Arigato and Sayonara Osaka-Kansai Expo!
It still feels as though Expo Osaka-Kansai has not yet come to an end. Under the theme of “Come Build the Future,” the UK Pavilion welcomed more than 1 million visitors, showcasing the UK’s innovation, sustainability and forward-thinking technologies, as well as the achievements and future potential of the UK-Japan partnership.
We were truly honored to have visitors from the Japanese and British governments, academia and industry, as well as the Japanese Imperial Family and the British Royal Family. The Johnnie Walker Bar was a huge success every day, and the restaurant’s fish and chips outsold all other menu items combined, with an astounding 70,000 servings!
Sixteen trade missions participated in the Expo’s business program, focusing on eight sectors identified as key growth areas in the UK government’s new Industrial Strategy (including clean energy, digital technology and creative industries). The most notable events were programs on women’s economic empowerment, the games industry and science.
Of course, the popular character Shaun the Sheep also captured the hearts of visitors. The Expo may have come to a close, but Japan-UK relations will continue. We hope you will continue to follow our activities at the British Embassy Tokyo and British Consulate General Osaka in Japan’s social media channels and our newsletters.
Come build the future—let’s continue to create the future together.
Other UK-Japan Business News
Mitsubishi Estate Breaks Ground on ¥160 billion South Bank Development Project
On Sept. 25, the groundbreaking ceremony for Mitsubishi Estate’s 72 Upper Ground project was held in London’s South Bank, with Investment Minister Stockwood in attendance. This development is the company’s largest in Europe. The new development, with a total floor area of about 90,000 square meters, will include commercial, office and cultural facilities on the site of the former ITV headquarters building. This initiative will support the growth of local small and medium-sized enterprises and startups and contribute to the UK government’s Plan for Change.
www.mec.co.jp/news/detail/2025/04/23_mec250423_72UG_1VS
Kyuden Group Establishes First European Base in London
Kyuden International, an overseas subsidiary of Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., has established a UK subsidiary as a strategic hub to accelerate information gathering, networking and business development for energy-related projects in the UK and Europe. The company is already involved in waste treatment, power generation projects and offshore wind power transmission projects in the UK. Through energy cooperation between Japan and the UK, the company aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable future.
https://www.kyuden.co.jp/press/2025/h250829-1.html
UK and Japan Governments Announce First Initiatives for the New Industrial Strategic Partnership
On Sept. 29, UK Permanent Secretary of State for Business and Trade David Davis met with Matsuo Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), regarding the Industrial Strategic Partnership, which was confirmed at the second UK-Japan Strategic Economic and Trade Policy Dialogue. They discussed the work plan for implementing cooperation and confirmed the key areas and direction for future efforts. They also exchanged views on cooperation in the WTO and CPTPP, as well as cooperation in the area of economic security. They confirmed their continued collaboration to strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries.
www.meti.go.jp/press/2025/09/20250930003/20250930003.html
Deep Tech Startup Support Fund / International Joint Research and Development Opens Applications
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and Innovate UK have launched an open call for applications to support joint research and development between Japanese deep tech startups and UK companies. Target fields include industrial technologies such as quantum, AI, semiconductors, energy and the environment and biotechnology excluding nuclear technology and drug discovery. Application deadline: Jan. 21, 2026, noon (Japan time).