News

This year is shaping up to be pivotal for UK–Japan cyber relations amid intensifying AI-driven threats and geopolitical challenges, as well as deepening bilateral security cooperation...

The BCCJ warmly welcomes sustainability leader Flag to our diverse membership base. Flag is a global sustainability agency, supporting some of the world’s leading brands with strategy, communications, data management and reporting. With over 25 years at the forefront of sustainability, Flag helps organisations to shape their strategy and share it with the world through robust reporting and compelling communications.

The Asia Pacific is 'the global pacesetter' for retail growth, with store-based sales projected to grow 20.4% and non-store sales 43.4% by 2028, according to the 'Global Retail: 2025 Trends & 2026 Outlook Report' by professional services and investment management firm Colliers.

2026年1月28日 - 英国発のプレミアム・オーディオ・ブランド ＜KEF（ケーイーエフ）＞ は、英国北部の音楽カルチャーを世界へ発信することを目的とした Generatorが日本と展開する新たな国際パートナーシップを支援することを発表いたします。本取り組みは、英国北部の才能をグローバルな音楽市場へとつなぐ重要なマイルストーンとなるものです。(English translation provided)

The British Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday, 4th February 2026 that Ms Corin Robertson CMG has been appointed as the next British Ambassador to Japan, in succession to Julia Longbottom CMG, who will retire from the Diplomatic Service. Ms Robertson is scheduled to take up her appointment in August 2026. Commenting on her appointment, she said that she was delighted to assume the role at a time when the UK-Japan relationship is particularly strong.

The BCCJ is delighted to announce our latest partnership with Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) - marking the BCCJ as the first international Chamber to become an official partner.

The BCCJ Members’ Club has been reimagined, and we warmly invite you to join. All members are eligible to take part.

The BCCJ is pleased to welcome Bird & Bird to our growing list of organisations and professionals. Bird & Bird is an international law firm with over 1,700 lawyers and legal practitioners across a worldwide network of 34 offices in 24 countries. They offer full-service legal support, underpinned by a strong focus on technology and innovation. Bird & Bird specialisms include advice on commercial, corporate, EU and competition, intellectual property, dispute resolution, employment, finance and real estate matters.

The University of Manchester East Asia Centre is extending scholarships of up to 15% to BCCJ members for the July 2026 intake of the Manchester Global MBA. Designed for experienced professionals across industries, the programme combines academic rigour with real-world relevance. Delivered through a blended learning format, the Manchester Global MBA allows you to continue working full-time while advancing your leadership capability and global perspective.

The BCCJ warmly welcomes Kyoto International School (KIS) to our network. KIS is a non-profit, accredited international school in Kyoto, Japan, with a proud history of serving the community since 1957. Today, KIS is known for its inclusive, diverse environment, close community, and highly personalised approach to learning, helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) is delighted to welcome SMASH International Group to our community. SMASH International Group was established in 2023 as a specialist firm dedicated to addressing these challenges. Under their motto 'Bringing Trust and Confidence to Global Society,' our certified public accountants—with extensive international business experience and professional expertise in the UK—support both British and Japanese companies in conducting business with confidence through reliable financial reporting and robust business frameworks.

For Francis Fung, in retrospect, it is clear that two very distinct paths were set for the close of 2025. One within the BCCJ and one without. Referred by BCCJ member Helen Iwata, who had taken advantage of our Member Gets Member scheme, in a span of months Francis joined the Chamber and quickly became an active participant within the community. On 7th November, he attended his first British Business Awards and also walked away with his business, KiFor, winning Entrepreneur of the Year. If it were not for the referral, Francis may have walked into a very different 2026. BCCJ Communications Lead, Josh Welch, sat down with both Helen and Francis to interview them in regard to the past year, myth-bust ideas about the Chamber, and dived into learn how exactly this referral came to fruition.