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Japan

Japan Business Group

Special Interest Group

Connecting SME and larger-scale UK enterprises interested in trade with Japan

This Group services members connected to Japan-UK trade across financial services, food production, engineering, creative arts, the technology sector and more, aiming to:

Connect
Build a national platform connecting UK SMEs and larger businesses interested in trade with Japan and vice versa.

Develop
Provide a window for interest from business and investment information seekers, providing industry specialism and/or representing a sector in Japan-UK trade.

Influence
Be relevant players in the Japan-UK business and deal with issues and opportunities that help IoD members succeed in these ventures.

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Next event

  • 25 Jun 2026
  • Online
  • National

Distribution Channel Strategy in Japan

Are you looking for the right distributor in Japan? Are you satisfied with the performance of your current local distributor there?
Japan Business Group
Event details All Special Interest Group events

UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium showcases innovation, collaboration, and future opportunities

Our Japan Business Group recently held the UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium where they welcomed senior figures from government, academia, healthcare, and industry. The event, held in partnership with the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and sponsored by Shimadzu UK Ltd, focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration in healthcare innovation and life sciences investment.

Read the full event follow-up here

UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium showcases innovation, collaboration, and future opportunities

Our Japan Business Group recently held the UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium where they welcomed senior figures from government, academia, healthcare, and industry.

UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium showcases innovation, collaboration, and future opportunities

Our Japan Business Group recently held the UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium where they welcomed senior figures from government, academia, healthcare, and industry.

UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium showcases innovation, collaboration, and future opportunities

Our Japan Business Group recently held the UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium where they welcomed senior figures from government, academia, healthcare, and industry.

UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium showcases innovation, collaboration, and future opportunities

Our Japan Business Group recently held the UK–Japan Healthcare and Life Sciences Symposium where they welcomed senior figures from government, academia, healthcare, and industry.

Institute of Directors delegation visit to Japan.

A high-level delegation from the Institute of Directors (IoD) UK, organised by its Japan Business Group, concluded a dynamic five-day visit to Osaka and Tokyo (7–11 July 2025), spotlighting the growing synergy between UK and Japanese businesses.

Read the delegation follow-up here

Institute of Directors delegation visit to Japan.

A high-level delegation from the Institute of Directors (IoD) UK, organised by its Japan Business Group, concluded a dynamic five-day visit to Osaka and Tokyo (7–11 July 2025), spotlighting the growing synergy between UK and Japanese businesses.

Institute of Directors delegation visit to Japan.

A high-level delegation from the Institute of Directors (IoD) UK, organised by its Japan Business Group, concluded a dynamic five-day visit to Osaka and Tokyo (7–11 July 2025), spotlighting the growing synergy between UK and Japanese businesses.

Institute of Directors delegation visit to Japan.

A high-level delegation from the Institute of Directors (IoD) UK, organised by its Japan Business Group, concluded a dynamic five-day visit to Osaka and Tokyo (7–11 July 2025), spotlighting the growing synergy between UK and Japanese businesses.

Institute of Directors delegation visit to Japan.

A high-level delegation from the Institute of Directors (IoD) UK, organised by its Japan Business Group, concluded a dynamic five-day visit to Osaka and Tokyo (7–11 July 2025), spotlighting the growing synergy between UK and Japanese businesses.

Japan Strategy take centre stage at 11th IoD – Keizai Doyukai Roundtable

On 10 July 2025, over 40 senior business leaders and policymakers from the UK and Japan convened at Baker McKenzie’s Tokyo office for the 11th UK–Japan Roundtable, co-hosted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Japan Business Group and the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Directors) Europe–Japan Relations Committee.

Read the event follow-up here

Japan Strategy take centre stage at 11th IoD – Keizai Doyukai Roundtable

On 10 July 2025, over 40 senior business leaders and policymakers from the UK and Japan convened at Baker McKenzie’s Tokyo office for the 11th UK–Japan Roundtable, co-hosted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Japan Business Group and the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Directors) Europe–Japan Relations Committee.

Japan Strategy take centre stage at 11th IoD – Keizai Doyukai Roundtable

On 10 July 2025, over 40 senior business leaders and policymakers from the UK and Japan convened at Baker McKenzie’s Tokyo office for the 11th UK–Japan Roundtable, co-hosted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Japan Business Group and the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Directors) Europe–Japan Relations Committee.

Japan Strategy take centre stage at 11th IoD – Keizai Doyukai Roundtable

On 10 July 2025, over 40 senior business leaders and policymakers from the UK and Japan convened at Baker McKenzie’s Tokyo office for the 11th UK–Japan Roundtable, co-hosted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Japan Business Group and the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Directors) Europe–Japan Relations Committee.

Japan Strategy take centre stage at 11th IoD – Keizai Doyukai Roundtable

On 10 July 2025, over 40 senior business leaders and policymakers from the UK and Japan convened at Baker McKenzie’s Tokyo office for the 11th UK–Japan Roundtable, co-hosted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Japan Business Group and the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Directors) Europe–Japan Relations Committee.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

Read the full event follow-up here.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan. The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi.

