On 6th February 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, hosted a virtual seminar designed to support UK women entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners seeking to expand their UK-Japan Trade activities in Japan.
This event marked another step in the ongoing commitment of both nations to enhance women’s economic empowerment, as outlined in the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The seminar provided a platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese market. It also highlighted various programmes and initiatives led by Japanese government and non-government organizations, such as the Japanese Cabinet Office, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
These entities offer crucial support and resources to British women entrepreneurs eager to expand, export, and invest in Japan.
One of the key aspects of the seminar was the involvement of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, which provided guidance on navigating cultural and business customs. Understanding these nuances is vital for UK businesses looking to establish a foothold in Japan’s competitive market. The Chamber’s expertise in fostering bilateral trade relationships and supporting business operations abroad proved invaluable to attendees.
The seminar also featured two prominent Japanese venture capital firms, ANRI and NEXTBLUE. ANRI, specializing in seed-stage investments, has a strong track record of supporting female-founded startups in IT and DeepTech sectors. NEXTBLUE, on the other hand, focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs in the field of women’s wellbeing. Both firms expressed their commitment to assisting UK female-led businesses seeking opportunities in Japan, offering both financial backing and strategic guidance.
To provide a real-world perspective, the seminar included presentations from two British women entrepreneurs who have successfully penetrated the Japanese market. The CEOs of Celtic English Academy and Evolve Organic Beauty shared their experiences, detailing the challenges and triumphs of entering Japan’s education and retail sectors. Their insights shed light on the complexities of international expansion while also illustrating the vast opportunities available to UK businesses willing to invest in Japan.
This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of CEPA, which includes a dedicated chapter on Women’s Economic Empowerment. The agreement aims to ensure that women business owners and entrepreneurs can fully access and benefit from international trade opportunities. By addressing systemic barriers and providing targeted support, both the UK and Japan seek to promote gender equality while simultaneously fostering economic growth.
The UK has made significant progress in integrating trade and gender equality provisions into its newly negotiated Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including those with Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to creating an inclusive trade environment where women-led businesses can thrive. The UK will continue working with its trading partners to explore best practices for breaking down barriers and ensuring fair and open trade.
Looking ahead, the UK is preparing for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This global event presents another significant opportunity to further gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. The UK Pavilion at the Expo showcases the country’s work in diversity and inclusion, highlighting initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The UK’s engagement with Japan on this front is an essential component of its broader strategy to support female entrepreneurs in accessing new markets. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities, both nations are paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous global economy.
For further information on the first UK-Japan Women’s Economic Empowerment seminar and the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, please follow the respective links.
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