Harwell JAPAN DAY 2025 REPORT
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- Introduction
In 2025, the inaugural Harwell JAPAN DAY took place at Harwell Campus in the United Kingdom, bringing together Japan’s cutting-edge industries and the UK’s world-leading research clusters. The event became a groundbreaking platform for exploring new possibilities for collaboration between the two nations.
In addition to panel discussions led by experts in advanced fields such as space, quantum technologies, life sciences, AI, and energy, exhibitions by Japanese monozukuri SMEs—known for their exceptional craftsmanship and manufacturing capabilities—drew significant attention.
- Monozukuri SMEs: Challenges and Encounters with UK Academia
The participating factory owners were modern-day samurai of craftsmanship. Never content with the status quo, they embodied ambition, passion, and an unwavering commitment to continuous evolution and pursuing new challenges. They fearlessly engaged with local engineers and university researchers, while also exchanging ideas among fellow participants. Throughout the event, they openly discussed new innovations and sharpened each other’s strengths, much like skilled warriors refining their techniques. This vibrant and spirited exchange ignited fresh energy on both the Japanese and UK sides, evolving into a dynamic collaborative initiative that inspires great hope for the future.
- Forward-Thinking Leadership
The leaders of these SMEs are pioneers driven by ambition and a constant desire for change.
They actively engaged with local engineers and university researchers and also exchanged ideas among fellow participants—refining new concepts and stimulating further innovation.
This dynamic interaction provided meaningful inspiration for both Japan and the United Kingdom, developing into a collaborative initiative that points toward a bright and promising future.
- On-Site Highlights
Throughout the event, UK stakeholders expressed their warm welcome and strong interest in Japan’s participation.
The event opened with remarks from David Williams , Commercial Director of Harwell Science and Innovation Campus .
From Japan, Member of Parliament Mitsuko Ishii shared a video message, followed by insights from Dr. Masashi MATSUNAGA, Ph.D. of BIOSPIRE株式会社 Inc.
Representing the UK side, Mark Burrows from UK Research and Innovation / STFC added further momentum to the opening session.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics—from the need for preventive healthcare innovations in Japan’s aging society to mentoring next-generation startups, as well as emerging fields like space, quantum technology, life sciences, and AI.
Dr. Hugh Mortimer , Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Space Cluster Lead, Deputy Director at STFC , and Senior Research Scientist at RAL Space, emphasized that:
“Harwell is not just a place where research takes place. It is a place where networks, partnerships, and dialogue create breakthroughs.”
The UK’s strong public-private partnerships were also highlighted as key drivers in opening new doors for global collaboration, with high expectations for initiatives such as the Fusion Cluster and other joint ventures.
- Participant Feedback and Outcomes
The success of this event was made possible by the passion, creativity, and forward-looking mindset of all who took part.
The active engagement from both nations demonstrated a shared commitment to building a collaborative future.
We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone whose enthusiasm and contributions shaped this memorable first edition of Harwell JAPAN DAY.
- Future Outlook and Steps Toward the Next Event
This inaugural event marks the starting point for deeper collaboration among industry, academia, and government across Japan and the UK.
The synergy created by combining monozukuri SMEs academia and traditional craftsmanship advanced science holds limitless potential.
We expect future editions of Harwell JAPAN DAY to generate even greater achievements as this partnership continues to evolve.
🇯🇵 Participating Japanese SMEs：
V. MOLD — Vacuum Mold Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Tajiri Thin Section Lab
Metal YAMADA Co., Ltd.
SOHWA Co., Ltd.
KIZAWA KOUGYO
Earth Mk.Ⅱ Lab Co., Ltd
Yasuhisa Koki Bio Mechanics Co.,Ltd.
Sessions’ Participants：
Welcome & Introducing to Harwell Campus :
Masashi MATSUNAGA, Ph.D. (BIOSPIRE), Mark Burrows (Head of Business Incubation, UKRI STFC), Mitsuko Ishii MP (Member of the House of Councillors), David Williams (ARC Harwell Campus)
Opening Session – Policy & Ecosystem Overview
Tim Hart (Warwick Innovations), Lee Glassbrook (Deputy Director Campus and Clusters, UKRI STFC), Minoru (Pino) Sasaki (METI), Huw Thomas (Intralink), Chris Brown (Verso Biosense)
Space - Main Session
Eva Georgiou (UK Space Agency), Kouichi Morimoto (JAXA), Hugh Mortimer (Harwell Space Cluster Development Manager, UKRI STFC), Sharon Parker-Lines (Astroscale)
Quantum - Main Session
Najwa Sidqi, PhD (Harwell Quantum Cluster Development Manager, UKRI STFC), Simon Plant (NQCC), HIRO Nakata (JIJ), Richard Murray (Orca Computing)
Life Sciences- Main Session
Masashi MATSUNAGA, Ph.D. (BIOSPIRE), Paul Mercer (Francis Crick Institute), Mitsutaka Kitano (CEPI), Ikuo Hayashi (LINK-J), Lorna McInroy (Moderna)
Energy - Main Session
Molly McGoldrick (Harwell Energy Cluster Officer, UKRI STFC), Martin Freer (Faraday Institute), Simon Jacques (Finden), David Kingham (Tokamak Energy)
Shaping the Future of UK–Japan Innovation
Bradley Hardiman , David Campbell-Molloy (Partnership Manager - Asia, UKRI), Atsushi Nishikawa (MUFG), Andrea Mica (Oxford Technology), Martin Gadsden (AMED)
Fireside Chat
Greg Clark (Chair, Japan Society; Executive Chair, Warwick Innovation District ), Craig Marshall (OrganOx)
Performance
Katsumi Sakakura (ORIENTARYTHM)
