Chair's message

The Japan-British Society of Kagoshima (JBSK) traces its roots to research on Dr William Willis—a British physician who played a pivotal role in modernising medicine in Kagoshima—conducted by the late Professor Emeritus Hachiro Sato of Kagoshima University. Building on this legacy, and following a suggestion from the former British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Hugh Cortazzi, members of Kagoshima’s academic, cultural, and business communities established the society in 1992 to further advance the deep historical relationship between Kagoshima and the United Kingdom.

Since our founding, we have fostered close ties with many distinguished guests from the UK, including British Ambassadors to Japan. At the same time, we have organised lectures exploring our profound historical links — such as the Anglo-Satsuma War and the stories of the Satsuma Students — as well as events designed to introduce British culture and society to the wider community.

In 2020, we had the privilege of planting a sapling from the historic ginkgo tree in Pembroke, Wales—associated with Admiral Togo Heihachiro — in Tagayama Park, Kagoshima City. Today, this tree stands as a living symbol of our long history of exchange and the enduring friendship that extends into the future.

In recent years, we have also hosted an annual UK-themed essay contest, creating valuable opportunities to foster a deeper interest in Britain among younger generations and the broader public.

Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to honouring the heritage of exchange built by our predecessors, while nurturing fresh engagement across diverse fields such as culture, education, and commerce for future generations.

We warmly invite all who share an interest in the United Kingdom to join our activities and help expand the circle of Anglo-Japanese friendship.

SHIMADZU, Kimiyasu

Chair of the Japan-British Society of Kagoshima