Deepening the UK-Japan Economic Partnership

A Look Back at the Summit

This year has begun on a strong note for Japan-UK relations. On January 31, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle visited Tokyo. While I have previously supported the Prime Minister’s overseas trips from London as Private Secretary, this time I am honored and humbled to be able to witness this important milestone, further deepening the partnership between our two countries.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to deepen cooperation in the areas of trade and economic growth, defense and security, advanced technologies (AI, quantum and semiconductors) and clean energy. They also emphasized three themes: technology and innovation; energy and resilience, and nations proud of free trade; and they confirmed their joint support for international frameworks that underpin stability and predictability. 

Five Years Since the Japan-UK CEPA Came into Force

Five years have passed since the Japan-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force, and two-way trade between the UK and Japan has reached £33.2 billion, a 4.3% increase from the previous year. As someone who helped finalize the Japan-UK CEPA agreement at Downing Street in London, I am extremely pleased. It is also noteworthy that Japan is the UK’s largest inward investor outside the US and Europe. Japanese investment in the UK has doubled over the past decade, with approximately 1,000 Japanese companies operating in the UK and supporting over 150,000 jobs. Based on agreements such as the CPTPP and CEPA, our two countries’ industrial strategic partnership is steadily producing results. We at the Department for Business and Trade are committed to further strengthening our collaboration.

The Department for Business and Trade will be participating in these events. Please feel free to talk to us at the venue.

March: WIND EXPO (Tokyo Big Sight)
April: SusHi Tech Tokyo (Tokyo Big Sight)

Spring is fast approaching. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

The UK International Education Strategy 2026

Accelerating collaboration with overseas countries

The UK government has announced a new education strategy that places education at the heart of international relations and economic growth. The strategy’s main pillars are strengthening the UK’s international presence through education, accepting a diverse range of talented international students and expanding education exports (to the tune of £40 billion per year by 2030). It also aims to expand transnational education and strengthen the provision of UK education through international partnerships, including with Japan.

This strategy sets out the government’s plans to place the UK’s world-class education system, from early years to schools, colleges and higher education, at the heart of the UK’s global engagement. It recognizes that partnerships are critical to this mission and sets out our ambitions to:

• Increase the UK’s international standing through education and make UK the global partner of choice at every stage of learning
• Sustainably recruit high-quality international higher education students from a diverse range of countries
• Collectively grow education exports to £40 billion per year by 2030

The strategy is a joint commitment across government, developed in close collaboration with the education sector across the UK and the devolved governments. It is co-owned by the Department for Education, the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

World Premiere of the Latest Lightweight EV Sports Car Protoype

British car manufacturer Caterham unveiled the latest prototype of its Project V lightweight EV sports car, which combines British automotive tradition with cutting-edge Japanese technology, at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Caterham is funded by Japan’s VT Holdings, with prototype development handled by Tokyo R&D, battery supply by Panasonic Energy and e-axle development by Yamaha Motor. 

Nissan Starts Production of the New Nissan LEAF at Sunderland 

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has been producing its flagship models in Sunderland, northeast England, since 1986. Late last year, the company announced the start of production of the next-generation electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, at its local plant. The investment of approximately 450 million pounds and the preservation of approximately 6,000 jobs demonstrates the company’s strong commitment to the UK’s industrial strategy and clean growth. The company is also working to improve manufacturing, human resources and energy in an integrated manner, including strengthening local supply chains, utilizing renewable energy and developing skilled labor.

Two Japan Firms Invest in UK Solar Power 

Downing, which has expertise in renewable energy investment and development, and Tokyo Century have established a joint venture to build a solar power portfolio of approximately 500MW in the UK, with commercial operation scheduled to begin in 2027-2028. Prior to the announcement, the two companies paid a courtesy visit to Secretary of State for Trade Sir Chris Bryant. This represents an important step toward achieving net-zero solar power generation by 2050, supporting the UK’s goal of expanding its solar power generation capacity to 45-47GW by 2030.

Shionogi Pledges ¥333 billion in UK Firm

ViiV is committed to advancing HIV treatment and prevention, offering a long-acting treatment that can be continued with an intramuscular injection every two months, instead of the traditional daily oral medication. Shionogi’s investment of approximately ¥333 billion is expected to deepen the partnership between the two companies and deliver diverse and innovative treatment options to people living with HIV around the world, from Japan and the UK.

Science and Technology Funding List 

The UK government has published an updated list of funding resources available to Japanese and UK researchers for collaborative research and personnel exchange. The list includes bilateral research programs between Japan and the UK, as well as programs funded by Japanese, UK, European and international organizations, in both English and Japanese. We hope you will find it useful.

Wind Expo 

Exhibiting at the UK & Scotland Pavilion
March 17–19
Tokyo Big Sight, West Hall 4
Twenty-five companies and government agencies from the UK will be exhibiting. 

From the British Council

The Tokyo Spring Music Festival, Japan’s largest classical music festival, takes place every year in Ueno, Tokyo. 

March 20: Trevor Pinnock (harpsichord) and Friends
March 29: Trevor Pinnock conducting the Kioi Hall Chamber Orchestra
April 6: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Death of Benjamin Britten’s Canticles
April 10: David Batt-Phillip (tenor) and James Baillieu (piano)

Plans include a program centered on the works of Vaughan Williams and a concert commemorating the 400th anniversary of Dowland’s death. Celebrate the arrival of spring in Tokyo with British music. For details on venues, dates and tickets, please visit the official website (some tickets are sold out).

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