Britain’s Johnson might visit Japan in February if U.K. political situation allows

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:16 JST, January 30, 2022

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson next month might make his first visit to Japan since he assumed the post.

Tokyo and London are coordinating the schedule for mid-February and Johnson is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on their cooperation in promoting the vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The two leaders will likely look to enhance bilateral security cooperation, as China has been strengthening its maritime presence.

Kishida and Johnson are also expected to discuss the early conclusion of the Japan-U.K. Reciprocal Access Agreement so that they can accept each other’s forces into their country.

The talks will likely confirm the two nation’s cooperation on the increasingly tense situation in Ukraine.

Johnson, however, faces a tense situation at home, with calls growing for his resignation over repeated parties and social gatherings held at the prime minister’s official Downing Street residence with his staff during coronavirus lockdowns.

Depending on the political situation in Britain and developments in Ukraine, it may become difficult for Johnson to visit Japan.