The UK and Japan have reached an all-time high in their relationship, anchored by a powerful alliance in science and technology. This momentum is driven by high-impact collaboration, including their Strategic Cyber Partnership and Semiconductor Partnership. As the UK and Japan's closest security partners in Europe and Asia, respectively, they are uniquely positioned to harness their shared innovation capabilities.
Prime Minister Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi announced their intent to work together to progress high-priority frontier technology challenges in January 2026. The new Frontier Technology Partnership will combine the UK's world-class software and research leadership with Japan's unparalleled hardware and manufacturing power to support collaboration across their distinct yet highly compatible industrial bases.
The partnership will focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, promoting trust, safety, and cooperation. It will also generate growth and build a competitive edge by mobilising private capital towards strategic technologies and fostering commercial collaboration. Additionally, it will shape the development of critical technologies and safeguard shared values through multilateral coordination on international standards and regulation.
The UK and Japan have identified emerging technologies that are critical for their respective nations, including AI, and have committed to promoting ties between their respective AI innovation ecosystems. They aim to unlock the power of AI for science and explore formal pathways to interlock their AI semiconductor strengths. Furthermore, they will deepen cooperation between Japan AISI and UK AISI in driving forward the science of AI evaluation.
With this partnership, the UK and Japan will be well-placed to enhance their economic and national security in an era of growing geopolitical unpredictability. By working together, they will achieve their shared ambition of peace, prosperity, and stability for the international community.