Japanese British Lawyers Reception

On 3 February, Ambassador and Madame Suzuki co-hosted the Japanese British Lawyers Reception alongside the British Japanese Law Association (BJLA).

The reception was held to promote mutual understanding and interaction between Japanese and British lawyers. This event, which was held for the sixth time, was attended by approximately 120 participants, including Lord Reed, the President of the Supreme Court of the UK, alongside British and UK-based Japanese judges, prosecutors and lawyers, MPs and senior officials of the UK government, and academics.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Suzuki introduced how Japan-UK cooperation in the judicial field has deepened year by year since the appointment of Lord Reed as the president of the UK Supreme Court. He emphasised that, in the face of challenges to the rule of law due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it is crucial for Japan and the UK, which share strategic interests and fundamental values, to join hands in defending a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Lord Reed, the president of the UK Supreme Court, referring to his experience of visiting Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Supreme Court, reiterated that Japan and the UK have a relationship where both countries learn from each other. He also mentioned recent developments, including the streamlining of the process for foreign lawyers in Japan, and emphasised the importance of continuing this mutually beneficial relationship moving forward.

Mr Scott Hopkins, Co-Chair of the BJLA, outlined the objectives of the Association and emphasised the importance of the rule of law. He also expressed his hope that the two countries, which face similar challenges, will continue to collaborate in various fields.