The Japanese like coming to Britain, they like investing here, and they've done pretty well at it.
So has the UK, with thousands of people now employed directly or indirectly at Japanese firms.
Britain is one of the largest recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan in the world, and there could be more to come.
The success of high tech firms like Fujitsu and Toyota in the Midlands could spearhead greater inward investment into the Midlands, the Japanese ambassador to Britain says.
Coupled with the recovery of the Japanese economy, more firms are now beginning to look abroad for opportunities, Yoshiji Nogami said.
But the pattern of their investments had changed in recent years, with firms no longer looking to get involved in manufacturing in the UK.
And just because they have been here in the past, does not mean our firms have to become complacent.
What the Japanese can bring, they can just as easily take away.
Mr Nogami said: "Those investing in manufacturing are not really increasing, while some of manufacturing companies have been moving their manufacturing base to the other low cost countries in the European Union." The Japanese are now moving into joint ventures and collaborations in the research and development sector.
Logistics, marketing and headquarters functions are also proving more popular for Japanese firms, Mr Nogami said.
They are enticed by the flexible labour market, and proximity to the massive market that is London.
Indeed, firms which are already here are increasing their investment in other parts of the country.
Nissan, for example, has augmented its automotive manufacturing base in the North East by recently opening a design centre near Paddington in London.
These functions have to be in or around cities, close to the consumer, which bodes well for the West Midlands.
Meanwhile Japanese FDI is becoming more targeted and more linked to merger and acquisition activities.
So, how can the West Midlands attract more of these firms? Why should they come here and not London, or indeed Poland? Our companies like the living conditions in the UK," said Mr Nogami. "The amenities, and look at the beautiful countryside. Also the English language is a big advantage.
"Around the Birmingham area, some of these sophisticated companies like Fujitsu and Toyota have affiliated companies - the suppliers - who are still there.
"Birmingham is also not so far from centres of excellence, like the University of Oxford, and indeed the University of Birmingham.
"There are lots of collaborative schemes between universities and companies."
Skills are still vital, with the example of Wales being a salutary warning.
Mr Nogami said: "Lots of Japanese companies set up television production sites in Wales, but the labour cost and skill is too high for normal televisions, but they have not reached the level of producing liquified crystal screens.
"So there is an inbetween, and the colour sets are now made in Poland, but the latest TVs are not built in Wales yet."
UK plc has done okay through Japanese investment in recent years. We shouldn't get complacent.
