Japan and Wales sing each other’s praises after landmark year
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Japanese Ambassador joined First Minister at Conwy Castle to
sing Welsh national anthem, to mark end of the year of Wales
and Japan. A year of deepening cultural and
economic ties between Wales and Japan was concluded this week
as Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki joined First Minister Eluned
Morgan to perform the Welsh national anthem at Conwy castle, to
highlight the bond between Wales and Japan. It is the second time
the Ambassador has visited...Request free trial
Japanese Ambassador joined First Minister at Conwy Castle to sing Welsh national anthem, to mark end of the year of Wales and Japan. A year of deepening cultural and economic ties between Wales and Japan was concluded this week as Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki joined First Minister Eluned Morgan to perform the Welsh national anthem at Conwy castle, to highlight the bond between Wales and Japan. It is the second time the Ambassador has visited Wales this year. In 2019, Conwy Castle and Himeji Castle in Japan became the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be twinned. Since then, the relationship has gone from strength to strength, including renewing a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries' heritage sites. The Welsh Government's Year of Wales and Japan has opened up new export opportunities and investment deals for Welsh businesses and showcased Welsh culture to thousands of people across Japan. Last week the Wales Investment Summit welcomed 11 Japanese companies across sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing and MedTech. 23 Welsh businesses also attended Welsh Government-led trade missions to Japan in 2025. There were also cultural exchanges during the year with St David's Day celebrations at Himeji Castle, which attracted more than 4,000 visitors, while the Wales Day at Expo Osaka drew in 3,500 visitors. Twenty-one cultural projects received £290,000 through Wales Arts International and the British Council this year to develop new artistic collaborations connecting the two nations. To close the year, a free exhibition celebrating cultural links between Wales and Japan is being held at the Japanese Embassy in London until 16th January 2026. The First Minister said: "This has been an extraordinary year for Wales and Japan. The connections we've forged through culture, business and education are deeply meaningful and will endure for generations to come. “The year has given us some memorable moments, not least Ambassador Suzuki's wonderful rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, as well as a strong representation from Japanese companies at last week's Wales Investment Summit. “I've been touched by the warmth and enthusiasm shown by the people of Japan towards Wales and I look forward to our friendship going from strength to strength in future years.” Japanese Ambassador to Wales, Horoshi Suzuki said:
“Wales and Japan 2025' has been a phenomenal success. I
wish to express my great tribute to First Minister Eluned Morgan for her leadership in
bringing this forward. Notes to editors Additional quotes: Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International, said: “The year of Wales and Japan has shown that cultural exchange is most powerful when it celebrates what makes each nation distinctive as well as what we have in common. Our shared values and curiosity for our cultural differences have laid the foundations for enduring collaboration, and the legacy of this programme will continue to strengthen both nations' creative futures.” Elena Schmitz, Head of Arts, British Council Wales said: "We've been delighted to partner with Welsh Government and Wales Arts International to deliver the Wales Japan Cultural Programme, a cornerstone of activity for the Wales and Japan year. The creative connections between our two nations have been deepened and strengthened, building understanding and trust. "We've seen over 20 inspiring projects come to life, from creative industries events and performances across Japan - such as Hijinx' Japanese puppetry inspired show Meet Fred in Tokyo, Theatre Cymru's Dawns Y Ceirw in Hokkaido, the unique immersive performance of Cian Ciarán's Rhys a Meinir production at TeamLab Borderless - to the British Council's Selector After Dark showcase at Osaka Expo, presented by BBC 1 DJ Sian Eleri, and featuring Wales' own electronic artist Twst. “This programme has created fertile ground and paved the way for future collaborations and shows that Wales has a distinctive story to share on the world stage. With more projects still to come, we look forward to building on these connections in future." Wales Japan 2025 Culture Programme The Wales Japan 2025 Culture Programme highlights the deep sense of character, humour, and creative imagination shared by our two nations. The 21 funded projects strengthened cultural ties while establishing meaningful legacy benefits for both countries' creative economies and cultural relations. Landmark moments—from record-breaking footfall at Wales Day at Osaka Expo 2025 to new collaborations in music, inclusive theatre, animation, and language—demonstrate how culture can open doors for long-term partnership and growth. With projects such as Coed Coexist, a partnership between Pen Llŷn artists Junko Mori, John Egan and Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, still to exhibit in 2026, and Re-Live and Tenjin-Kai poised to launch their comic connecting the stories of people with dementia in both countries, there are further opportunities to enjoy work generated through these collaborations. Year of Wales and Japan Wales and Japan 2025 is the fifth in a series of country-focused campaigns by the Welsh Government, aiming to stimulate economic and cultural partnerships between two nations. Shared Roots, Shared Futures - An Exhibition Celebrating Creativity, Connection and Cultural Exchange between Wales and Japan Venue: Embassy of Japan in the UK, 101-104 Piccadilly, Greater, London W1J 7JT Date: Tuesday, December 9 - Friday, January 16
Time: 9.30am to 5.30pm weekdays (closed
25-31/12/2025, 1-2/01/2026) An exhibition that highlights the deep connections between two nations during the Year of Wales and Japan 2025. From shared respect for nature and craftsmanship to long-standing exchanges in industry, education and the arts, visitors can explore work by leading Welsh and Japanese creatives whose practices reflect themes of heritage, sustainability, and innovation. Artists exhibiting include illustrator Jonathan Edwards, who reimagines traditional Japanese Eki stamps with a Welsh twist; textile designer Llio James, whose contemporary weaving celebrates Wales' craft revival; multi-disciplinary artist Mark James who will display his experimental print project ANOMALIES; and metalwork sculptor Junko Mori, whose organic, nature-inspired forms blur the boundaries between fine art and craft. Together, their work offers a vivid snapshot of two cultures in conversation, united by history and looking toward a shared future. Further announcements this year Wales and Japan 2025 to celebrate the nations' “deep-rooted connections” | Welsh Government News Wales and Japan deepen ties at Tokyo showcase | Welsh Government News Welsh artists wow Tokyo audience as Wales and Japan culture tour kicks-off | Welsh Government News |