Latest UK-Japan Business News: June 2026
It is a great honour to have marked yet another milestone in strengthening the Japan-UK partnership, so soon after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit at the end of January, with the arrival of Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in Japan on Monday, April 20.
Although her stay lasted just one day, the Foreign Secretary’s schedule was packed with meetings covering the breadth of both countries’ growth strategies and the continued development of Japan-UK cooperation — including talks with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Minister for Economic Security Kimi Onoda, as well as sessions with Keidanren and clean energy companies.
It has also been announced that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be welcomed at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s official country residence, in June. The Department for Business and Trade looks forward to supporting Prime Minister Takaichi’s UK visit from a business perspective, and to contributing further to the strengthening of Japan-UK ties.
This month’s newsletter highlights a selection of the Japan-UK partnerships we support. We are delighted to see the synergies between Japanese and British expertise — spanning fields from bio to space — driving further progress for both nations.
Collaboration on Next-Gen Satellite Comms
British satellite company Open Cosmos and Panasonic Operational Excellence have announced the outcomes of Quiver, a next-generation inter-satellite communications project enabling real-time links between satellites, and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the next phase of development. The two companies are advancing small satellite manufacturing and in-orbit demonstration in Japan, with an eye toward commercialisation. This collaboration represents the cutting edge of space business cooperation, combining the strengths of both the UK and Japan.
Wayve, Uber and Nissan to Trial Robotaxis in Tokyo
British autonomous driving AI company Wayve has signed an MoU with Uber and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for a robotaxi trial in Tokyo in the second half of 2026. Bringing together Wayve’s advanced AI technology, Uber’s extensive network, and Nissan’s outstanding vehicle development capabilities, this partnership is expected to further accelerate the development of next-generation mobility.
Lloyd’s Register and FLOWRA Sign MoU on Floating Offshore Wind
Lloyd’s Register and the Floating Offshore Wind Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) have signed a cooperation MoU in the field of floating offshore wind energy. The agreement combines Lloyd’s Register’s expertise in certification and technical assurance with Japan’s research and development capabilities, with the aim of improving safety and reducing costs. The UK positions floating offshore wind as a key growth sector for the next generation, and is advancing its technological development around international standards and safety.
A joint press statement from the 10th Japan-UK Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue is available in English via the British Embassy Tokyo.
