During May, we organized several events, including the pleasure of welcoming Japanese Ambassador Hideaki Mizukoshi. The ambassador holds a law degree from Tokyo University and has served as minister at the Japanese embassies in the US, South Korea, and France. In addition, he has extensive experience from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1985. We have a long relationship with Japan and have previously been visited by Japanese ambassadors who have shared their experiences.
Japan and Sweden have more than 150 years of diplomatic relations and there are many things that connect our two countries, with numerous economic, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Throughout history, Japan has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and strength. With its 125 million inhabitants, long history, strong culture, and global influence, Japan is now the world’s fourth largest economy and plays a very important role on the world stage. Not only economically, but also from a security perspective and as a strong ally.
Jonas Jakobson with Ambassador Hideaki Mizukoshi.
The company’s founder, Jonas Jakobson, is also a member of the Japan-Sweden Society. The society was founded over 100 years ago, in 1919. Today, it is under the patronage of His Imperial Highness Prince Hitachi.
Japan has many globally successful companies that we have visited over the years. Well-known names such as Sony, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, TDK, Kikkoman, Softbank, Hoya, and of course the successful Fast Retailing with Uniqlo. But there are many others.
Ambassador Hideaki Mizukoshi concluded by telling us about the ongoing world exhibition in Osaka, which he thought we should try to visit. Especially now that the Japanese airline ANA has a direct connection to Tokyo from Stockholm.
GURAIS – Growth in Asia
By Jonas Jakobson
Over the past 130 years, Japan has developed into an advanced economy with global companies. Japan is now in its third period of modernization, with growing global companies and an increasingly important geopolitical role in Asia. In this report, we look back and meet companies, strategists, and diplomats.
If you would like to read Jonas’ publication, please contact Andreas.
(andreas.nilsson@nordeq.se)
