THE Japanese ambassador to the UK has met with John Swinney during his visit to Scotland.
Hiroshi Suzuki met with the First Minister on Thursday evening, where the pair discussed strengthening "the economic and cultural ties between Scotland and Japan".
The ambassador has been in Scotland this week, where he has visited a number of tourist hotspots, attended meetings at Holyrood and has even tried Haggis and whisky.
Suzuki is known on social media for his enthusiastic videos which often feature a Paddington Bear soft toy. The teddy made an appearance as the ambassador announced his arrival in Scotland in front of Edinburgh Castle.
The First Minister hosted Suzuki and several representatives of Japanese businesses operating within Scotland at an event in Bute House on Thursday.
After the meeting, the First Minister's official Twitter/X account shared some images of the pair meeting along with the statement: "First Minister @JohnSwinney welcomed @AmbJapanUK HE Hiroshi Suzuki to Bute House this evening.
"They were joined by members of Japanese companies that operate in Scotland.
"Both pledged to work together to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Scotland and Japan."
First Minister @JohnSwinney welcomed @AmbJapanUK HE Hiroshi Suzuki to Bute House this evening. They were joined by members of Japanese companies that operate in Scotland. Both pledged to work together to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Scotland and Japan. pic.twitter.com/L1d3YdguPw
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) May 29, 2025
On Friday, Swinney and Suzuki are set to visit a whisky distillery together to highlight the strong economic ties between Scotland and Japan.
Ahead of the visit, Swinney said: "Our relationship with Japan is both long-standing and hugely valuable to Scotland's economy.
"Both countries share a mutually beneficial working relationship on key future industries, such as the green energy transition, AI and biotech.
"Japan is also a key trading partner for Scottish businesses especially those operating within our whisky sector.
"In 2024, whisky exports to Japan reached £182 million, up over 7.1% from 2023.
"I am committed to strengthening these ties and improving cooperation between both countries in the years to come."
