Ambassador Suzuki’s visit to Scotland
2025/5/30
From 28 to 30 May, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki visited Scotland, where he held meetings with Alison Johnston MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, The Rt Hon John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland, and Councilor Robert Aldridge, The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh. He also attended a meeting of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Japan.
In addition, Ambassador Suzuki attended a dinner hosted by the First Minister together with representatives of several Japanese companies active in Scotland. He also visited the University of Edinburgh, Shin-Etsu Handotai Europe, the Suntory Auchentoshan Distillery and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki met with John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland at Bute House, where they exchanged a wide range of views on strengthening and promoting Japanese-Scottish economic relations and cultural exchange, including the activities of Japanese companies operating locally and Scotland’s participation in Expo 2025.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Suzuki attended a dinner hosted by First Minister Swinney, where he had further discussions with Scottish Government officials - including Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and Gillian Martin MSP, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy - as well as representatives of Japanese companies based in Scotland.
On 28 May at the Scottish Parliament, Ambassador Suzuki met with Alison Johnston MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, where they exchanged a wide range of views on further strengthening and promoting exchange between Japan and Scotland in the economic, academic and cultural spheres. During their discussion they also expressed satisfaction at the past and upcoming "Scotland Day" events in the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 in April, June and September of this year. These events were planned to include the participation of Scottish Government ministers and other officials.
On 28 May, Ambassador Suzuki also attended a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Japan Cross Party Group. He exchanged opinions with members, particularly on Expo 2025.
Transcript of Ambassador’s remarks (PDF)
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki had a luncheon with Councilor Robert Aldridge, The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, during which they exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including the friendship agreement between Kyoto Prefecture and the City of Edinburgh; cultural events, such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo; and collaboration and partnerships between universities and businesses.
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the Shin-Etsu Handotai Europe Ltd. plant, where he was briefed by Mr Akihiko Tamura, CEO of the company, on its activities and achievements. After that, they observed the process of manufacturing outdoor units in the factory.
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the University of Edinburgh, where he learnt about research achievements and collaboration with Japanese companies and universities at the Data-Driven Innovation Hubs. He then toured the Bayes Centre, which specialises in digital and robotics technology, and observed robotics experiments.
Ambassador Suzuki then met with lecturer Fumiko Narumi of the Japanese Language Department and exchanged views with her on the current state of Japanese language education at the university.
On 30 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the Suntory Auchentoshan Distillery together with John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland. The distillery is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, and during the tour the Ambassador observed the traditional whisky production process.
On 30 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which houses a collection of items related to the life of the famous Scottish poet.
In addition, Ambassador Suzuki attended a dinner hosted by the First Minister together with representatives of several Japanese companies active in Scotland. He also visited the University of Edinburgh, Shin-Etsu Handotai Europe, the Suntory Auchentoshan Distillery and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
Meeting with The Rt Hon John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, and attendance at dinner hosted by First Minister
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki met with John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland at Bute House, where they exchanged a wide range of views on strengthening and promoting Japanese-Scottish economic relations and cultural exchange, including the activities of Japanese companies operating locally and Scotland’s participation in Expo 2025.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Suzuki attended a dinner hosted by First Minister Swinney, where he had further discussions with Scottish Government officials - including Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and Gillian Martin MSP, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy - as well as representatives of Japanese companies based in Scotland.
Meeting with Alison Johnston MSP, Presiding Officer of Scottish Parliament
Attendance at meeting of Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Japan
On 28 May, Ambassador Suzuki also attended a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Japan Cross Party Group. He exchanged opinions with members, particularly on Expo 2025.
Transcript of Ambassador’s remarks (PDF)
Lunch meeting with Councilor Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki had a luncheon with Councilor Robert Aldridge, The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, during which they exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including the friendship agreement between Kyoto Prefecture and the City of Edinburgh; cultural events, such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo; and collaboration and partnerships between universities and businesses.
Factory visit to Shin-Etsu Handotai Europe Ltd.
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the Shin-Etsu Handotai Europe Ltd. plant, where he was briefed by Mr Akihiko Tamura, CEO of the company, on its activities and achievements. After that, they observed the process of manufacturing outdoor units in the factory.
Site visit to University of Edinburgh's Innovation Hub for AI and Data Science
On 29 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the University of Edinburgh, where he learnt about research achievements and collaboration with Japanese companies and universities at the Data-Driven Innovation Hubs. He then toured the Bayes Centre, which specialises in digital and robotics technology, and observed robotics experiments.
Ambassador Suzuki then met with lecturer Fumiko Narumi of the Japanese Language Department and exchanged views with her on the current state of Japanese language education at the university.
Visit to Suntory Auchentoshan Distillery
On 30 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the Suntory Auchentoshan Distillery together with John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland. The distillery is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, and during the tour the Ambassador observed the traditional whisky production process.
Visit to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
On 30 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which houses a collection of items related to the life of the famous Scottish poet.