We invite you to join the UK-Japan Tech Forum on 4 April on this exciting journey from Hiroshima to Osaka, as we collectively build momentum toward a robust and enduring tech partnership between the UK and Japan, driving growth and innovation for years to come.


In May 2023, the UK and Japanese Prime Ministers signed the landmark Hiroshima Accord, unlocking unprecedented potential for technology collaboration and cooperation. This Accord, built upon an increasingly close international partnership, firmly placed technology at its core, paving the way for a new era of UK-Japan relations.

Now, almost two years after the signing of the Accord, and with Expo 2025 Osaka fast approaching, the UK and Japanese tech sectors have a vital role to play in maximizing the potential of this partnership and delivering tangible benefits for both nations.

From bolstering tech trade to driving joint innovation in key areas like AI and Quantum, the opportunities are vast. The UK-Japan Tech Forum, a collaborative initiative between JEITA and techUK, serves as the unified voice of the tech sector, shaping this dynamic alliance and ensuring impactful, real-world outcomes. The recently released JEITA and techUK Joint Statement provided suggestions on areas such digital trade and data flows, R&D collaboration, data innovation, regulation, and more.

Join us as we:

  • Assess Progress: Hear directly from both Governments on the progress made since the Hiroshima Accord and gain insights into their priorities for the future of UK-Japan tech collaboration.
  • Define Industry's Role: Understand the critical role of industry in achieving shared goals and learn how your organization can contribute to the four key pillars of the UK-Japan Digital Partnership.
  • Look Ahead to Expo 2025 Osaka: Explore how Expo 2025, with its spotlight on Japan's global leadership in technology and innovation, can serve as a pivotal milestone in strengthening UK-Japan tech collaboration and securing a lasting legacy.

Agenda:

9:00 - 9:05 | Chairs Welcome

9:05 - 9:15 | Presenting techUK & JEITA Joint Statement – Tech Sector priorities for the Relationship 

Speakers:

  • Clark Vasey, Chair UK Japan Tech Forum

9:15 - 9:45 | Update from the UK and Japanese Government representatives on the role of tech within the bi-lateral relationship 

  • Current status of the relationship – following Economic 2+2 & Digital Partnership discussions
  • Reflections on the techUK & JEITA Joint statement & role of industry in securing outcomes
  • Key technologies shaping the relationship (e.g. AI, Semiconductors, Quantum)
  • Plans for 2025, particularly any bi-lateral activities during Expo 2025

Representative speakers:

  • Mitsuru Ikeda, Director General for International Economic Affairs, Global Strategy Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
  • Rhys Bowen, Director, International and Economic Security, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

9:45 - 10:15 | Open dialogue between JEITA & techUK Members & Government Representatives

  • Opportunity for members to share reflections and inform tech priorities for the relationship

Speakers:

  • Jun Nakaya, Manager, Government Affairs Department and Government Affairs Unit, Fujitsu
  • Toyooki Mitsui, Chief Specialist, Alliances & Government Relations Group, Corporate Strategy Division, KIOXIA Corporation
  • Tom Winstanley, CTO & Head of New Ventures, NTT DATA UK&I

10:15 - 10:25 | Closing Remarks from JEITA & techUK

Speakers:

  • Atsuo Hirai, Senior Executive Vice President, JEITA
  • Antony Walker, Deputy CEO, techUK

10:25 - 10:30 | Chair’s Thank You, AOB & Close


For more information, please contact:

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK


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Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Theophile Maiziere

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

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Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Head of Market Access and Consumer Tech, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK