Japan and Wales Celebrate Strengthened Ties After Year of Collaboration
Japan and Wales Celebrate Strengthened Ties After Year of Collaboration
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Wales and Japan have wrapped up a year of deepening cultural and economic cooperation with a symbolic celebration at Conwy Castle, where Japanese Ambassador to the UK Hiroshi Suzuki joined First Minister Eluned Morgan MS in singing the Welsh national anthem.
The event marked the finale of the Welsh Government’s Year of Wales and Japan, a programme designed to promote trade, investment and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Conwy Castle and Japan’s Himeji Castle have been twinned since 2019, the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites to form such a partnership, and the ties have continued to strengthen, including the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two heritage sites.
The year-long initiative has opened new export and investment opportunities for Welsh businesses, with thousands of people in Japan engaging with Welsh culture through events and exhibitions.
Last week’s Wales Investment Summit welcomed 11 Japanese companies operating in sectors such as energy, advanced manufacturing and MedTech, while 23 Welsh firms took part in trade missions to Japan throughout 2025.
More than 4,000 people attended St David’s Day celebrations at Himeji Castle, and Wales Day at Expo Osaka drew 3,500 visitors.
Wales Arts International and the British Council provided £290,000 in funding for 21 cultural projects, enabling new artistic collaborations between the two countries.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This has been an extraordinary year for Wales and Japan. The connections we’ve forged through culture, business and education are deeply meaningful and will endure for generations to come.
“The year has given us some memorable moments, not least Ambassador Suzuki’s wonderful rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, as well as a strong representation from Japanese companies at last week’s Wales Investment Summit.
“I’ve been touched by the warmth and enthusiasm shown by the people of Japan towards Wales and I look forward to our friendship going from strength to strength in future years.”
Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki, said: “Wales and Japan 2025’ has been a phenomenal success. I wish to express my great tribute to First Minister Eluned Morgan for her leadership in bringing this forward.
“I can vividly recall her fantastic rendition of Kimigayo at the inaugural event. So many events followed both in Wales and Japan, forging stronger economic ties and delivering concrete results.
“‘Wales and Japan 2025’ has deepened cultural links and brought Welsh and Japanese people so much closer. I have high hopes that our friendship will continue to grow and flourish for many years to come.”
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