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As Japan Week 2025 comes to an end, Manchester can look back on six days filled with calligraphy workshops, tea ceremonies, contemporary dance, and the buzz of cultural exchange.
But beyond the performances and packed-out events, the week has been a statement: Manchester and Japan share a relationship built not only on history but on a vision for the future.
Japan Week 2025
Bev Craig, Andy Burnham, Jo Ahmed. Photo credit Mark Waugh
At the centre of this year’s celebrations is Jo Ahmed MBE, Practice Senior Partner for Deloitte in the Northwest and the Honorary Consul of Japan in Manchester.
For her, Japan Week was the culmination of centuries of friendship and the promise of deeper ties still to come.
“In my role as Honorary Consul, part of my responsibility is to promote the relationship between Greater Manchester and Japan,” Jo explained.
“That means working with both the Japanese Embassy and organisations in Japan to strengthen connections. Bringing Japan Week here has been one of the most rewarding parts of that role.”
Manchester and Japan’s historic relationship
Photo credit: Mark Waugh
Manchester’s ties to Japan stretch back far further than many realise. In 1865, three Japanese students travelled to Oldham to study cotton mill technology during the height of the Industrial Revolution. What they learned in the smoky mill towns of Lancashire would change the face of Osaka forever.
“They took that knowledge back to Japan,” said Jo, “and one of those students went on to found the Osaka Chamber of Commerce. The textile industry they built there was so influenced by Manchester that Osaka became known as the ‘Manchester of the East.’”
The city’s Town Hall still carries a subtle reminder of that early bond. On the ceiling of the Great Hall, currently under renovation, sits the Japanese flag, placed there in the 1870s to mark the relationship between the two regions.
“It’s incredible to think that even then Manchester’s leaders wanted to acknowledge Japan,” Ahmed reflects. “That spirit of exchange has been alive for over 150 years.”
Manchester – Osaka sister cities
Photo credit: Mark Waugh
Today, the Manchester–Osaka relationship looks different but no less important. With both cities facing the twin challenges of climate change and urban growth, collaboration has turned to technology, sustainability, and innovation.
“Since 2021 we’ve been working closely with Osaka, initially around the decarbonisation of our cities,” Jo explained. “We’ve shared ideas and technologies on how we can address environmental challenges. But that relationship has blossomed into business, education, and culture too.”
The highlight of Japan Week was the signing of a Sister City agreement between Manchester and Osaka – Osaka’s first such partnership in 36 years.
“That agreement is both a celebration of what’s been achieved and a signal of intent to deepen the relationship even further,” said Jo.
What is the International Friendship Foundation?
Photo credit: Mark Waugh
Running from 4–9 September, Japan Week transformed Manchester into a stage for traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. Organised by the International Friendship Foundation (IFF), the festival moves to a different global city each year. Manchester’s selection was particularly significant, marking the 50th anniversary of the event.
From performances by the Hallé Youth Orchestra to exhibitions at Aviva Studios and workshops at Manchester Central Library, the programme was wide-ranging. At Manchester Museum, visitors experienced intimate tea ceremonies, while in the Northern Quarter, esea contemporary explored Japanese artistic traditions.
The standout new production was BLOOM, a collaboration between Manchester composer and DJ Afrodeutsche, dance company Company Chameleon, and queer-led fashion brand Belladonis. With support from the Hallé, BLOOM fused music, fashion, and dance into a gift from Manchester to Japan, having premiered earlier this year at Expo Osaka.
Every single ticket sold out in four days”
The enthusiasm from the public exceeded all expectations. “When we released the tickets, which were free, every single one sold out within four days,” Jo said.
“The opening ceremony at First Street was so packed there wasn’t a square inch left. Seeing that level of support was overwhelming.”
Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki tries Boddingtons
Hiroshi Suzuki – photo credit Mark Waugh
Japan Week wasn’t just about performances and workshops. It was also an opportunity for Japanese dignitaries to experience Manchester’s hospitality. Among the visitors was Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki, who has developed something of a cult following online thanks to his willingness to embrace local traditions.
“I brought him some Eccles cakes, which he really enjoyed,” laughed Jo. “We also made sure he had a pint of Boddington’s – he loved that too.”
Japanese investment in Manchester
The celebrations highlighted not only cultural ties but economic ones. Japanese company Mizkan, which produces Sarson’s Vinegar at its Middleton factory, recently announced a further £17 million investment in Greater Manchester.
“That’s great news for safeguarding jobs and expanding production,” Jo points out. “It’s another reminder that our relationship with Japan is about much more than history – it’s about shared prosperity.”
Japan Week also created space for reflection. At Manchester Museum, visitors could view a fragment from Hiroshima alongside hundreds of origami cranes – a symbol of peace.
“It’s a very moving tribute,” Jo said quietly. “It reminds us that cultural exchange isn’t just about celebration. It’s also about understanding and empathy.”
Where will Japan week be in 2026?
Although the International Friendship Foundation will take Japan Week to Italy next year, Manchester’s relationship with Japan won’t pause.
“What we’ll do now is continue the legacy,” explains. “There will be ongoing programmes in business, education, and culture so residents can continue to feel the benefits of our Sister City relationship with Osaka.”
For Jo, the week has been as much about the future as the past.
“I hope people have enjoyed the events, learned something new, maybe tried some Japanese food,” she said. “But most of all I hope this inspires them to keep engaging, to learn more, and to help us promote this relationship. The Sister City agreement was the first Osaka has signed in 36 years. That shows just how significant this moment is.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, echoed those sentiments earlier in the week: “Manchester and Japan have historic links going back to the 1800s, when Japanese students came here to learn from our industry. As a proudly international city, our culture helps forge mutual understanding, which lays the foundations for doing business and working together. It’s particularly special that Manchester has hosted the landmark 50th Japan Week.”
Jo added: “As Honorary Consul, it’s been heartwarming to see the power of bringing Japan Week to Manchester,” she said. “The enthusiasm from the people here has been tremendous. It shows just how open-minded and welcoming Mancunians really are.”
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