Welsh artists wow Tokyo audience as Wales and Japan culture tour kicks-off
Artistiaid o Gymru'n swyno cynulleidfa yn Tokyo ar gychwyn taith ddiwylliant Cymru a Japan
A showcase of Wales’ top artists and creative industry top dogs have descended on Japan to bolster opportunities between the two countries.
More than 20 events and collaborations from Tokyo to Osaka, Oita and Hokkaido include:
- Gwenno to serenade with her latest album Utopia in intimate gigs,
- Only Boys Aloud to sing alongside Japanese choirs across the country,
- Hijinx Theatre performs their award-winning inclusive production, Meet Fred
The Super Furry Animals’ Cian Ciaran, in the wake of the group’s recent comeback tour announcement, also joins the mission with his reinterpretation of Welsh classic folklore on self-playing Yamaha pianos.
The artist troupe will be boosted with theatre, film and literary trade missions to inspire creative collaborations.
The tour is part of Welsh Government’s Year of Wales and Japan – supported by partners across Wales throughout 2025 to cement business, sport and diplomatic ties.
First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said:
“This exciting cultural exchange represents the best of Wales on the international stage. Our artists are ambassadors for Welsh creativity, sharing our rich heritage whilst inspiring new partnerships with Japan.
“These collaborations will inspire future generations and strengthen our bond through the universal language of arts and culture.”
Head of Arts at British Council Wales, Elena Schmitz, said:
"We're delighted to partner with Welsh Government and Wales Arts International to deliver the Wales Japan 2025 Cultural Programme. Our two countries already share deep cultural connections, and these creative collaborations offer a powerful way to strengthen and celebrate these ties.
“We're supporting over 20 projects spanning different art forms but all with a clear focus on cultural wellbeing, sustainability, inclusion and Indigenous languages. We're excited to see these activities come to life during a week of showcases in Osaka and Tokyo next week, and beyond."
Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker is holding talks on Wales as the world’s first country to introduce a progressive Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Wales has been working with Japan to ensure policy decisions made today protect the interests of tomorrow’s generations.
Notes to editors
The tour follows Wales Day at World Expo earlier this year, where Welsh Government injected efforts to increase economic ties.
- There are approximately 70 Japanese companies in Wales with around 7,200 employees. What’s more, Wales exported nearly £300m in goods to Japan last year. Panasonic has already announced a £20m investment in Wales as part of the Wales and Japan year.
A £290,000 Wales Japan Cultural, led by Wales Arts International, the British Council, and the Welsh Government, is delivering a wide-ranging series of projects that reflect Wales’ deep commitment to cultural wellbeing and sustainability.
From Tokyo to Osaka, Oita to Hokkaido, over 20 events and collaborations will showcase the breadth of Welsh creativity and the strength of its cultural connections and shared values with Japan. Highlights include:
- Hijinx Theatre’s award-winning inclusive production Meet Fred, touring Tokyo, Tottori and Osaka.
- Only Boys Aloud, Wales’ renowned youth choir, performing alongside Japanese choirs in Oita, Kitakyushu, Hiroshima and Tokyo.
- Gwenno, the trilingual Welsh-Cornish artist, presenting her latest album Utopia in intimate Tokyo performances.
- Cian Ciarán of Super Furry Animals reinterpreting Welsh folklore at teamLab Borderless Tokyo.
- A Creative Industries Showcase at the British Embassy Tokyo, featuring leaders from Wales’ film, TV, music and animation sectors.
- Literary collaborations, including bilingual children’s book projects and residencies with Parthian Books and Literature Across Frontiers.
- Sustainability-focused events, including SDG dialogues at Expo Osaka and the British Embassy Tokyo, led by Wales’ Future Generations Commissioner.
The programme also features artist residencies, media innovation exchanges, and cultural showcases at major events such as the Hankyu British Fair in Osaka, where Welsh food and drink brands will be introduced to Japanese audiences.
From experimental soundscapes and inclusive theatre to traditional crafts and digital storytelling, the Wales Japan Cultural Programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the creative energy and shared values that unite Wales and Japan.
For full programme details and background on the Year of Wales and Japan:
ENG Wales and Japan 2025 Media Pack | Wales
JP 日本におけるウェールズ年“Year Of Wales and Japan 2025” メディアパック | Wales
For full details on the Wales Japan Cultural Programme: