Swinney vows to strengthen ‘valuable’ ties with Japan on renewable energy

The Scottish Government has said it plans to build on its “valuable and long-standing” relationship with Japan on economic and renewable energy priorities.

On Wednesday, the Scottish Government launched its programme for Expo 2025 Osaka, which will showcase technological advancements, sustainable innovations and solutions to global challenges such as climate change, healthcare and digital transformation.

The event will take place on the manmade island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, Japan, from April 13 to October 13 2025.

Scottish events will take place across three dates, which are yet to be confirmed.

On April 17, many Scottish companies will feature in a video game showcase, including Edinburgh-based developer KeelWorks, which has an ongoing deal with Japanese game publisher Konami.

The Expo is expected to attract around 28 million people and more than 150 participating countries.

The Scottish events will be sponsored by Scottish Enterprise.

On Wednesday, John Swinney met Hiroshi Suzuki, Japan’s UK ambassador.

Following their meeting in London, the First Minister said he plans to strengthen the already positive relationship that he says Scotland has with Japan.

He said: “The relationship between Scotland and Japan is valuable and long-standing.

“As First Minister, I want to ensure I build on the foundations it provides to maximise the opportunities for future economic growth and the achievement of shared priorities for renewable energy.

“My meeting with the new ambassador was a chance to make clear my commitment to further strengthening the relationship that exists already, a relationship that has resulted in Japanese companies such as Sumitomo and Marubeni making significant investments in Scotland’s offshore wind infrastructure.

“I particularly welcomed the opportunity to talk with ambassador Suzuki on the day the Scottish Government launched our programme for Expo 2025 in Osaka, which I fully expect to lead to new connections between our countries.

“Over the next six months, it will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Scotland’s strengths in creative technologies, life sciences and the offshore wind sector to a global audience, while making it clear we are a country that is open to international investment.”

Earlier on Wednesday, business minister Richard Lochhead visited KeelWorks as the government launched its programme.

Mr Lochhead said: “This is an opportunity for Scotland to showcase and shine on the global stage. Our message in Osaka will be simple – Scotland is open for business and is one of the best places in the world to invest.

“We will demonstrate first hand that we have the skills, technology and opportunities in a range of emerging industries.

“KeelWorks is just one example of that and later in the year our buoyant life sciences businesses and the offshore wind sector will also be centre stage.

“Japanese businesses already recognise Scotland’s economic potential, including Sumitomo, which is currently building a subsea cable factory at Nigg in the Highlands. I am confident that further companies and significant investment will follow as result of our presence at the Expo.”

KeelWorks chief executive Meher Kalenderian added: “This activity is about strengthening connections, driving investment and opening new doors for collaboration.

“So, we’re thrilled to be part of Scotland’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighting the strong business opportunities between Scotland and Japan’s prominent gaming industries.

“This platform offers a great chance to showcase our thriving creative sector and build new collaborations. At KeelWorks, we’ve seen first-hand the value of such partnerships through our work with Konami on Cygni: All Guns Blazing.

“Our presence at the Expo reflects the growing potential for Scottish and Japanese gaming sectors to engage, as both countries lead in innovation.”