UK-Japan Partnership Nominees: BBA 2025
The relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan continues to deepen, driving collaborations that create lasting impact across industries. From 48 distinguished entries spanning seven award categories, we are proud to celebrate 8 UK–Japan partnerships whose shared vision and innovation have helped define 2025.
Nominees for the UK–Japan Partnership of the Year Award must be joint ventures, alliances, or other cross-border partnerships that have made demonstrable contributions to strengthening the UK–Japan economic or commercial relationship over the past 12 months.
In alphabetical order:
Company: Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)
Partnership: Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance, a leading British law firm with a full-service office in Japan, exemplifies UK-Japan legal collaboration. Our integrated teams deliver innovative solutions for complex cross-border transactions, enabling landmark deals and strengthening bilateral investment. This partnership sets new standards for international legal excellence.
Company: Japan House London
Partners: Epson
Together, Japan House London and Epson have developed a pioneering partnership across a series of exhibitions, blending artistic vision with technology to present authentic stories from Japan to UK audiences. This collaboration transformed complex ideas into impactful experiences while providing a high-profile platform for Japanese innovation.
Company: Keechdesign UK Ltd.
Partnership: Central Japan Railway Company
Keechdesign has partnered with Central Japan Railway (JR Central) to engage with inbound UK and European tourists by promoting the Shinkansen and wider network internationally. This partnership stands out for its focus on cultural sensitivity and reinterpreting Japanese travel narratives for UK audiences, making destinations more accessible.
Company: Legal and General
Partnership: Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company
The Meiji Yasuda (MYL) – L&G partnership supports L&G’s global private markets expansion. MYL will gain a foothold in US individual protection through the purchase of L&G businesses. Both insurers will work together in the international Pension Risk Transfer market, whilst MYL have also acquired circa 5% of L&G shares ensuring alignment of interests.
Company: M&G plc
Partnership: Dai-ichi Life Holdings
M&G and Dai-ichi Life have entered a long-term strategic partnership, targeting joint growth opportunities in investment management and life insurance, with a primary focus on the UK and Japan. M&G becomes Dai-ichi's preferred asset management partner in Europe, while Dai-ichi intends to acquire a shareholding of c.15% in M&G plc.
Partners: TG Octopus Energy
Partnership: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
TG Octopus Energy, a UK-Japan JV between Tokyo Gas and Octopus Energy UK, launched in 2021. Blending British innovation with Japanese trust, we supply affordable 100% renewable power to 400,000+ households via Kraken, redefining the market with transparency and simplicity while driving a low-carbon transition. We are Japan’s fastest-growing energy supplier.
Company: Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance Co.
Partners: Willis Towers Watson
Over the past year, TMNF and Willis have advanced a unique collaboration in space insurance: enabling Japanese companies to access the London market, underwriting international risks, and-through ESSI with Willis' support-engaging Japanese firms in sustainability work. This mix of commercial and strategic outcomes makes the partnership stand out.
Company: VIBROA Co., Ltd.
Partnership: Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
VIBROA and Aston Martin's partnership delivered N°001 Minami Aoyama, Asia's first 'Designed by Aston Martin' home. Merging British design excellence and craftsmanship with Japanese aesthetics, it embodies innovation and heritage and marks a significant step in the evolving partnership between the UK and Japan.
We extend our deepest thanks to this year’s sponsors, whose support makes this celebration possible.
