales
