BCCJ - The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Between, 18th February-27 March, the BCCJ is accepting applications for the?2025-2026?BCCJ Executive Committee (Excom). Excom is a group of 12-15 current BCCJ members elected by the wider membership to address key issues and develop strategies for delivering modern, effective, and inclusive services. The committee sets the BCCJ’s overall purpose and direction, ensuring the needs of its members are met in the year ahead. Any BCCJ member passionate about enhancing the UK-Japan relationship and eager to contribute to the Chamber is encouraged to apply. ?This article covers key election details, the role of Excom, and why you might wish to consider joining to help shape one of Japan’s leading business organisations. https://lnkd.in/gVVDi8Te

On 7 March, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds MP travelled to Tokyo for the inaugural UK-Japan Economic 2+2 Dialogue. As part of their visit, selected BCCJ members were invited by the Department for Business and Trade to engage in discussions with the ministers. During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Lammy reaffirmed the strength of UK-Japan economic ties, emphasising shared commitments to sustainable and resilient growth, the successful implementation of recent partnerships CPTPP and CEPA, and deeper trade collaboration, including third-country projects. In discussions with BCCJ members, the ministers underscored the importance of WTO reforms, advocating for fair global trade practices and resilient supply chains while addressing concerns over market distortions and industrial subsidies. Conversations with the membership also explored ways to advance industrial partnerships, investment facilitation, and innovation in critical sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and quantum technology, with a focus on integrating the UK-Japan tech ecosystems. The two Secretaries of State were joined by a business delegation of 16 UK trade associations and engaged with representatives from Japan’s business and industry sectors to foster deeper partnerships between UK and Japanese companies. https://lnkd.in/gQZf_FAN

Last Thursday, the BCCJ, in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, hosted a panel discussion on the realities and challenges faced by women in the diplomatic sphere. A heartfelt thank you to our female ambassadors from United Kingdom (Julia Longbottom), Mexico (Melba Pria,) the Philippines (HE Mylene J. Garcia-Albano) for leading a compelling discussion, sharing personal experiences both before and during their current roles. Also, special thanks to Elizabeth Handover of Lumina Learning for expertly guiding the conversation. A full write-up is coming soon to the BCCJ website.

Today, seasoned chef, nutritionist, and entrepreneur Dan Martin took to the BCCJ stage to share his inspiring journey in launching BioChef/Sankaku Nutrition. From building a business in Japan to practical tips on crafting a healthier plate ??? , Dan covered it all—including the all important 'why' behind mindful nutrition. He also introduced his 10-3-2-1-0 method—a simple yet effective approach to optimising diet and improving sleep quality. Stay tuned for the full write-up coming soon on the BCCJ website! #Nutrition #Entrepreneurship #BCCJ #HealthyLiving

This morning, the BCCJ hosted our event, ‘The UK-Japan Cyber Partnership and the State of Play in 2025’ at the British Embassy in Tokyo. This event marked the one-year anniversary of the UK government’s engagement with Keidanren to advance cybersecurity public-private partnerships, as outlined in the Hiroshima Accord. Full write-up coming soon to the BCCJ website. Special thanks to our speakers, Chris Capper (British Embassy Tokyo), Naoko Ogawa (Keidanren), Ayaji Furukawa (Toshiba) and Ken Katayama (Toyota), and also to everyone who participated.

Welcome to the BCCJ, APCO APCO?is a?global advisory and advocacy firm?that works with the world's leading?corporations,?foundations, and?governments?to help them navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex, and at times, divisive world. As strategic advisors, creators and communicators, we are best known for our ability to bring diverse people, ideas and stakeholders together; inspire confidence in others; and for the strength of character and entrepreneurism of our people who work beyond traditional boundaries and briefs. https://lnkd.in/g3NF6aj3

New UK Trade Envoy for Japan, Ms. Sharon Hodgson MP Sharon was first elected as an MP in 2005.?She has taken on many roles in Parliament including on key parliamentary committees, Parliamentary Private Secretary to three different government Ministers, Government Whip, Opposition Whip, and Shadow Ministerial roles (Children and Families 2010-2013; Women and Equalities 2013-2015; Children 2015-2016; Public Health 2016-2020; Veterans 2020-2021). https://lnkd.in/gUp4rjgJ

Earlier this week, we had an engaging session at the Climate Fresk Workshop, where participants explored the complexities of climate science through a gamified, card-based approach. Thank you?to everyone who joined, as well as our partners, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan).

BCCJ Responsible Business Working Group | 21 Feb (This Friday) | 1200-1300 | Online At our January meeting, the group, led by BCCJ Responsible Business Champion and Committee member?Heather Prosser began shaping its vision for 2025. Building on this momentum, the group is eager to further discussions on organising the Chamber’s next #biodiversity-focused event, enhancing the dissemination of key Responsible Business information, and appointing a Vice President. We warmly invite all members with a passion for #sustainability, #socialinnovation, and #ethicalbusinesspractices to join the discussion and contribute to our Responsible Business initiatives. Whether this aligns directly with your work or simply resonates with your personal interests, we encourage you to consider taking part. https://lnkd.in/gDq9Suvu

A different type of post from our usual, but today we wanted to congratulate Malins Fish & Chips (Malins Fish) on a successful renovation of their Roppongi shop. Complete with a new menu and interior, the BCCJ team is proud to give it the official stamp of approval. All fish is fresh from the Toyosu market, then prepared using authentic British techniques, ensuring a classic and traditional flavour.