Ambassador and Madame Suzuki’s visit to Wales
2025/1/9
On 8 and 9 January, Ambassador and Madame Suzuki visited Wales where they attended the opening ceremony of “Wales & Japan 2025”, an international exchange event between the Welsh Government and Japan to be held throughout this year. They also toured the SONY UK Technology Centre and Shoda Sauces Europe, and visited the Principality Stadium, home of the Welsh Rugby Union, and the National Museum Cardiff.
Ambassador Suzuki’s attendance at the opening ceremony of “Wales & Japan 2025”


The Welsh Government has designated this year as “Wales and Japan 2025” to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between Japan and Wales. A number of Japan-Wales exchange events will be held throughout the year. On this occasion, Ambassador Suzuki attended the opening ceremony of “Wales and Japan 2025” held in Cardiff on 9 January. The ceremony was also attended by Ms Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, as well as economic and cultural professionals from both Japan and Wales.
Ambassador Suzuki gave a congratulatory speech at the ceremony following First Minister Morgan, reviewing the last 50 years of deepening relations between Japan and Wales, and expressed his hope that “Wales & Japan 2025” will contribute to further deepening the Japan-Wales friendship over the next 50 years. The ceremony also featured performances of koto and taiko drums, as well as dialogues between Japanese and Welsh business leaders.
Ambassador Suzuki gave a congratulatory speech at the ceremony following First Minister Morgan, reviewing the last 50 years of deepening relations between Japan and Wales, and expressed his hope that “Wales & Japan 2025” will contribute to further deepening the Japan-Wales friendship over the next 50 years. The ceremony also featured performances of koto and taiko drums, as well as dialogues between Japanese and Welsh business leaders.
Visits to SONY UK Technology Center and Shoda Sauces Europe


Ambassador Suzuki visited the SONY UK Technology Centre, where he toured the camera manufacturing facilities. He was briefed on Sony's history and initiatives in Wales and on Sony's contributions and vision for the future in Wales, including sustainability and human resource development.
Ambassador and Madame Suzuki also visited Shoda Sauces Europe, where they toured the production lines for sauces including soy sauce. They were briefed on Shoda Sauces’ commitment to the food industry in the UK and the rest of Europe and its contribution to the local community in Wales.
Ambassador and Madame Suzuki also visited Shoda Sauces Europe, where they toured the production lines for sauces including soy sauce. They were briefed on Shoda Sauces’ commitment to the food industry in the UK and the rest of Europe and its contribution to the local community in Wales.
Visits to Principality Stadium, home of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), and Cardiff National Museum


Ambassador Suzuki visited Principality Stadium, home of the Welsh Rugby Union, and was given a tour of the facilities inside the stadium and an explanation of the history and the cultural significance of rugby in Wales. He also exchanged views with WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood on the future of Japan-Wales rugby relationship.
Ambassador and Madame Suzuki also visited the National Museum Cardiff, where they were escorted around the museum by Jane Richardson, Chief Executive, Dr Kath Davis, Director of Collections & Research and Ceri Jones, Creative Director, and appreciated the exhibition of pieces of fine art by Welsh artists and others.
Ambassador and Madame Suzuki also visited the National Museum Cardiff, where they were escorted around the museum by Jane Richardson, Chief Executive, Dr Kath Davis, Director of Collections & Research and Ceri Jones, Creative Director, and appreciated the exhibition of pieces of fine art by Welsh artists and others.