The History of Japanese Settlers in London

Japanese Sailors First Come to London

The first Japanese visitors came in the 16th and 17th centuries, many of whom were sailors. 

The late Victorian period saw a flourishing of interest in Japanese culture as Japan opened its borders and its people made trips to the West to promote their unique traditions and lifestyle at trade fairs and exhibitions. 

From the 1980s to the present day, over 25 Japanese businesses have made London their home.

Today's Japanese Community in London

Most of the 19,000 Japanese people resident in London are business people and their families or students, which makes the community particularly transient. 

However, there are distinct clusters of Japanese communities in parts of Barnet, North London – specifically in the Finchley area from Swiss Cottage up to North Finchley and Golders Green. 

You'll have no trouble finding some very good Japanese restaurants and grocery shops.

Japanese London: Did You Know?

• The Greater Tokyo Area, with over 30 million residents, is the world's largest metropolitan area. London's metropolitan population is about 14 million
• As a gesture of goodwill, the London-based English Football Association sent a replica of the FA Cup to the fledgeling All Japan Schools Soccer Tournament held in Osaka in 1918
• Japanese novelist Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) is the only Japanese person to have an English Heritage blue plaque dedicated to them. You'll see it at 81 The Chase, Clapham, SW4