From April 8 to April 9, Manchester welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki for a visit that celebrated the city’s longstanding and growing ties with Japan. Over the course of two days, Ambassador Suzuki engaged with key figures from Greater Manchester’s business, academic, and cultural spheres, reinforcing the dynamic relationship between Japan and the region.
On April 9, Ambassador Suzuki met with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to discuss ongoing economic and cultural exchanges between Japan and the UK. The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening the mutual relationship, with particular focus on Greater Manchester’s participation in the upcoming Osaka Kansai EXPO 2025 and the much-anticipated Japan Week, set to take place in Manchester in September. Their discussion underscored the shared ambitions of both regions in fostering international cooperation and innovation.
A key highlight of the visit was a dinner reception on April 8, hosted by Honorary Consul of Japan in Greater Manchester and Chair of the GM-Japan Steering Group, Jo Ahmed MBE and Deloitte. The event brought together local councillors, including Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, as well as representatives from Japanese companies and Manchester’s universities. During his speech, Ambassador Suzuki reflected on the historical ties between Japan and Greater Manchester dating back to the 19th century and expressed gratitude to those who have continuously contributed to strengthening this relationship. He also emphasised the opportunities presented by EXPO 2025 and the importance of continued collaboration.
Sport serves as a bridge between cultures, and Ambassador Suzuki’s visit to Manchester City Football Club on April 9 highlighted this shared passion. He had the opportunity to meet with four Japanese players from the women’s team, where discussions centred around the role of sports in fostering global connections and the increasing impact of Japanese athletes on the international stage.
The visit also included a lunch meeting with representatives from Manchester’s universities, where Ambassador Suzuki engaged in discussions on academic collaboration. With joint PhD programmes, pioneering research initiatives, and upcoming events such as Japan Week at Manchester Museum and EXPO 2025; the visit reinforced the significance of continued educational exchange between Japan and the UK. Ambassador Suzuki also took time to explore exhibitions at Manchester Museum, which will play a key role in the city’s upcoming Japan Week celebrations.
On April 9, Ambassador Suzuki visited Mizkan Euro Ltd, a prominent Japanese manufacturer based in Greater Manchester known for producing the iconic Sarson’s Malt Vinegar. He toured the facility and observed the production process. The visit served as a testament to Japan’s investment in Greater Manchester’s industrial sector and the enduring impact of Japanese businesses in the region.
Ambassador Suzuki’s visit reaffirmed the strong economic, academic, and cultural ties between Japan and Greater Manchester. As both regions prepare for future collaborations, including EXPO 2025 and Manchester’s Japan Week, the visit set the stage for deeper engagement and shared innovation. The growing partnership between Manchester and Japan continues to pave the way for exciting opportunities, ensuring a prosperous and connected future for both communities.