Business and cultural connections between the UK and Japan go back centuries, ranging from the popularity of British products in Japan to the UK’s love of Japanese art and pop culture. And when it comes to celebrating these connections, there’s no event in Japan that can match the significance and elegance of the British Business Awards (BBA).
The gala event is organized by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) and dates back to 2008. It was launched with an aim to honor excellence in business and put a spotlight on exemplary performance and innovation in a variety of industries. The awards also give British and Japanese organizations and individuals the opportunity to be recognized for their social contributions thanks to their commitment to sustainability, community, and ethical behavior.
This year, the BBA 2023 will be held from 6pm to 10pm on the evening of Thursday, November 2, at Hilton Tokyo. As one of the sterling standouts of the expat community’s social calendar, the night is an opportunity for guests and participants to get decked out in their very finest and celebrate the achievements of their peers. As BCCJ Executive Director Sarah Backley explained, this year will be particularly memorable: “After two online ceremonies in 2020 and 2021, followed by a smaller-scale gala last year, we are so pleased to be bringing back the BCCJ's flagship event on the evening of November 2 at the Hilton Tokyo in full force. We're putting the final touches together now for the Great British Feast and night of entertainment for guests to enjoy, and look forward to receiving many more applications for this year’s Awards in the days to come. I hope you will join us in celebrating the very best of UK-Japan culture and commerce.”
The BBAs are rapidly approaching, but you can still play an active role in the event. One way is as an attendee. Tickets for the BBA 2023 are on sale, for individual seats or tables of 10. If you’re a BCCJ member, an individual seat is ¥29,000 and a table of 10 is ¥290,000. For non-members, it’s ¥33,000 for an individual seat and ¥330,000 for a table of 10. You can book your tickets by heading to the BCCJ website or by emailing info@bccjapan.com.
Aim High
Another way to take part is to apply for one of the awards. Although the deadline is October 2, there’s still time for organizations to enter as a nominee. As one of the most prized awards among Japan’s international community, a BBA trophy is a sign that its awardee is a leader in their field, and something that can be shared in publicity or marketing material. And the awards are works of art in themselves: they will be made by the renowned Kate Thomson of Ukishima Sculpture Studio.
There are several categories that you can apply for:
- Company of the Year is for organizations in Japan that have demonstrated excellence and innovation, with a focus on outstanding achievements over the past 12 months.
- The UK-Japan Partnership award goes to a joint venture, alliance, or other partnership that have made significant contributions to enhancing UK-Japan economic or commercial relationship over the past 12 months.
- Entrepreneur of the Year is an award that goes to individuals who represent the entrepreneurial spirit and have achieved commercial success. Eligible individuals are those who lead organizations in Japan with 25 employees or fewer.
- The Digital Technology Innovation award is for a company that has been exceptionally effective in developing digital or technological services or solutions over the past 12 months.
- The Responsible Business award goes to a company that has driven exceptionally effective responsible business—such as social or environmental programs—or initiatives in Japan over the past 12 months. NPOs are not eligible for this award.
- Finally, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion of the Year recognizes a company that has been responsible for executing effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, services, or solutions in Japan over the past 12 months. As with the Responsible Business award, applicants should not be NPOs.
For more information about applying for an award nomination, visit the BCCJ’s website.
Show Your Support
The last way to take part is by sponsoring the event. This is an opportunity to connect your organization with the spirit of the British Business Awards, while putting a spotlight on your organization’s brand, services, and products. Participating in this way can boost your profile within the expat community, and among potential clients and customers. There’s still time to get involved as a sponsor, and if you’d like to get the process started, email the BCCJ at info@bccjapan.com or book a brief meeting from this link.
However you decide to participate in the event, it’s sure to be a night to remember. Don’t miss out!
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Alec Jordan
