6 DESPATCHES
A global crisis
and a green spring
paul madden cmg
british ambassador to japan

8 PUBLISHER
Survival—not Silence—
for the Sinfonia, Olympics …
and Thomas the Tank Engine
simon farrell

10 MEDIA
UK–Japan news

13 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Eventful start
Eight weeks on the job
highlight the BCCJ’s strengths
sarah backley

15 PRESIDENT
Plan and adapt
for trying times
david bickle

18 BUSINESS CONTINUITY
Virus crisis
How to keep your business going
c bryan jones

22 INTERVIEW
Matthew Knowles
Country director of the
British Council, Japan
simon farrell

24 INTERVIEW
Why Wales?
Cardiff’s man in Japan
on growing ties with Tokyo
megan casson

27 CHARITY
White lycra and shining armour
Karaoke night inspires
knights-in-midlife-crisis
rob williams

28 AWARD
Japan gives Order
of the Rising Sun to
Marie Conte-Helm OBE
Professor honoured for
service to Japan–UK relations
custom media

29 AWARD
BCCJ wins International
Chamber of the Year 2019
Gonged for 5.0, BBA, UK–Japan ties, mentor series and ACUMEN

36 INTERVIEW
The history detective
Finding twists and
turns in Japan’s past
c bryan jones

38 BEHIND THE MIC
True gold
Spandau Ballet lead singer
plans 40 more gigs after
40 years in music
guy perryman mbe

40 OPINION
Shifting society
“Class-free” Japan follows
Britain into multi-social
status inequality
noriko hama

41 OPINION
The show must go on!
Making and sharing music
robert rÿker

42 ARTS
UK events in Japan
(free tickets)

44 COMMUNITY

46 DOGS
Japan’s best of breed
Crufts gongs for Chin,
Spitz, Shiba and Akita
simon farrell

42
COVER PHOTO: BRITISH COUNCIL, JAPAN
INDUSTRY
Media & Travel
20 A-list