Japan's cultural embassy in west London - Nick Howard at Japan House, Jazz FM Business Breakfast

Oct 09, 2018, 10:58 AM

The Japanese prime minister says the UK would be welcomed with “open arms” into the Trans Pacific Partnership.

That’s despite Japanese manufacturers pushing for frictionless EU trade after Brexit, and experts warning the 11 country trade pact would only replicate existing EU trade deals.

But Shinzo Abe’s invitation is only one strand of an ongoing charm offensive by Japan, ahead of Brexit and events like the Rugby World Cup next and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Nick Howard visited Japan House, the country’s new cultural embassy in West London.