Rebecca Evans 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.