Reflections on 2025 So Far

As we enter the final weeks of summer, the BCCJ is proud to reflect on an energising and impactful first third of our 2025 Chamber year.

Since April, our community has come together to deliver purposeful programming, forge meaningful partnerships, and demonstrate the strength of UK-Japan collaboration across business, government, and social impact.

At our Annual General Meeting in April, we welcomed a new Executive Committee, with Richard Lyle appointed as BCCJ President, Heather Prosser as Vice President, and Keith Thomas as Treasurer. Fourteen Executive Committee members were elected in total, representing a cross-section of our vibrant business community. The AGM was hosted at IWAI Omotesando and opened by British Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom CMG.

Expo 2025 Osaka has been a key focus of Chamber activity. We kicked off the year with a joint chamber launch event at Hotel Indigo Shibuya, attended by pavilion representatives, international chambers, and industry leaders. Since opening, the UK Pavilion has welcomed nearly 1,000,000 visitors to date; UK National Day was a standout moment, with wide participation from BCCJ members and partners. Throughout the journey, our members have played a leading role in shaping, supporting and promoting the UK’s presence at Expo.

At the same time, we’ve deepened our support for the Noto Peninsula following the devastating 2024 earthquake. Beyond initial fundraising, we’ve remained engaged alongside and on behalf of our members, helping foster long-term recovery. Notable contributions this quarter include Rio Tinto’s support of wheelchair rugby programmes and Klein Dytham architecture’s creation of the region’s first Home for All community space, on top of the many physical and monetary contributions made by our members over the past twenty months.

We’ve also been proud to collaborate with the UK government on a number of high-level engagements, including welcoming Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, and hosting a Greater Manchester delegation led by Mayor Andy Burnham, as well as the range of trade missions that have taken place.

Since April, the BCCJ has hosted 21 events and welcomed 29 new members into the Chamber community. Alongside member-led working groups on Responsible Business and DEI, we’ve supported BCCJ partnerships and launches, including Jaguar Land Rover’s Jaguar Type 00 Japan Debut, 3CS Corporate Solicitors’ Tokyo office launch and Aston Martin’s Nº 001 Minami Aoyama showroom opening. 

So what's next?

With a third of the BCCJ year now behind us, we’re heading into what is traditionally the Chamber’s most active season, from late summer through December. We’re already working with members on strategic initiatives that deliver real value across the UK-Japan business ecosystem. Our events programme will remain busy, with 4–5 member-facing sessions each month from September, offering regular access to thought leadership, market intelligence, and senior-level dialogue. A particular focus will be supporting UK-Japan trade and investment, as we prepare to welcome high-level UK delegations, including government ministers, trade leaders, and sector experts. Immediate confirmed visitors include the President of the Law Society of England and Wales, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and a number of global leaders from BCCJ member firms.

We’re also continuing our work with Japanese government ministries such as METI to support inward investment and FDI goals. At the same time, we remain committed to strengthening the UK SME network in Japan, with the next instalment of the BCCJ SME: Small is GREAT event series coming soon.

We are also excited to be entering the final stretch of Expo 2025 countdown activity, with just under 10 weeks remaining. UK Pavilion sponsors, including BCCJ members AstraZeneca, Robert Walters Japan, Aston Martin and Scottish Development International, will be activating their presence on-site through business events that highlight UK excellence. The BCCJ will also be expanding its Kansai presence, with another large-scale event scheduled this autumn. October will bring the relaunch of our BCCJ Reverse Mentorship Programme, designed to foster cross-company leadership development and peer learning within the Chamber community. In parallel, we’ll enter the final stretch of British Business Awards 2025 preparations, with applications open until Friday, 3 October. The BBA will once again shine a spotlight on the innovation, leadership, and UK-Japan partnerships that define our vibrant network.

Finally, we’re delighted to welcome Josh Welch, who joined our dynamic team this week as Communications and Digital Marketing Lead. Josh will play a key role in analysing and strengthening our communications, ensuring our channels and content support member growth, raise visibility, and amplify your success.

As the summer heat continues, we wish all of our members a pleasant and relaxing end to the first third of the year and we look forward to welcoming you to all of our upcoming events.

Sincerely, 

The BCCJ Team