Frequently Asked Questions

Newsletters

Previous Newsletters from the Society can be down loaded here:-

The Society Tie

Japan Society of Scotland Tie The Society has a small number of a unique and limited edition gentlemen's tie in a tartan designed for the Society. At a cost of £18.50 sales will help to build up our scholarship fund. To purchase one, contact Tim Steward.

Message from H.E. Ambassador Shin Ebihara June 17th 2008

I feel very honoured to have been appointed Japanese Ambassador in the year in which we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United Kingdom.

Our two countries enjoy a very special, forward-looking relationship, sharing a common commitment to democracy, a market economy and respect for human rights. Our economic ties have always formed the bedrock of this relationship. Outside Europe, Japan is the second biggest market for British goods and services after the US. Meanwhile, Japan is the second largest overseas investor in the UK in terms of the number of projects involved, while the UK received more than 40 per cent of Japanese direct investment bound for Europe. Moreover, Japanese corporations have made a significant contribution to the UK through employment creation. In addition, we are both doing our utmost to increase the level of inward investment in both directions. However, our relationship embraces not only our dynamic and mutually-beneficial economic ties but also thriving cultural exchange, and has now grown to encompass ongoing collaboration in facing the major global issues. Japan and the UK cooperate closely in areas such as climate change, the environment, energy and development, not least to Africa, and we engage in an ongoing, frank dialogue to this end. Furthermore, since both countries face challenges common to mature societies, such as those associated with ageing populations and the need to improve educational standards, we are sharing our experience in the fields of health, pensions, education and the deployment of labour, and are exchanging views on these subjects with increasing intensity. In addition, to help construct a more peaceful world, we are stepping up our cooperation in the search for peace in Iraq and Afghanistan and in our efforts to eradicate terrorism.

The strength of our partnership was confirmed once again when Prime Minister Fukuda visited London for a summit meeting with Prime Minister Brown in early June. The two leaders discussed the pressing global issues that we face, such as climate change, the world food crisis and development in Africa, and exchanged views on how progress can be made on these topics at the forthcoming G8 Summit. They made clear their determination to work together on an ongoing basis to help find solutions to the very serious challenges the world must address.

As many of you know, in order to mark the passage of 150 years since we embarked on the road to our warm friendship, JAPAN-UK 150, an exciting series of Japan-related events, will be inaugurated in September and will run until the end of next year. This celebration should be inclusive in every respect, generating enthusiasm about our bilateral relationship not only in London but in the regions and bringing together people of all ages and interests. My staff at the Embassy and I will do our utmost to contribute to the success of this exciting venture.

The Japan-UK relationship is in very good shape. It is my sincere goal to make it even better during my tenure.

FAQ SECTION

If you wish to consult the Japanese Calendar to find lucky and unlucky days for marriage, business and other events, click here. This section is still in preparation. Do get in touch with us and ask any questions that you have. This will help us to fill out this section.