Embassy of Japan New Year Reception

7th January 2026

The Embassy of Japan celebrated the New Year in the ballroom of the Embassy on the 7th of January with around 180 distinguished guests including executives of Japanese associations, representatives of Japanese companies and press, British people promoting the relationship with Japan, and former British Ambassadors to Japan.

In his opening speech, Ambassador Suzuki mentioned the coming events in 2026 such as the Samurai exhibition at the British Museum in February, the Hokusai opera in Scotland, the Japan-England football match in March, the opera Bamboo Princess in July, Japan Matsuri in the autumn and the visit of the Japan Rugby Team in November, promising an exciting year of cooperation and exchange between Japan and the UK.

Mr Tetsuya Shinohara, Chairman of Japan Club, spoke of the achievements of Japanese nationals in the UK, and the success of Japan Matsuri. With the executives of Japanese associations joining in the sake barrel opening ceremony, he made a toast to the contribution of Japan’s presenace towards further strengthening and developing Japan-UK relations.

Sponsored by Sake Samurai UK, eighteen different varieties of sake were served by sake experts, which delighted all the guests.