- Wales is a nation that cherishes its past, lives well in the present and plays its part in constructing a better future - for people and planet
- To ensure future generations can thrive, we need urgent and transformational action. In Wales, we’re implementing a radical change of thinking that affects every decision we make. Doing today what the world will do tomorrow. This is for the future. This is Wales.
- 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the world-pioneering Wellbeing of Future Generations Act - Wales was the first country in the world to legally commit to protecting the wellbeing of both current and future generations, through the Act.
- We’re planting a national forest – to support and protect people and the environment
- Wales is second in the world for recycling
- Record 291 community-awarded Green Flag sites
- Lonely Planet sustainable travel Top 10
- Due to our breathtaking landscape and years of filmmaking experience, Wales is the location for many international films and TV shows. Wales is home to world-class film studios and post-production facilities, drawing major productions from Amazon, HBO, and Netflix.
- The Welsh gaming industry is booming.
- Our beautiful landscapes have inspired us for centuries. We take care of them, so they can care for us and inspire others for years to come.
- We’re both part of the United Kingdom and a country in our own right, with our own Government and Parliament (Senedd) that passes our own laws.
Japan-Wales specific facts
- CW Nicol, Welsh-born Japanese writer is famous in Japan for his work in forest conservation, transforming a neglected area near Nagano to create Afan Forest
- In 1963, students at Atlantic College developed the world’s first RIB. Atlantic Pacific International Rescue project in collaboration with Japan – the Lifeboat in a Box, created by Robin Jenkins and built by Atlantic College students
- For Japanese families living in Wales, there’s a Japanese School every Saturday in Cardiff. Established in 1981, it has a kindergarten class, and formal education for ages 7-16.
- Autumn marks the anniversary of the Himeji / Conwy Castle twinning
- Rugby has traditionally been our national sport and we hosted the Rugby World Cup in 1999 and jointly in 1991. Welsh international players who have played in Japan include Shane Williams, Liam Williams, Hadleigh Parkes and Cory Hill.
Japan-Wales business links
- Wales has enjoyed strong, long-term committed relationships with Japanese business
- There are approx. 55 Japanese companies in Wales with around 6,855 employees
- Major Japanese investment began in 1972, when Takiron opened a PVC factory in South Wales. In the half-century since then, they have been joined by many of Japan’s most prestigious corporate names, including Sony, Sharp, Toyota, Panasonic, GS Yuasa, Daiwa House and Calbee.
- Toyota has produced some five million engines in its North Wales plant since it opened in 1991, and in recent years it became the first overseas Toyota plant to produce hybrid electric engines.
- Panasonic has had a base in Cardiff since 1976 and last year announced a £20 million investment to launch an RE100 demonstration production facility, its new self-sustaining power system using hydrogen fuel cell, photovoltaic and storage battery system to make production lines run on 100% renewable sources.
- We have a very positive track record of over 50 years working with leading Japanese brands in Wales, with brands such as Sony, Panasonic and Toyota.
- Traditionally Japanese investment has been heavily manufacturing oriented such as electronics and automotive, but more recently in sectors such as clean tech, renewable energy / decarbonisation technologies, and cyber security
- In all, Wales exports some £280 million of goods to Japan each year – a significant figure from a dynamic nation of some three million people.
- There’s plenty of talent here, with 225,000 students in full and part-time education in our eight universities and 15 further education colleges, many of which have long-established links with Japanese counterparts.
- It means many of our students gain direct experience of Japan through exchange programmes during their studies. Cardiff University, for example, has active partnerships with 18 Japanese institutions, and houses the Japanese Studies Centre in Cardiff Business School.
- Our priority sectors are: compound semiconductors, renewables, creative, fintech, food and drink, high value manufacturing, cyber security, and life sciences.
- Many Japanese companies are prominent players in these sectors, including Panasonic and Marubeni in renewables, and Mareli, G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing Ltd (G-TEM), JTEKT and TRB in high value manufacturing for the automotive industry.
- Like the Japanese kodawari mindset, Wales places a high value on precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality
- In our business dealings with Japanese companies, respect, humility, and professionalism is critical
- In Wales, we don’t just invite you to do business — we welcome you to become part of a shared story of turning innovative ideas into industry-leading services and products that are solving global challenges.
- Another Japanese company at the heart of our support programmes is Toyota, whose Lean Management Centre has teamed up with the Welsh Government to share lean management principles with businesses in Wales.
- Japanese companies are playing a key role in helping Wales to a net zero future. Marubeni, for example, has been working with Bridgend County Borough Council to develop a green hydrogen project in South Wales, producing green fuel for transport and heating.
- At our core, we share a commitment with Japan to sustainable development and environmental stewardship
- We understand the emphasis on nemawashi to gain trust, which involves informal discussions and consensus-building to ensure all stakeholders are aligned
- We believe in achieving consensus (wa or harmony)
General Wales business facts
- With a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge research facilities, and a supportive government dedicated to innovation, Wales offers an environment where technology companies can thrive
- Wales is a stable working environment with access to a devolved government and a transparent regulatory framework
- Wales offers significant growth opportunities
- Wales offers a high-quality education system, vocational training, and access to academia
- On the doorstep of the EU trading block, Wales is connected to major markets, with regional trade agreements and proximity to supply chains
- Wales offers a favourable investment climate with access to significant government support
- Welsh business operates sustainably and ethically, aligning with global best practices and standards
- Wales places great emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations
- Our dramatic landscapes and rich history of industrial innovation have shaped who we are, giving us a spirit of innovation and a special global outlook on life - bro a byd – where community and social purpose locally (bro) meets a determination to play our part globally (byd). It’s an outlook that continues to inspire and drive us forward.
- Today, we power the world’s smartphones with our advanced microchips, manufacture the plane wings that move millions of passengers globally, protect critical data and global infrastructure with advanced cyber security, and develop green energy for a low-carbon future. We even create the content and music that entertains global audiences daily.
- Wales offers a dynamic business environment thanks to our wealth of natural resources, a highly skilled workforce, cross sector collaboration and an agile, proactive government. And our location within the UK – one of the world’s largest advanced economies — ensures global connections and trading links.
- Here, we value both the quality of work and the quality of life, creating an environment where people and businesses can thrive
- From wind and solar to tidal energy, Wales is committed to harnessing natural resources responsibly, driving a clean energy revolution that benefits everyone.
- We don’t just see business as a transaction; we see it as a partnership, an opportunity to work together to create a sustainable, prosperous future.Our bold approach is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility – we’re making sure that today's progress and innovation benefits people and planet.
- Wales is a global leader in sustainability. We were the first country to appoint a Future Generations Commissioner, ensuring our policymakers always think about the long-term impact of their decisions and strive for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- We were also the first nation to declare a climate emergency and are among the top three countries globally for recycling.
- More than £110 million has been invested in renewable energy infrastructure in Wales, backing 11 marine energy projects, and we are aiming to meet 100% of our electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035.
- Already, Wales produces twice as much electricity as it uses, and we export the surplus.
- We are on course to become the world’s first ‘refill nation’ through the Refill Cymru scheme, greatly reducing the need for wasteful packaging and single-use plastic.
- Wales is a nation of thinkers and doers – exploring big ideas to create exciting opportunities. The equals sign was invented in Wales, so was the National Health Service (NHS), giving people access to free healthcare: that says quite a bit about our national psyche. We care about one another.