Expand in Japan

We are launching Expand in Japan, a new initiative to support UK companies that want to invest here. The UK and Japan have just signed a first of its kind memorandum of cooperation to enable this, and this will unlock opportunities for UK investors in key sectors aligned with the UK's Industrial Strategy, such as clean energy, life sciences and digital technology. It also supports Japan's ambitious targets to boost investment in strategic sectors. Japan is a fantastic place to do business. It's the world's fourth largest economy and a world-class innovation hub with a strong affinity for UK products and services. Many UK companies are already taking advantage of the opportunities here, with UK-Japan trade worth more than 30 billion pounds per year. If you're a UK investor who's interested in opportunities in Japan, please do get in touch via the link in this post.

Octopus Energy was founded in 2016 and grew rapidly in the UK's energy supply market. The company soon expanded to other markets and in 2020, Octopus Energy entered Japan's dynamic energy sector through a strategic partnership with Tokyo Gas. Together, they launched a joint venture designed to reshape the Japanese energy landscape, which is powered by Octopus Energy's unique Kraken technology platform. We found Tokyo Gas when we were looking for investment to fund our growth back in 2019. That introduction happened fairly late in the day, but it's fair to say that we hit it off immediately, and it's been a very fruitful partnership ever since. Kraken is at the heart of Octopus operations. It automates and optimizes customer service and energy management, and this supports Japan's ambitions towards digital transformation. At that time, we encountered Octopus Energy which had developed a platform called Kraken in the UK and the technology was highly advanced and Tokyo Gas considered whether it could be brought to Japan or ultimately be used to achieve digital transformation which led to the partnership. In Japan, the world's fifth largest energy market, worth over 85 billion pounds.,this technology is transforming how energy is delivered. But the joint venture adopted not just the technology but also Octopus's distinctive branding. Personally, I felt that the anime-style character Constantine would be well received in the Japanese market Japan is known as a haven for anime characters with many regional mascots so although it might not align with the traditional image of the energy industry I believed consumers would accept it. Now that we’ve tried it, the response has been positive. Customers have said, “Constantine is so cute,” so I think the initial decision was the right one. Yeah, Constantine was created by our creative director in London, Peter Miller. Actually, went through a few iterations, but I think we've ended up with, a really, fantastic character or logo in Constantine. The partnership is a fusion of UK innovation and Japanese reliability, and it's working. Today, Octopus Energy is one of the fastest growing new entrants in the market, with ambitious plans for the future. This is a story of technology transfer, investment and collaboration, showing how UK companies can succeed in Japan's complex but rewarding business environment. With the right local partnerships and a clear value proposition, the opportunities in Japan are huge, and Octopus Energy is just one example of how UK innovation is making an impact in Japan.

Jaguar Land Rover has been part of Japan's automotive landscape for more than 60 years. From niche imports to a premium brand with a strong local identity, JLR’s journey in Japan is one of heritage, reinvention and enduring British appeal. Being British is a significant differentiator in many ways. British cars don't look like German cars, they don't look like Italian cars. The design philosophies are very different. What sets Jaguar Land Rover apart is Britishness itself. The design and cultural DNA stand out, and this is what connects so strongly with Japanese consumers who value refinement, heritage and exclusivity. The UK has fantastic assets which really nurture the brands both in positioning and appeal, but also in the ways their cars look. The Royal Family has always supported our brands. And that obviously is something that Japanese consumers will notice as an example. To build local resonance, JLR Japan has worked with cultural icons from Kei Nishikori and his Jaguar F-Type to professional golfers who embody luxury, performance and refinement. These connections make the brand feel both aspirational and personal in Japan. I bought the car from Mr. Yamada. I'm expecting Mr. Yamada to take care of me. If I need an oil change, I'm calling Mr. Yamada. And then Mr. Yamada will make sure that happens, right? I'd like to go up to Hakuba but I need winter wheels. Yamada-san, please help me with winter wheels, right? And that's obviously based upon Japanese culture, Japanese tradition, the Japanese perspective on the relationship. This insight has shaped JLR's approach: localizing customer experience, adapting paint and engineering quality, and tailoring infotainment systems to Japanese needs. Japan's high standards are not a challenge. They're an opportunity. The UK teams come here, because the Japanese customers' requirements are the highest in the world. So they come here and study and listen to Japanese customers and implement these changes worldwide. For JLR, Japan is more than just a market. It's a proving ground where excellence demanded by customers helped shape global standards. You know, Japan is largely filled with formidable domestic companies. What is it that can be offered to the Japanese consumer that the domestic industry can’t supply? Be very realistic and long term about coming here. Don't just jump in and out. Think very clearly about what the market opportunity is and really craft a proposition that can win. Be very long term about it and realistic. Don't expect any quick wins. You have to be in for it in the long run. And if you do that properly, there’s a very strong and lucrative business, that's also very stable. That long term vision underpins JLR’s Reimagine strategy. Jaguar will go all electric by 2026, and the group is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2039. This is a story of heritage and innovation, of British craftsmanship, adapting to Japanese values of detail and excellence. Jaguar Land Rover shows how UK brands can not only enter Japan but thrive. And the UK brand, I would say, is stronger than ever in Japan isn’t it? And that's, you know, thanks to history, consistency and a remarkable effort the last 5 to 10 years. Jaguar Land Rover has a legacy built in Japan. Find out how your company can expand in Japan by signing up via the link below.

