A New Era of Reconciliation: Tony Blair on Japan-Britain Relations

Strategic Insights -

Tony Blair acknowledges the devastating impact of World War II on prisoners of war and civilians captured by the Japanese, but believes it would be wrong for past bitterness to dominate relations with Japan. He views the upcoming state visit by the Japanese Emperor and Empress as an opportunity to celebrate the growing friendship between Britain and modern, democratic Japan. Blair emphasizes the significant economic ties between the two countries, including Japan being Britain's biggest export market outside Western Europe and the U.S.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state visit by the Japanese Emperor and Empress is an opportunity to celebrate the growing friendship between Britain and modern, democratic Japan.
  • Japan is Britain's biggest export market outside Western Europe and the U.S.
  • There are more than 370 British-owned subsidiaries operating in Japan, providing significant economic ties between the two countries.
  • Japan is now a major investor in Britain, with 275 Japanese firms operating here, providing over 65,000 jobs.
  • Over seven out of ten Japanese cars sold in Europe will be built in the UK by 2000.
  • Blair sees the Emperor's visit as a way to fuel the many friendships between the people of Britain and Japan, with over 51,000 Japanese living in Britain and 500,000 visiting each year.
  • The two countries have close and growing links at every level, including working together on shared international problems such as disarmament and environmental protection.
  • British art is highly sought after in Japan, and there is a real passion for all things British in Japan, including pubs.

Statistics:

  • 51,000 Japanese people living in Britain
  • 275 Japanese firms operating in Britain, providing over 65,000 jobs
  • 370 British-owned subsidiaries operating in Japan
  • Over 500,000 Japanese visitors to Britain each year
  • 65% of Japanese manufacturing investment into the EU comes to Britain
  • 40% of Japanese manufacturing investment into Europe comes to Britain
  • Over 7 out of 10 Japanese cars sold in Europe will be built in the UK by 2000
  • Japan is Britain's biggest export market outside Western Europe and the U.S.

Sources:

  • Byline: Tony Blair
  • Ryu Hashimoto, Japanese Premier, article in The Sun