Formal relations between the UK and Japan trace their roots back centuries, marked by events such as the establishment of the seminal Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty in 1854. Today, the two countries’ business and cultural ties remain as strong as ever. The annual British Business Awards (BBAs) are an example of the tight-knit bond between the two. For its 16th incarnation, the largest celebration of UK–Japan culture and commerce will be taking place at the Hilton Tokyo on November 2. This year’s theme is “Challenge the Ordinary, Achieve the Extraordinary!” and keeping this in mind, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ)—the organizers of the event—will be putting on a night to remember.
Since their inception in 2008, the BBAs have celebrated organizations and individuals' contributions to sustainability, innovation, commerce, and community. Winning a BBA is a prestigious achievement that highlights an organization or individual’s achievements while boosting their reputation amongst Japan’s international community. Nominees from six categories are rigorously judged to assess what truly makes them stand out from their peers.
Introducing the 2023 BBA Judges
This year, a lineup of luminaries from the fields of art, business, government, and law will decide which individuals and organizations take home a BBA trophy.
They are:
Hiroyo Hiramatsu: A director at the Numbering Plan Office in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Hiramatsu has spent 20 years working with the Japanese government.
Greg Clark: The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Japan, Clark joined the Cabinet in 2015. He has held positions in HM Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and has served in the last Parliament as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Moriaki (Mori) Kida: Chairperson and CEO of EY Japan, Kida is also a member of the EY Asia-Pacific Area Operating Executive Board. He has been an active member of the Global and Asia-Pacific Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee and the Global Social Equity Task Force at EY. Kida is a strong advocate on issues related to gender, LGBT+, and cultural diversity.
Mitsuru Claire Chino: Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of the Corporate Communications Division at Itochu Corporation, Chino has served as Global General Counsel with Itochu, CEO of its North American operations, and an Audit & Supervisory Board member. Having studied in the United States, Chino is bilingual and bicultural, and is also a singer.
Kazuki Yamada: Chief conductor and artistic advisor for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Lubna Shuja: The first Muslim Asian woman to be President of the Law Society of England and Wales, Shuja’s leadership ability and experience have contributed significantly to UK and Japan relations.
Nick Emmerson: Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales, Emmerson is an accomplished partner at Lewis Mathys Emmerson LLP. He is a specialist in London capital markets transactions by international companies.
British Business Awards 2023 Raffle
While only select nominees have a chance to take home the BBA trophy, all gala attendees have a chance to win raffle prizes. Thanks to the event sponsors, this year’s 11 prizes include high-quality Champagne; one-night stays in some of Tokyo’s most luxurious hotels; and a bespoke jacket worth ¥95,000, a bespoke pair of trousers worth ¥47,500, and two bespoke shirts worth ¥38,000 from Euro Merican Fashions Limited. Click here to learn more about the array of enticing prizes at the BBAs.
As it has been for years, this year’s BBAs will be one of the top events on the social calendar for Japan’s expat community. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this unforgettable evening!
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Brady Doran
