Sony UK Technology Centre (UK TEC) is set to participate in the Year of Wales and Japan 2025, a year-long celebration of the historic and cultural ties between the two nations.
As a cornerstone of Japanese investment in Wales since 1973, Sony UK TEC said it was committed to deepening the bonds between Wales and Japan through a range of exciting initiatives and events.
The Year of Wales and Japan was officially launched at an event in Cardiff, coinciding with a mirror reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo. The Cardiff launch included a panel session featuring Sony UK TEC’s Managing Director, Rob Wilson, alongside representatives from the cultural, business, and diplomatic sectors, moderated by Andrew Gwatkin, Welsh Government’s Director of International Relations. Rob Wilson also participated in a business roundtable discussion with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, Rebecca Evans, MS, exploring future collaboration opportunities.
To mark the start of its celebrations, Sony UK TEC, based in Pencoed, Bridgend, also hosted the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki, as part of the year’s inaugural activities.
Sony said the visit highlighted the “enduring relationship” between the two nations, which it said began when Sony established its first European manufacturing plant in South Wales over 50 years ago. This facility remains a symbol of innovation and partnership, it said, producing state-of-the-art broadcast equipment and over 50 million Raspberry Pi devices.
The relationship between Sony and Wales began in 1970 when Akio Morita, Sony’s co-founder, was encouraged by Prince Charles to establish a facility in Wales.
As part of its contributions to the Year of Wales and Japan 2025, Sony UK TEC will be attending Expo 2025 Osaka later in the year. The company will also engage with local communities through charity sporting events featuring a Wales and Japan theme, while celebrating cultural connections through educational visits that highlight the similarities and unique qualities of both nations. Later in the year, Sony UK TEC will launch a schools competition to inspire creativity and foster collaboration between students in Wales and Japan.
Rob Wilson, Managing Director of Sony UK TEC, said:
“We are proud to be part of the Year of Wales and Japan, celebrating the unique connection between our home here in Wales and in Japan. This year is an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and create new avenues for learning and development. By working together, we can build stronger connections that not only honour our past but also ensure a sustainable future for both Wales and Japan. It is also a platform to highlight the many strengths we have in Wales – from innovation and creativity to our deep commitment to sustainability – qualities we don’t always take enough time to celebrate. Equally, it is our responsibility at Sony UK TEC to raise the profile of Japan here in Wales and showcase the rich cultural and business contributions Japan brings to our community. Through innovation and partnership, we hope to inspire others to see the immense potential that comes from this collaboration.”
