VJ Day - 15 August 2025 marks both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. The conclusion of years of hardship, sacrifice and bloodshed brought joy and relief for many; for others, it heralded a new world of uncertainty. It also marks the beginning of a new and fruitful relationship between Britain and Japan, which is growing in importance today.
The panellists will discuss the impact of the Second World War on UK and Japanese foreign and security policy. They will also consider how the bilateral relationship between both countries has evolved and discuss UK-Japan relations today.
Panellists:
- Professor Gary Sheffield FRHistS, Visiting Professor in Defence Studies, King’s College London.
- Dr Keizo Kitagawa, RUSI Associate Fellow and former Japanese Defence Attaché to the UK.
- Paul Madden CMG FRGS, former British Ambassador to Japan.
- Dr Philip Shetler-Jones, Senior Research Fellow in Indo-Pacific Security, RUSI.
The webinar will be moderated by Gill Bennett OBE FRHistS, Senior Associate Fellow, RUSI and former Chief Historian, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
