In episode five of Japan Memo, Yuka Koshino is joined by the UK’s Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom, to discuss Japan – UK relations. She has been serving as Ambassador to Japan since March 2021 and it is her third posting to Japan. Between 1990 – 1993, she was in Tokyo as the Second Secretary in the Political Section of the British Embassy, then again between 2012 – 2016 as the Deputy Head of Mission.

Yuka and Ambassador Longbottom explore the Japan – UK relationship and how it has developed over the past few decades. Their conversation covers:

• Changes in Japan’s engagement in international affairs
• Gender challenges in Japanese society
• UK’s Indo-Pacific ‘tilt’
• HMS Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Japan and bilateral defence relations
• Opportunities for British and Japanese economic relations

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on the podcast platform of your choice.

Date of Recording: 28 October 2021

Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. 

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