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Building connections, looking to the future

Voices of support

I’m delighted to see the launch of the MUSUBI initiative to invest in the next generation of UK and Japanese leaders. The UK Japan partnership has never been stronger. […] Through the MUSUBI initiative, we will boost these exchanges and create the next generation of international talent to tackle the challenges and grasp the opportunities ahead of us.
Portrait of UK Deputy Prime Minister, former Foreign Secretary David Lammy
UK Deputy Prime Minister, spoken as former UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy
May 2025
The UK and Japan enjoy a dynamic and enduring trading relationship, with £86 billion in investment to the UK economy. As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, initiatives like the MUSUBI Initiative and Expo 2025 are helping to strengthen our ties with key economic partners, creating new opportunities for businesses and deepening people-to-people connections across the World.
Portrait of Gareth Thomas
Former UK Exports Minister, Gareth Thomas
May 2025
Young people are key to our shared future. The MUSUBI Initiative will encourage, support and nurture the next generation of future leaders. This will be through a range of programmes, to strengthen meaningful personal connections between the UK and Japan. Through these connections, we can build our shared leadership to seize opportunities and tackle the challenges ahead of us.
Portrait of HRH The Princess Royal
HRH The Princess Royal, Chancellor of University of London
May 2025
I am delighted that we have deepened our relationship with Japan further through this new MUSUBI Initiative, which will create even more opportunities for businesses in both the UK and Japan now and in the future.
Portrait of Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy
UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy
May 2025
It is connections between people that develop our societies and serve as a foundation for exchanges between countries. […] I hope this initiative will strengthen our “MUSUBI (bonds)” especially among the younger generation and that our partnership, now stronger than ever, will continue to grow.
Portrait of Takeshi Iwaya
Former Japanese Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya
May 2025