Japan won the opportunity to host the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 – delayed to 2021 due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

These events are providing potential business and partnership opportunities for British companies – large and small.

The UK had the pleasure and privilege of hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – this provided London with a golden summer of sport and a tremendous lift for the whole country. But London 2012 would not have been possible without careful planning and expertise. The experience led to many lessons being learnt along the way.

The UK Government has made it clear to Japan that we are very keen to look for ways to share this experience, expertise and lessons learnt with as they begin the detailed planning and delivery of the Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Whilst Japan has a strong domestic industry and previous experience in hosting sports events it is expected that UK companies will still find opportunities to contribute to these events – almost certainly in partnership with Japanese firms. Initial analysis within the Department for International Trade in Japan suggests that UK companies with capabilities in the following areas might have particular skills to offer:

Safety and Security including Cyber Security
Sustainability and Low Carbon technology
Broadcasting and communications
Design – from architecture to fashion and beyond
Training and consultancy services
DIT Japan will be leading a programme of activities and events in the months ahead. Initially this will focus on the exchange of lessons learnt from London 2012, but when appropriate UKTI will begin to involve relevant UK companies to the dialogue.

We shall publish further details of our engagement plans shortly.

To view the current business opportunities around the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games, please click here.