Building Leeds’ links with Japan

Leeds’ economic vision, launched last year, set out an ambition to build new links with Japan. Last week marked an important step on that journey, bringing together a Japanese light installation and a visit focused on sharing knowledge and exploring opportunities for collaboration.

A Japanese light artist makes his UK debut

Light Night Leeds 2026 welcomed Japanese light artist Yasuhiro Chida for his first-ever UK installation. Presented at Aire Park, Aftereal created a rippling landscape of light, with hundreds of fluorescent threads rising, falling and shimmering under ultraviolet illumination. It offered Light Night visitors a striking visual experience.

Sharing knowledge and building connections

The Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) in London is an important partner in building these relationships. Last week, we welcomed a delegation of officers seconded to the centre from Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Oita Prefectural Government, Ichikawa City Government and Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The visit explored several aspects of Leeds City Council’s work, including our economic vision, financial management systems and close collaboration with the University of Leeds on research and innovation.

Discussions covered the city’s sector strengths and plans to develop the ‘Northern Square Mile’ which is Leeds’ nationally significant financial and professional services hub. This brings together major banks, legal and advisory firms, financial technology businesses and national institutions.

We also explored the regeneration of Leeds’ South Bank and how the city is expanding its global reach through culture and international relations.

Looking ahead

This is just the beginning of our collaboration. As Leeds builds its relationships with Japan, we look forward to exploring inward investment opportunities for Japanese companies, retaining talent, developing inclusive cultural programming and connecting university researchers and innovation hubs.