Ambassador Suzuki hosts New Year Reception
2026/1/7
On 7 January, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki hosted a reception at the Embassy of Japan to celebrate the New Year. The reception saw the attendance of approximately 180 distinguished guests, including executives of Japanese associations, representatives from Japanese companies and press, Japanese leaders actively engaging in the fields of academia, culture and arts, British people promoting the relationship with Japan in such fields, and former British Ambassadors to Japan.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Suzuki expressed his great appreciation for the many Japanese people who are actively contributing to various fields and regions in the UK, while strengthening ties between Japan and the UK.
Reflecting on last year's first economic “2+2” meeting in Tokyo, the port call to Japan by the carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales, and the first London Grand Sumo Tournament in 34 years, Ambassador Suzuki stated that this year would see continued security cooperation through the GCAP, including joint development of next-generation fighter aircraft and joint training exercises, intelligence cooperation, the Japan-UK EPA, promoting trade and investment through the CPTPP, cooperation on economic security, and collaboration on cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing and AI.
Ambassador Suzuki further mentioned the Samurai exhibition at the British Museum in February, the Hokusai opera in Scotland, the Japan-England football match in March, spring cherry blossom viewing ‘Ohanami’, the opera Bamboo Princess in July, Japan Matsuri in autumn, and the visit of the Japan Rugby Team in November. He also expressed his intention to visit many regions in the UK this year to further expand the circle of cooperation and exchange between Japan and the UK.
Mr Tetsuya Shinohara, Chairman of Japan Club, also spoke of the achievements of Japanese nationals residing in the UK across various fields and the resounding success of Japan Matsuri, and made a toast giving an impassioned message on the contribution of Japan's presence towards further strengthening and developing Japan-UK relations.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Suzuki expressed his great appreciation for the many Japanese people who are actively contributing to various fields and regions in the UK, while strengthening ties between Japan and the UK.
Reflecting on last year's first economic “2+2” meeting in Tokyo, the port call to Japan by the carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales, and the first London Grand Sumo Tournament in 34 years, Ambassador Suzuki stated that this year would see continued security cooperation through the GCAP, including joint development of next-generation fighter aircraft and joint training exercises, intelligence cooperation, the Japan-UK EPA, promoting trade and investment through the CPTPP, cooperation on economic security, and collaboration on cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing and AI.
Ambassador Suzuki further mentioned the Samurai exhibition at the British Museum in February, the Hokusai opera in Scotland, the Japan-England football match in March, spring cherry blossom viewing ‘Ohanami’, the opera Bamboo Princess in July, Japan Matsuri in autumn, and the visit of the Japan Rugby Team in November. He also expressed his intention to visit many regions in the UK this year to further expand the circle of cooperation and exchange between Japan and the UK.
Mr Tetsuya Shinohara, Chairman of Japan Club, also spoke of the achievements of Japanese nationals residing in the UK across various fields and the resounding success of Japan Matsuri, and made a toast giving an impassioned message on the contribution of Japan's presence towards further strengthening and developing Japan-UK relations.