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British Market Council (BMC) Christmas Party Held

British Market Council (BMC) Christmas Party Held Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 The British Market Council (BMC) held its Christmas Party on 16 December at the Akihabara branch of HUB Co., Ltd., a member company of BMC. Despite the busy year-end season, the event was attended by 73 members and guests.

The event opened with remarks by Mr. Juro Baba, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation, one of the BMC’s executive member companies, speaking on behalf of the BMC Chairman. He expressed his appreciation to the members, representatives of the British Embassy in Tokyo, and officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for attending despite their busy schedules, and encouraged participants to strengthen their ties and expand their networks. He also conveyed his gratitude to HUB for its long-standing support and to the companies that sponsored prizes for the raffle. Mr. Baba reviewed the Council’s activities during the year and noted that Japan–UK relations had advanced further, particularly in the areas of economic security and advanced technologies. He concluded by reaffirming the BMC’s commitment to strengthening bilateral business ties and invited members to attend the BMC New Year Reception.

This was followed by remarks from Ms. Harriet Loos, Trade Counsellor at the British Embassy Tokyo. She expressed her appreciation for the event and her pleasure at joining British and Japanese colleagues and partners at the event. Reflecting on 2025, she noted that the year had seen significant progress in Japan–UK relations, including the inaugural Japan–UK Economic 2+2 Dialogue and the launch of the Japan–UK Industrial Strategy Partnership. She also highlighted the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the visit of a UK Carrier Strike Group to Japan, visits by members of the Royal Family and senior officials, and various trade missions, all of which helped further strengthen cooperation in both security and economic fields. Ms. Loos expressed her appreciation for the BMC’s support in achieving these successes and extended her best wishes for the holiday season to all participants.

Mr. Toshiyuki Shirai, Director of the Europe Division, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), then delivered remarks. He expressed his appreciation for the BMC’s contribution to strengthening Japan–UK relations through networking opportunities, lectures, and seminars. Referring to the first Japan–UK Economic 2+2 Dialogue, the Economic Strategic Trade Dialogue, and the visit of the Prince of Wales to Japan, he noted the steady development of bilateral relations. Drawing on his own experience working on Brexit negotiations and related policy issues, he observed that Japan–UK trade is now expanding steadily despite earlier concerns. He emphasized the importance of Japan–UK cooperation based on free trade and rules-based principles at a time of rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty, and expressed his hope for further strengthening economic ties and further enhancing dialogue between stakeholders in both countries.

The toast was proposed by Mr. Tsuyoshi Ota, President of HUB Co., Ltd. He expressed his appreciation for choosing HUB Akihabara as the venue for the BMC Christmas Party once again and his pleasure that the event had once again been successfully held. He also thanked the organizing staff and all participants and encouraged everyone to reflect on the achievements of the past year while enjoying conversations about the opportunities ahead in 2026. Concluding his remarks, he proposed a toast to the continued development of Japan–UK relations, the prosperity of the BMC, and the health and happiness of all those present.

The reception provided an excellent opportunity for members and guests to strengthen existing relationships and forge new connections. The evening concluded on a high note in a warm and festive atmosphere.

The BMC would like to express its sincere gratitude once again to HUB Co., Ltd. for generously hosting the event and providing their continued support.