Ambassador Hayashi’s visit to Wales

On 9 and 10 November 2023, Ambassador HAYASHI Hajime visited Wales and together with Keith Dunn, Honorary Consul of Japan in Cardiff, attended the Wales All Japanese Companies Networking Event hosted by the SONY UK Technology Centre, where he met and exchanged views with several leaders including the First Minister of Wales, The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford. Ambassador Hayashi also visited the National Museum Cardiff.

On 9 November, Ambassador Hayashi attended the Wales All Japanese Companies Networking Event hosted by the SONY UK Technology Centre. He noted that this was the first time that Japanese companies from across Wales had come together and that it was an opportunity to broaden the business links between Japan and Wales, following the Japan-Wales Kizuna reception held at the Embassy of Japan last year to celebrate 50 years of Japanese investment in Wales. He stressed that the next 50 years of Japan-Wales relations would be deeper and more prosperous through the continuation of such events.

On 9 November, Ambassador Hayashi had a meeting with The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales. They exchanged views on many aspects of the Japan-Wales relationship, including economic relations, cultural and educational exchanges, and future cooperation.

On 9 November, Ambassador Hayashi had a meeting with Mr Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for Economy of Wales, during which they exchanged views on trade relations and ongoing business cooperation.

On 10 November, Ambassador Hayashi visited the National Museum Cardiff. He was guided around the museum by Chair Ms Kate Eden and Dr Kath Davies, where they viewed exhibits including Japanese art and exchanged views on future cultural exchanges.