Japanese companies have poured more than £110 million into Greater Manchester over the past year, and local leaders say there’s more to come as the city-region marks Japan Week, a celebration of Japanese culture and business running until 9 September.
Thursday’s Business Programme highlighted the region’s thriving trade links with Japan, featuring speakers such as Hiroshi Suzuki, Japan’s ambassador to the UK, known for his upbeat social media presence.
More than 25 Japanese firms now operate in Greater Manchester. Recent highlights include:
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Astemo, which is investing £100 million and creating 200 jobs in Horwich.
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Mizkan, committing £17 million to expand its Middleton site, where it produces Sarson’s vinegar and Japanese-branded products.
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Daikin, which signed a five-year collaboration agreement with Greater Manchester at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka and is investing £900,000 in a local training centre to promote low-carbon heating.
A June trade mission to Japan saw Greater Manchester civic and business leaders meet political figures, trade officials, and major corporations in Tokyo and Osaka. During the visit, investment agency MIDAS signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry to strengthen city-region business ties.
Other Japanese firms with a strong local presence include NGK, Hitachi, Shimadzu, Sharp, Dentsu, BDP, Brother, and Sun Chemical. In 2022, Greater Manchester exported £99 million in goods to Japan, while service exports reached £151 million in 2021.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“In recent years we have focused on strengthening our ties with Japan and it’s fantastic to see this translate into significant investment by Japanese companies over the past 12 months. These investments are delivering jobs and opportunities that will benefit people across Greater Manchester.
“The success we’ve achieved shows Greater Manchester has become the natural choice for Japanese companies looking to expand in the UK.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added:
“Greater Manchester’s economy continues to go from strength to strength, with these substantial Japanese investments demonstrating the confidence international businesses have in our city-region.
“Japan Week highlights how our diverse, resilient economy provides the perfect foundation for Japanese companies to establish and expand their UK operations.”
Joe Manning, Managing Director at MIDAS, said:
“These substantial investments from Japan create real opportunities for our residents and businesses. With over £117 million in confirmed investment, we’re seeing the tangible benefits of our international partnerships.”
