Ambassador Hayashi hosts Japan-Wales Kizuna Reception
2022/12/14
On 14 December, Ambassador HAYASHI Hajime co-hosted the 'Japan-Wales Kizuna Reception’ with the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford at the Embassy of Japan in the UK. ‘The Japan-Wales Kizuna Reception’ was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of economic relations between Japan and Wales and to promote further exchanges in the economic, cultural and educational fields.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hayashi conveyed his gratitude for the guests’ participation in the reception and celebrated the 50th anniversary of economic exchange between Japan and Wales. Since the first Japanese company invested in Wales in 1972, many Japanese companies are continuing to establish major presence in Wales and contributing to the country. He also expressed his desire to build deeper cooperation between the two countries by further promoting economic exchange between Japan and Wales in various fields including IT, hydrogen, and offshore wind power.
The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, mentioned that Wales is proud to have many excellent Japanese companies based in Wales, which is a great asset for Welsh people. He also mentioned that the Rugby World Cup 2019 provided opportunities for exchange between Wales and Japan in the economic, cultural and educational fields, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Oita Prefecture. He expressed his hope that the relationship between Wales and Japan will continue to strengthen and reflect this for generations to come.
Mr Owada, the first Branch Manager of Cardiff Branch for TAKIRON (now C.I. TAKIRON Co.), the first Japanese company to make a major investment in Wales in 1972, mentioned in a video message that he had fond memories of working with the hard-working Welsh people. He also mentioned the ‘Clwb Hiraeth’ (established in 1992), which is a community of people who have lived in Wales, is still involved in deepening economic exchange between Japan and Wales. He expressed that it is very important for Japanese companies operating in the UK and Europe to continue to build a reliable relationship with Wales.
Around 110 participants joined this reception with guests including Welsh Government officials, Welsh and Japanese business people from manufacturers, trading companies, finance, telecommunications and services, as well as Welsh cultural and educational representatives. There was also a choral performance by the Welsh male voice choir ‘Only Boys Aloud’ and a Welsh harp performance by Ms Isabel Harries. While guests enjoyed these musical performances, they were able to enjoy Welsh delicacies including cheese, lamb, and gin.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hayashi conveyed his gratitude for the guests’ participation in the reception and celebrated the 50th anniversary of economic exchange between Japan and Wales. Since the first Japanese company invested in Wales in 1972, many Japanese companies are continuing to establish major presence in Wales and contributing to the country. He also expressed his desire to build deeper cooperation between the two countries by further promoting economic exchange between Japan and Wales in various fields including IT, hydrogen, and offshore wind power.
The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, mentioned that Wales is proud to have many excellent Japanese companies based in Wales, which is a great asset for Welsh people. He also mentioned that the Rugby World Cup 2019 provided opportunities for exchange between Wales and Japan in the economic, cultural and educational fields, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Oita Prefecture. He expressed his hope that the relationship between Wales and Japan will continue to strengthen and reflect this for generations to come.
Mr Owada, the first Branch Manager of Cardiff Branch for TAKIRON (now C.I. TAKIRON Co.), the first Japanese company to make a major investment in Wales in 1972, mentioned in a video message that he had fond memories of working with the hard-working Welsh people. He also mentioned the ‘Clwb Hiraeth’ (established in 1992), which is a community of people who have lived in Wales, is still involved in deepening economic exchange between Japan and Wales. He expressed that it is very important for Japanese companies operating in the UK and Europe to continue to build a reliable relationship with Wales.
Around 110 participants joined this reception with guests including Welsh Government officials, Welsh and Japanese business people from manufacturers, trading companies, finance, telecommunications and services, as well as Welsh cultural and educational representatives. There was also a choral performance by the Welsh male voice choir ‘Only Boys Aloud’ and a Welsh harp performance by Ms Isabel Harries. While guests enjoyed these musical performances, they were able to enjoy Welsh delicacies including cheese, lamb, and gin.
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