MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Economy, Energy and Planning: I travelled to Japan for a
programme of events which celebrated the enduring relationship
between our two countries. This visit formed part of the Year of
Wales and Japan. The programme included elements designed to grow
and enhance economic, cultural and tourism links and ended with
Wales Day at the Osaka Expo 2025, where I hosted a reception at
the UK Pavilion.
My programme started with a meeting with His Majesty's Ambassador
to Japan, Julia Longbottom, who has been a longstanding supporter
of the Welsh Government's work in Japan. I also met other members
of the Embassy team to discuss their work to promote Wales in
Japan and to gain their on-the-ground economic insights.
The second day focussed on showcasing why Wales is a great place
to do business. I met with existing investors, including Sony and
Winfield, to discuss how Wales meets the needs of their
businesses and explore their future plans. I also met with
companies who are considering Wales as a potential location for
investment. I hosted an Investment Showcase in Tokyo where more
than 150 delegates heard about what Wales has to offer, and about
how Wales has been home to Japanese companies for more than 50
years. There was a particular focus on the green transformation
and digital agendas, and Wales' strengths in these sectors. This
included a talk from Sony's Senior Group Adviser about the
benefits of investing in Wales. There was also a strong
recognition of the importance of long-standing trusted economic
relationships in an era of uncertainty.
From Tokyo, I travelled to Kitakyushu, which was the location of
the Wales rugby team's training camp during the 2019 Rugby World
Cup. I met with senior city officials and saw some of the
projects that have been developed in Kitakyushu to commemorate
Wales and the Welsh rugby team's time in the city more than six
years ago. It is difficult to overstate the affection that there
is for Wales in Kitakyushu. As the Mayor Kazuhisa Takeuchi said,
“At this point we're practically family.” I heard about the plans
to welcome the Welsh team and fans back for the Japan v Wales
match in July.
On day 4, I travelled to Oita to undertake a programme aligned
with the key areas of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that
Wales signed with Oita Prefecture in 2022. Here I spoke at the
Oita Prefecture Museum of Art (OPAM) as part of the celebrations
to mark its 10th anniversary, as well as visiting a
thermal energy showcase, to explore how the resource has been
harnessed for energy and business initiatives. I was delighted to
meet former governor of Oita, Mr Katsusada Hirose, who played a
pivotal role in developing the MOU and still retains a
significant influence in Oita Prefecture. In March 2024, Mr
Hirose was awarded an honorary MBE for his efforts in fostering
UK-Japan relations, and in particular his work with Wales.
I then travelled on to Himeji City where I hosted a roundtable
with local businesses across sectors including energy and steel
to explore decarbonisation collaboration opportunities, as well
as taking part in an MOU renewal ceremony between Himeji Castle
and Conwy Castle.
My final day in Japan was spent at Expo 2025 Osaka to lead the
Celebration of Wales Day showcase in the UK Pavilion. The
Celebration of Wales invited people, on a public holiday in
Japan, to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Wales with
performances of music and dance, samples of Welsh food and drink
and a special Eki stamps rally. I also visited the USA, UAE and
Ireland Pavilions – all countries with which Wales shares a
meaningful relationship – as well as hosting a reception for
invited guests from the business, sport, diplomatic and cultural
communities to celebrate Wales Day.
My visit allowed me to engage with business and cultural
organisations and build meaningful relationships and connections
between Wales and Japan for the future. As demonstrated by the
continued programmes underway in Kitakyushu and Oita, which
started in 2019, there is a commitment to develop long-lasting
and sustainable partnerships that will continue to thrive in the
years to come, as evidenced by more than half a century of
investment in Wales by Japanese businesses.
