Ambassador and Madame Suzuki’s visit to Greater Manchester
2026/9/12
From 10 to 12 September, Ambassador and Madame Suzuki visited Manchester, where they attended events related to Manchester Japan Day 2026, including a business roundtable, and met with Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
The ambassador also visited the Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Metropolitan University.
On the following day, 11 September, the Ambassador attended the third business roundtable and exchanged views with representatives from Japanese and British businesses on strengthening business ties between Japan and Greater Manchester.
At a reception held on the evening of 11 September to mark the finale of Japan Day 2026, Ambassador Suzuki spoke about the achievements of Tomoatsu Godai, a businessman of the Meiji period who studied in Manchester and later contributed to the economic development of Osaka, highlighting the long-standing ties between Japan and Manchester. .
The ambassador also visited the Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Attendance at events related to Japan Day 2026
On 10 September, Ambassador and Madame Suzuki attended the Japan Day 2026 VIP dinner. In his remarks, Ambassador Suzuki referred to the growing momentum for devolution in both Japan and the UK, and expressed his hope that the long-standing and ever-deepening ties between Greater Manchester and Japan-Osaka would play a vital role in shaping the future development and prosperity of both countries and regions.On the following day, 11 September, the Ambassador attended the third business roundtable and exchanged views with representatives from Japanese and British businesses on strengthening business ties between Japan and Greater Manchester.
At a reception held on the evening of 11 September to mark the finale of Japan Day 2026, Ambassador Suzuki spoke about the achievements of Tomoatsu Godai, a businessman of the Meiji period who studied in Manchester and later contributed to the economic development of Osaka, highlighting the long-standing ties between Japan and Manchester. .
Meeting with Bev Craig , Mayor of Greater Manchester
On 11 September, Ambassador Suzuki met with Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to discuss prospects for further strengthening and promoting exchanges between Japan and Greater Manchester in the economic, cultural and academic spheres. They also expressed their mutual anticipation for the meeting of the UK-Japan 21st Century Group, which is scheduled to be held in Manchester next March.Visit to the Whitworth Art Gallery
On 11 September, Ambassador and Madame Suzuki visited the Whitworth Art Gallery, where they viewed the ongoing exhibition “Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai and Hiroshige” and were briefed on the role of Greater Manchester’s cultural institutions in strengthening links with Japan. Visit to Manchester Metropolitan University
On 11 September, Ambassador and Madame Suzuki visited Manchester Metropolitan University, where they were given an overview of the university and viewed the Japanese collection held by the university..