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In a written submission to the UK as part of the [Balance of Competences] review revealed over the weekend, the Japanese government said that 1,300 Japanese companies had invested in the UK, creating over 130,000 jobs. "This fact demonstrates that the advantage of the UK as a gateway to the European market has attracted Japanese investment", it stated, adding that it expected that "the UK will maintain a strong voice and continue to play a major role in the EU".
The conservative/liberal coalition has also adopted legislation to create a 'referendum block', meaning that all future EU treaty changes involving further transfers of power to Brussels would be subject to a public vote. A government memo launching the review commented that it would serve as "an audit of what the EU does and how it affects the UK". "It is important that Britain has a clear sense of how our national interests interact with the EU’s roles, particularly at a time of great change for the EU", it said.
Government of Japan's Contribution to the UK's Balance of Competences Review, 15.7.13
BNE response: Japan is right - leaving the EU would risk jobs, 21.7.13