Updates from the Embassy
2025/12/24
With the end of the year upon us, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please note that the Embassy will be closed from Thursday 25 December and reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. To check all upcoming Embassy holidays, click here.
On 8 December, the opening reception for the exhibition "Share Roots, Share Futures: Wales and Japan 2025", was held at the Embassy. This reception and the exhibition itself are jointly organised by the Embassy and the Welsh Government. Read more here. The exhibition will be closed during the Embassy's winter holiday period but you will still be able to have a chance to visit in the New Year. Check here for more details.
On 11 December, Deputy Head of Mission Minister Masaki Ikegami visited the National Museum Cardiff and attended the closing ceremony of "Wales and Japan 2025", between the Welsh Government and Japan that has been held throughout this year. This ceremony was hosted by Ms Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Planning of the Welsh Government. Read more here.
Earlier in the month, on 2 December, the preview and opening event for the exhibition Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan took place at Japan House London. This exhibition shines a spotlight on everyday crafts that enrich daily life, featuring over 120 artists and artisans from across Japan. Nearly 2,000 works, made from a diverse range of materials including ceramics, glass, wood, leather, and metal, are on display, inviting visitors to explore the essence and power of Japanese craftsmanship. Read more here.
On 8 December, the opening reception for the exhibition "Share Roots, Share Futures: Wales and Japan 2025", was held at the Embassy. This reception and the exhibition itself are jointly organised by the Embassy and the Welsh Government. Read more here. The exhibition will be closed during the Embassy's winter holiday period but you will still be able to have a chance to visit in the New Year. Check here for more details.
On 11 December, Deputy Head of Mission Minister Masaki Ikegami visited the National Museum Cardiff and attended the closing ceremony of "Wales and Japan 2025", between the Welsh Government and Japan that has been held throughout this year. This ceremony was hosted by Ms Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Planning of the Welsh Government. Read more here.
Earlier in the month, on 2 December, the preview and opening event for the exhibition Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan took place at Japan House London. This exhibition shines a spotlight on everyday crafts that enrich daily life, featuring over 120 artists and artisans from across Japan. Nearly 2,000 works, made from a diverse range of materials including ceramics, glass, wood, leather, and metal, are on display, inviting visitors to explore the essence and power of Japanese craftsmanship. Read more here.
Ambassador Suzuki's activities
From 9 to 10 December, Ambassador Suzuki visited North Wales as part of Wales' year-long "Wales and Japan 2025" initiative between the Welsh Government and Japan. During the visit, he exchanged views with Ms Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of the Welsh Government. He also visited Toyota UK’s Deeside plant, Conwy Castle and Mostyn hall. Read more here.
On 20 December, Ambassador Suzuki attended the Oku Memorial Trophy rugby tournament at Richmond Athletic Ground. The Oku Memorial Trophy is an annual event in memory of Ambassador Oku Katsuhiko, who was tragically killed in Iraq on 29 November 2003 during his tenure at the Embassy of Japan in the UK. It has been held annually since 2004 on a weekend close to the anniversary of his death, and been organised by Mr Reg Clark, Ambassador Oku’s teammate at Oxford University Rugby Club.
On 20 December, Ambassador Suzuki attended the Oku Memorial Trophy rugby tournament at Richmond Athletic Ground. The Oku Memorial Trophy is an annual event in memory of Ambassador Oku Katsuhiko, who was tragically killed in Iraq on 29 November 2003 during his tenure at the Embassy of Japan in the UK. It has been held annually since 2004 on a weekend close to the anniversary of his death, and been organised by Mr Reg Clark, Ambassador Oku’s teammate at Oxford University Rugby Club.