First Minister sings Japanese anthem at campaign event
Eluned Morgan launched the 'Wales and Japan 2025' campaign by singing the Japanese national anthem to the ambassador
Last updated 9th Jan 2025
First Minister Eluned Morgan launched ‘Wales and Japan 2025’, a year-long campaign and the fifth in a series of country-focused campaigns by the Welsh Government.
The Welsh Government says Wales has had a long and close relationship with Japan since the first investments in Wales by Japanese companies in the 1970s.
Wales and Japan 2025 will aim to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between the two nations.
Parallel to the official launch in Cardiff, hosted by the First Minister and the Japanese Ambassador, Hiroshi Suzuki, there was also a launch event taking place in Tokyo.
Wales is home to 70 Japanese companies in 2025.
A £150,000 Arts fund, managed by Wales Arts International and British Council Wales, with support from the Welsh Government, will shortly be launched for activity connecting Wales and Japan this year.
The fund aims to develop new artistic collaborations and to engage new audiences, while strengthening existing partnerships.
Wales will be represented at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka between April and October this year.
Following Ambassador Suzuki's rendition of the Welsh anthem on social media, Baroness Morgan returned the favour as she launched the campaign.
The First Minister says:
“Wales and Japan have deep-rooted connections which stretch back to the 19th century, when Welsh innovation played an important role in shaping Japan’s transport network. Today, that partnership thrives in new and meaningful ways.
“2025 will be a year to start new conversations, develop relationships and open a fresh chapter for mutual growth in key areas. I’m excited about the opportunities this year presents to celebrate and strengthen the economic, educational, cultural and sporting ties between Wales and Japan.”
Wales and Japan 2025 follows Wales in India 2024, which was preceded by years focussed on France, Canada and Germany.