The UK-Japan Trade and Investment Relationship, Plus UK at Expo Update

It’s already been four months since I took up my position as UK Director for Trade and Investment. Looking back, I’m amazed at how quickly time has passed and how vibrant the trade and investment relationship between Japan and the UK has become. Following the announcement of the Modern Industrial Strate y, UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafson visited Japan in early July. This was an opportunity to once again realize the strength and potential of the UK-Japan relationship.

During her visit, the UK government and Sumitomo Corporation signed a £7.5 billion memorandum of understanding. The main focus of the memorandum is offshore wind power and hydrogen-related projects, both of which are crucial to Japan and the UK’s shared clean energy future. This sent a powerful message that the UK is a forward-looking investment destination and a trusted partner for Japan.

The Modern Industrial Strategy emphasizes both investment in and mutual partnerships with the UK. Minister Gustafson met with State Minister of the Cabinet Office Ryuichi Seto to discuss how the UK can support the Japanese government’s “FDI Japan 2025” goal of increasing inward FDI to ¥120 trillion by 2030 and ¥150 trillion as early as possible in the early 2030s. As part of this, we signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on UK investment in Japan and launched the “Expand in Japan” initiative to support the growth of UK companies in the Japanese market. Click here for details.

Further deepening business between our two countries will help lay the foundation for a future in which Japan and the UK prosper together. There are many exciting developments to come. One of the most anticipated events is the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier strike group #CSG25, scheduled to visit Japan in August.

UK Expo Update

A variety of business programs and events, open to the public and by invitation only, were planned across a variety of sectors, with the aim of strengthening and promoting business ties between Japan and the UK. A wide range of organizations and guests participated, including internationally acclaimed UK independent schools, universities and English-language education institutions, as well as UK government education experts and British Council representatives. One remaining major event is planned:

Liberty 150th Anniversary Exhibition: (Open to the public)

• August 29 – September 12 
• Venue: UK Pavilion

This exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the founding of the venerable British brand, Liberty London. Curated by art historian Esther Cohen, this exhibition will explore design, nature and art, bringing to life the stories and untold anecdotes hidden within Liberty’s fascinating archives in unprecedented ways.

Mizkan Invests £17m in Greater Manchester

Mizkan, the leading Japanese vinegar manufacturer based in Middleton, Greater Manchester, announced in July a significant £17 million investment to expand its UK operations.

The investment comes in response to increasing demand for Japanese vinegar products across the UK and European markets.

Mizkan, which also owns the iconic Sarson’s vinegar brand, manufactures Japanese vinegar products and Sarson’s vinegar at its primary production site in Middleton, Rochdale.

“Mizkan is excited to be investing in the future of our long established Middleton factory, developing our people and equipping ourselves for innovation and growth, particularly within premium and Japanese vinegars,” Mizkan’s UK CEO Chikara Tanaka said.

The substantial investment will support multiple initiatives including opportunities for upskilling, facility expansion and refurbishment and the launch of new product development projects.

“Mizkan’s £17 million investment is excellent news for Greater Manchester and shows the confidence this iconic Japanese brand has in our city-region,” Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said. “The creation of high-skilled jobs and expansion of their Middleton facility demonstrate exactly the type of advanced manufacturing growth we want to see.

The investment underscores the company’s commitment to Greater Manchester as a key hub for its European operations.”

Through the investment, Mizkan will create additional facilities for new product development and innovation across a range of premium and Japanese vinegars for retail and food service sectors, offering customers only the finest products.

The investment coincides with a senior Greater Manchester delegation’s landmark trade mission to Japan.

Following an announcement last year to make Japan a key focus for broadening and deepening diplomatic, business, cultural and civic links in 2025, the delegation from Greater Manchester, including Burnham, visited Japan for a week-long mission at EXPO 2025 in Osaka.

The strengthening Japan-Greater Manchester relationship will also see Manchester host the prestigious Japan Week 2025 in September with Mizkan as headline sponsors, marking the 50th anniversary of the international cultural festival.

“Mizkan’s significant investment in their Middleton operations highlights how Greater Manchester continues to attract major expansion projects from established international companies in the advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in the borough of Rochdale,” Manchester Inward Investment Agency Managing Director Joe Manning said.

Playing part in the expansion of the facility is Mizkan’s continued partnership with the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) and the University of Manchester for research and development activities. The collaboration through CEAMS operates as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, providing Mizkan access to specialist expertise in sustainability materials and engineering.

“I visited their site earlier this month and met with Mizkan’s president on our previous mission to Japan, in 2023,” Burnham said. “It was fantastic to hear about their commitment to Greater Manchester and their innovation partnerships with our universities. This investment, announced as we embark on our trade mission to Japan, shows the strength of our relationships with Japanese businesses and will create opportunities for people in Greater Manchester.”

“Greater Manchester has been strengthening its relationship with Japan for a number of years, with over 25 Japanese businesses now choosing our city-region as their UK base across multiple sectors,” Manning said. “We look forward to seeing these plans come to life, demonstrating why Greater Manchester is the ideal location for international businesses looking to grow their European operations.”