It is nearly one year since HAYASHI Hajime was appointed to the post of Japanese Ambassador to the UK. In normal times, he would have had several opportunities to meet Japan Society members since his arrival in February, but our lives are not normal. In this special event, Japan Society president Ambassador Hayashi joins chair Bill Emmott to look back on the past year, reflecting on life in Japan and the UK during the pandemic and on now being able to visit different parts of the country to participate in events. They will discuss the relationship between our two countries and this summer’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the future agenda for cooperation and collaboration including on Climate Change post COP-26, on defence and security, and on opportunities for continued intellectual and cultural exchange.

HAYASHI Hajime has been Ambassador of Japan to the UK since December 2020. During a distinguished diplomatic career he has served as Minister at the Embassy of Japan in the USA (2007-2010), Deputy Chief of Mission in India (2010-2013), Ambassador to Belgium (2017-2019) and Chief of Mission to NATO (2018-2019). Prior to taking up his post in London, Ambassador Hayashi served as Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Secretariat.