Sony joins ‘Year of Wales and Japan’ celebrations

Japanese Ambassador to the UK Hiroshi Suzuki and Sony UK TEC Managing Director Rob Wilson at the Sony UK Technology Center in Pencoed, Bridgend, Wales.

“We are proud to be part of the Year of Wales and Japan, celebrating the unique connection between our home here in Wales and Japan,” said the centre’s managing director Rob Wilson. “By working together, we can build stronger ties that not only honor our past, but also ensure a sustainable future for both Wales and Japan. It is also a platform to highlight the many strengths we have in Wales – from innovation and creativity to our deep commitment to sustainability – qualities that we don’t always spend enough time emphasizing. It is equally our responsibility at Sony UK TEC to raise Japan’s profile in Wales and demonstrate Japan’s rich cultural and business contribution to our community.”

As part of its contribution to the Year of Wales and Japan, Sony UK TEC will be attending Expo 2025 in Osaka, as well as joining Wales and Japan-themed charity sporting events and educational visits to local communities.

Sony UK TEC will launch a school competition later this year “to stimulate creativity and promote collaboration between students in Wales and Japan,” it said.

The relationship between Sony and Wales began in 1970 following a discussion between then-Prince Charles and Sony co-founder Akio Morita.

Wales and Japan Year was officially launched yesterday at an event in Cardiff and a reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo.

In Cardiff, the panel session was attended by Sony UK managing director Wilson, as well as representatives from the cultural, business and diplomatic sectors, moderated by Welsh Government director of international affairs Andrew Gwatkin, Sony said. Wilson also took part in a business roundtable with Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans.