In a call reported by the Prime Minister's Office on 20 August 2026, the UK Prime Minister spoke with Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. According to the release, the two leaders discussed strengthening the UK-Japan partnership, including closer trade cooperation aimed at driving growth and creating opportunities in both countries.

On defence, the UK Prime Minister set out an ambition for the UK, Japan and Italy to continue strengthening security cooperation through GCAP, and both leaders welcomed Canada becoming the programme's first observer. On Ukraine, the UK Prime Minister thanked Takaichi for Japan's ongoing support against Russia's invasion and outlined the need to apply further pressure on Russia. The leaders also discussed Indo-Pacific challenges and the importance of working together to support security and stability in the region.

The release states that the UK Prime Minister praised the work of Japanese Ambassador to the UK Hiroshi Suzuki in helping deepen bilateral relations, and that the two leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.