Standard Chartered’s story in Japan began in 1880 when the former Chartered Bank opened its first office in Yokohama making it one of the oldest foreign banks in the country. Now operating in over 50 markets, for Standard Chartered the secret to its longevity is simple. In the past 145 years, you know, how we can remain in the business It's because we are adaptable to the kind of changing needs of the country of Japan and also the Japanese companies. So there are two important pillars, industry development and also making the country rich. Why? Because at the time, Japan was far behind the western countries like the UK or US or France. From Japan's rapid modernization in the Meiji era to post-war recovery Standard Chartered has grown with Japan a spirit of adaptation that continues today. The Tokyo branch is a strategic hub for world class finance. Part of a global footprint that connects Japanese companies to the world. Standard Chartered is not necessarily a strong bank in the US but for Asian production hub countries, Standard Chartered is very strong. Standard Chartered has a very robust footprint in those global South countries. So, our business has been booming a lot. Probably, because our capability really matches with what the Japanese companies want, in terms of the global business operations. With well-established positions across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Standard Chartered is positioned uniquely to facilitate UK-Japan partnerships particularly in emerging sectors where both nations see strategic opportunity. Standard Chartered Bank, as one of the most reputable banks in the sustainable finance area, can help providing such a financing scheme to those kinds of renewable energy projects in the UK. So I think renewable energy is one area UK companies and Japanese companies can work together. Trade agreements between the UK and Japan are fueling growth for both nations opening new doors for collaboration alongside dynamic initiatives from the Japanese government. CPTPP is probably the more powerful so that will open up for the UK to the broader Asian region, not only Asia, but I think that some of the Latin American countries are also members with CPTPP. So, you can enjoy the free trade, unlike a recent trend. Beyond renewables, there are several sectors with opportunity for UK-Japan collaboration from financial services to cutting-edge technology and life sciences. There are many famous UK asset managers and so I think if UK asset management companies put more resources in Japan, I think that will be booming. AI is booming as you know, and it will change the world. I believe that the UK companies have a lot of capability and competence in the area of AI. UK has big pharma healthcare companies like AstraZeneca or GlaxoSmithKline. As a principal sponsor of the UK and Japan campaign, Standard Chartered has championed UK-Japan collaboration across business, culture and innovation. The Bank has achieved great brand recognition through engagement with the local community and sponsorship of Liverpool Football Club. Many of the people watching the game in the stadium were wearing a Standard Chartered... not the Standard Chartered uniform but the jerseys of LFC which has a Standard Chartered logo on front. So I think LFC’s brand is quite helpful for us to develop our brand image in Japan. For UK companies looking to succeed in Japan, their advice draws on the bank's 145-year journey and reflects on the cultural affinity between these two island nations. Why patience? You know, as I said earlier, the deeper that you can develop a trust then the longer such a relationship will continue the more money you can make. It's not just the surface, but the true respect. And I think UK and Japan have some similarity in terms of such politeness. Standard Chartered, 145 years strong and still Here for good. Find out how your company can expand in Japan by registering via the link below.