The centrepiece of activities taking place as part of the Welsh Government’s Year of Wales and Japan celebrations in 2025, the event was attended by key Japanese entrepreneurs and businesses in a range of sectors.
The Wales Investor Showcase was hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, to foster long-lasting trade benefits for both countries in areas such as renewable energy and digital transformation.
Wales has long enjoyed a partnership with Japan. The first investments in Wales by Japanese companies took place in the 1970s, and Wales is home to 70 Japanese companies today.
Rebecca Evans, said: “Deep-rooted connections between Wales and Japan have flourished for generations, with trade links thriving over the last 50 years.
“With the World’s economies crying out for security and growth opportunities this is an opportune time for us to deepen our ties with Japan. It’s been heartening to hear so much positivity around our shared ambitions.
“The Wales Investor Showcase was about making introductions, deepening conversations and exploring investment opportunities for mutual growth and a sustainable, prosperous future for the next 50 years and beyond.
“It also highlighted the skills, creativity, tradition and world-leading capabilities in key sectors that define modern Wales.”
Mr Kazushi Ambe, Senior Adviser of Sony Group, said: “The partnership between Wales and Japan, built over more than half a century, reflects deep mutual respect, shared values, and a strong sense of connection.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning is also hosting a Wales Day event at the international Osaka Expo event during her visit to Japan.
The Welsh Government will also host two trade missions to Japan later this year to help businesses explore export opportunities in the Japanese market.