A Year of Transitions

Both Japan and the UK face major transitions in 2019. In the UK, the key issue is Brexit – though at the time of writing it remains a possibility that this will not happen, or will face significant delays. Even before its final shape has been determined, Brexit is already having an impact on UK-Japan relations, especially in the corporate sector. The 2016 vote to leave the EU was driven by a number of different factors, but can certainly be seen in the broader context of challenges to the established order around the world, including the election of Donald Trump as US President, and the more recent Gilets Jeunes demonstrations in France.

Japan’s big transition is perhaps more symbolic, as the country marks the close of the Heisei era and the accession of a new Emperor. But Japan does seem to be reaching something of a crunch point as the ageing population and resulting labour shortages start to force major decisions to be taken on issues including immigration and the use of new technologies in sectors such as care for the elderly. The boom in tourism to Japan is also driving change, and this is likely to be further accelerated by the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and the prospect of the Olympics and Paralympics in 2020.

Our 2019 Annual Seminar Series will focus on “transitions” in Japan, the UK and their surrounding environment. We shall be discussing what changes are likely to materialise in these countries over the next few years, and how these changes are expected to impact society. Our focus will be on Brexit, the rise in populism, immigration, and new technological developments. We will also be looking at how architecture, design and art may evolve in this tumultuous period.