WALES’ longstanding relationship with Japan was reaffirmed and deepened this week during a high-profile investor showcase in Tokyo, part of the Welsh Government’s Year of Wales in Japan 2025 celebrations.

The Wales Investor Showcase, hosted by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans, brought together leading Japanese entrepreneurs and companies across a range of sectors, with a focus on fostering long-term trade links and collaborative ventures.

The event centred on strategic areas of mutual interest, including renewable energy, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing. It marked a significant moment in the decades-old partnership between the two nations, which began with the first wave of Japanese investment into Wales in the 1970s. Today, over 70 Japanese companies operate in Wales.

Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans said: “Deep-rooted connections between Wales and Japan have flourished for generations, with trade links thriving over the last 50 years.

“With the world’s economies searching for stability and growth, now is the perfect time to strengthen our ties with Japan. The optimism surrounding our shared ambitions has been truly inspiring.

“The showcase was about forging new connections, building on existing relationships, and exploring opportunities for sustainable, mutual growth that will benefit both nations for the next 50 years and beyond.

“It also highlighted the skills, creativity and world-class innovation that define modern Wales.”

Kazushi Ambe, Senior Adviser of Sony Group, echoed the importance of the relationship:
“The partnership between Wales and Japan, built over more than half a century, reflects deep mutual respect, shared values, and a strong sense of connection.

“In a time of constant change, it is these enduring qualities that continue to unite us. This showcase was a valuable opportunity to strengthen that bond and explore new avenues for collaboration.

“As both sides embrace new challenges and pursue progress, I hope this partnership will continue to evolve and thrive.”

As part of her visit to Japan, the Cabinet Secretary will also host a Wales Day event at the Osaka Expo, promoting Welsh innovation, culture, and trade potential on the global stage.

In addition, the Welsh Government has announced two upcoming trade missions to Japan later this year, aimed at helping Welsh businesses explore export opportunities in one of Asia’s most significant markets.

HAVOC, the biggest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, premieres today (Friday, April 25) on Netflix. Backed by Welsh Government agency Creative Wales, the high-octane action-thriller stars Tom Hardy and is written and directed by Welsh-born Gareth Evans, known for The Raid, Apostle, and Gangs of London.

The film follows a deal gone wrong, with a bruised detective battling through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son. Production took place at Great Point Studios in Cardiff, Dragon Studios in Bridgend, and on location throughout South Wales.

Wales is rapidly emerging as one of Netflix’s key global production hubs. Recent hits like Sex Education—filmed at multiple South Wales locations over four seasons—were made possible through Creative Wales support, creating hundreds of local jobs and over 60 trainee placements. Many of these roles have led to permanent employment for young Welsh creatives.

According to a new economic impact report by Netflix, its Welsh-based productions have contributed over £200 million to the UK economy since 2020, involving more than 500 businesses across Wales.

In recognition of its Welsh roots, HAVOC will be available with Welsh-language subtitles, continuing Netflix’s commitment to accessibility and cultural inclusion. Previous Welsh-subtitled releases include The Adam Project, starring Ryan Reynolds, and Dal Y Mellt, the first Welsh-language drama on Netflix originally produced for S4C.

HAVOC is the latest in a series of high-profile productions supported by Creative Wales. Past successes include HBO’s House of the Dragon, Amazon’s Young Sherlock, and the acclaimed biopic Mr Burton.

To date, Creative Wales has invested £28.6 million in the screen sector—an investment projected to generate over £342 million for the Welsh economy. For every £1 invested, nearly £12 has been returned, funding over 420 trainee placements and apprenticeships and helping to build a sustainable pipeline of Welsh creative talent.

Anna Mallet, Vice President of Production, UK at Netflix, said: “From Sex Education to The Crown, and now HAVOC, some of our most beloved titles were filmed or produced in Wales. Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful natural landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment. We’re proud that our Welsh productions continue to create enduring cultural and economic opportunities.”

Jack Sargeant, Culture Minister for Wales, added: “We are immensely proud of our Welsh creative industries, which employ over 35,000 people. With world-class infrastructure for film and television, we’re delighted to work with Netflix, HBO, Amazon and others to bring major productions to Wales. These collaborations support jobs, skills development, and bring significant investment into our economy—while showcasing the best of Wales to a global audience.”

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverley, is set to steam back into South West Wales this summer, with scheduled stops in Tenby, Fishguard, and Milford Haven.

Waverley will sail the Bristol Channel from June 2 to June 25, offering a series of scenic day trips and evening cruises. Among the standout voyages is the Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer Cruise departing Milford Haven on Monday, June 2, taking passengers around Skokholm, Skomer, and Ramsey islands — a rare chance to take in some of Wales’ best wildlife and coastal scenery from the deck of a historic steamship.

Tenby residents will want to mark Tuesday, June 24, in their calendars, as Waverley makes her only appearance in the town this year. The day includes a cruise from Penarth to Tenby’s picturesque harbour, followed by an evening sailing past Caldey Island and along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline en route to Milford Haven.

Waverley will round off her Welsh visit on June 25 with her first public sailing from Fishguard in more than three decades — a momentous occasion for the port town.

Other highlights in the packed itinerary include three trips to the remote Lundy Island (June 3, 15, and 17), where passengers can enjoy time ashore exploring the rugged island where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic.

As part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations, Waverley will also link up with three heritage steam railways — the West Somerset, Brecon Mountain, and Lynton & Barnstable lines — offering passengers a unique opportunity to combine steamship travel with a nostalgic train ride.

This season also sees more evening cruises than ever before. On June 9, passengers can enjoy a tranquil evening journey up the River Severn from Penarth, passing under its iconic bridges. Another evening cruise, taking in the Holms islands on June 20, will help raise funds for the restoration of the historic Motor Vessel Balmoral.

On June 18, the Captain’s Choice Cruise sails from Porthcawl to Minehead before tracing the dramatic Exmoor coastline to Ilfracombe. Passengers from Porthcawl will also have the option to take the West Somerset Railway or explore the towns of Minehead and Ilfracombe — or even head over to Lundy.

While on board, passengers can experience the magic of steam travel — hear the ship’s telegraph ring, peer into the Engine Room, and watch the paddles turn through portholes. With full catering on board, guests can enjoy anything from a light snack and afternoon tea to a hot meal in the saloon or a drink in one of Waverley’s period-style lounges. A souvenir shop is also available for those looking to take home a memento.

The iconic vessel is currently in Glasgow receiving over £1 million worth of maintenance and upgrades ahead of the 2025 season, which also marks 50 years since Waverley was saved for the nation and began sailing in preservation.

Captain Dominic McCall, Waverley’s skipper, said: “We’ve put together a fantastic schedule for South West Wales so that both locals and visitors can enjoy a trip on this unique vessel. I’m especially looking forward to cruising the Bristol Channel again — it’s one of my favourite stretches of water.”

To help make sailings more accessible, coach pick-up points have been arranged at various locations including Bridgend and Chepstow.

Special ticket deals are available throughout the season, including ‘kids for £1’ (ages 5–16), free travel for under 5s, and free companion tickets for seniors on selected dates.

Cruises start in Scotland on May 16 before Waverley heads south to Wales.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked via www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.