British Business Awards
What are the British Business Awards?
Since their debut in 2007, the British Business Awards (BBA) have celebrated the excellence, ambition and innovation that define the UK–Japan business relationship. Hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), the awards bring together leaders from across British and Japanese industry to recognise outstanding achievement, forge meaningful connections and celebrate the people and organisations shaping the future of business in Japan.
On Friday, 13 November 2026, the BCCJ will welcome guests to The British Business Awards 2026, The Nineteenth Evening, at the Fairmont Tokyo. Marking a new chapter in the awards’ history, this year’s gala is set to be our largest gathering to date, bringing the UK-Japan business community together for an evening of recognition, celebration and shared success.
Open to both BCCJ members and non-members, the awards offer companies and individuals the opportunity to place their achievements before an esteemed panel of judges and take their place among the year’s distinguished shortlist. Winners will be presented with handcrafted trophies by artist and sculptor Kate Thomson of Ukishima Sculpture Studio, enduring symbols of the dedication, ingenuity and achievement behind each success.
Seven award categories will recognise the breadth of excellence across Japan’s business community:
Entrepreneur / SME of the Year
New Market Entrant of the Year
UK–Japan Partnership of the Year
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Digital Technology & Innovation
Together, they reflect the BCCJ’s commitment to championing innovation, responsible leadership, inclusive growth and the enduring strength of the UK–Japan partnership.
Can I attend the British Business Awards 2026?
Regardless of whether you are a member of the BCCJ or have relations within the UK-Japan community, you are most welcome to join us!
Tickets are available now and with table bookings already picking up pace, we warmly invite you to consider reserving in advance. For any inquiries or issues with reserving your place, please email the BCCJ at [email protected].
Full details, including ticket prices, timelines, partners, attire suggestions, and tickets for the afterhours nijikai are all available here.
Visit the official British Business Awards 2026 - The Nineteenth Evening event page here.
Why enter an application to the British Business Awards?
Entering an application to the BBA is an opportunity to bring your organisation’s achievements into focus, strengthen its presence in Japan and gain recognition for excellent business practice.
The application process provides a valuable opportunity to review performance, articulate core strengths and measure achievements against established criteria founded on success, innovation and ethics. A place on the shortlist, or an award win, offers a credible distinction that can support an organisation’s reputation, communications and business development. Each year, a distinct panel of independent judges assesses applications against established criteria. The judging process is conducted independently of the BCCJ, ensuring impartiality and maintaining the integrity and credibility of the awards.
Recognition from the BCCJ and the wider UK–Japan business community carries value beyond the ceremony itself. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate excellence to clients, partners, employees and prospective talent, while positioning your organisation among those contributing to the strength of the UK–Japan business relationship.
With more than 80% of guests holding C-suite or above positions, the evening also offers exceptional access to senior business decision-makers. Within the warmth and camaraderie of the BCCJ community, it is a setting to deepen relationships, establish new connections and celebrate achievement alongside peers.
For organisations seeking to build their presence, earn meaningful recognition and connect with the people shaping business in Japan, the BBA offer a platform on which success can be seen and carried forward.
Apply for an award today.
Submission deadline: 30 September 2026.
What do our previous winners say?
2025 BBA Winner: Entrepreneur of the Year – KiFor
"I’m happy and surprised to win because the competition is at a high level; I was up against many other amazing entrepreneurs and businesses. And I’m excited about what the win might mean for the business going forward. ”
Francis Fung, Founder of KiFor
Learn more about our BBA 2025
Highlights from the British Business Awards 2025
Learn more about our 2024 and 2023 British Business Awards