IoD Japan Group hosts Okinawa Keizai Doyukai

The IoD was honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation from Okinawa Keizai Doyukai for a roundtable meeting at our historic Pall Mall headquarters. This strategic gathering aimed to strengthen economic cooperation between the UK and Okinawa and identify critical areas for mutual growth and partnership.

Read the event follow-up here

IoD Japan Group hosts Okinawa Keizai Doyukai

The IoD was honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation from Okinawa Keizai Doyukai for a roundtable meeting at our historic Pall Mall headquarters. This strategic gathering aimed to strengthen economic cooperation between the UK and Okinawa and identify critical areas for mutual growth and partnership.

IoD Japan Group hosts Okinawa Keizai Doyukai

The IoD was honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation from Okinawa Keizai Doyukai for a roundtable meeting at our historic Pall Mall headquarters. This strategic gathering aimed to strengthen economic cooperation between the UK and Okinawa and identify critical areas for mutual growth and partnership.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan-UK Symposium, 2024

The Embassy of Japan in London hosted the Japan-UK Symposium on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Organised by the IoD Japan Business Group, the event focused on business and investment opportunities heralded by Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Business leaders, government officials, and political figures from both nations attended and engaged in discussions focussing on cooperation and mutual growth. Photographs courtesy/credit: Embassy of Japan.

Japan – UK Symposium, 2023

The IoD Japan Business Group hosted the Japan-UK Symposium at Japan House London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Iwakura Mission and the lasting ties it has built between the two countries. The event covered topics from trade opportunities to governance, with Sam Thorne, CEO of Japan House London, and Simon Wright, Director of Programming, contributing to the discussion on education, arts, culture, and tourism.

Watch the recording here

Japan – UK Symposium, 2023

The IoD Japan Business Group hosted the Japan-UK Symposium at Japan House London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Iwakura Mission and the lasting ties it has built between the two countries. The event covered topics from trade opportunities to governance, with Sam Thorne, CEO of Japan House London, and Simon Wright, Director of Programming, contributing to the discussion on education, arts, culture, and tourism.

Watch the recording here

Japan – UK Symposium, 2023

The IoD Japan Business Group hosted the Japan-UK Symposium at Japan House London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Iwakura Mission and the lasting ties it has built between the two countries. The event covered topics from trade opportunities to governance, with Sam Thorne, CEO of Japan House London, and Simon Wright, Director of Programming, contributing to the discussion on education, arts, culture, and tourism.

Watch the recording here

Japan – UK Symposium, 2023

The IoD Japan Business Group hosted the Japan-UK Symposium at Japan House London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Iwakura Mission and the lasting ties it has built between the two countries. The event covered topics from trade opportunities to governance, with Sam Thorne, CEO of Japan House London, and Simon Wright, Director of Programming, contributing to the discussion on education, arts, culture, and tourism.

Watch the recording here

Japan – UK Symposium, 2023

The IoD Japan Business Group hosted the Japan-UK Symposium at Japan House London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Iwakura Mission and the lasting ties it has built between the two countries. The event covered topics from trade opportunities to governance, with Sam Thorne, CEO of Japan House London, and Simon Wright, Director of Programming, contributing to the discussion on education, arts, culture, and tourism.

Watch the recording here

Japan – UK Symposium, 2023

The IoD Japan Business Group hosted the Japan-UK Symposium at Japan House London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Iwakura Mission and the lasting ties it has built between the two countries. The event covered topics from trade opportunities to governance, with Sam Thorne, CEO of Japan House London, and Simon Wright, Director of Programming, contributing to the discussion on education, arts, culture, and tourism.

Watch the recording here

Japan – UK Symposium, 2023

The IoD Japan Business Group hosted the Japan-UK Symposium at Japan House London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Iwakura Mission and the lasting ties it has built between the two countries. The event covered topics from trade opportunities to governance, with Sam Thorne, CEO of Japan House London, and Simon Wright, Director of Programming, contributing to the discussion on education, arts, culture, and tourism.

Watch the recording here

News

IoD Japan Business Group to lead the City of London’s sole Trade Delegation to the Osaka Expo and Tokyo business mission

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Japan Business Group is proud to announce it will lead a 27-member strong delegation of senior business leaders to Japan from 7–11 July 2025, the only official delegation from the City of London attending the Osaka Expo 2025 and undertaking a strategic business mission to Osaka and Tokyo.

Read the full article

News

IoD and Keizai Doyukai leaders activities

In a collaborative effort to address the evolving landscape of global business amid geopolitical challenges, prominent business leaders from the UK and Japan representing the Institute of Directors (IoD) and Keizai Doyukai engaged in various activities discussing critical issues impacting international trade and investment.

August '24 roundtable October '23 roundtable February '24 roundtable February '25 roundtable

Get in touch

Links

Japan Business Group team

Indranil Nath

Chair

Rie Hamaguchi

Vice Chair
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