Also in the news...
Transfer of residence to the UK
Find out how to import your personal belongings, pets and private motor vehicles when moving or returning to the UK.
Norway's WTO Trade Policy Review: UK Statement
UK Statement at Norway’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
UK-Norway Iceland Liechtenstein free trade agreement
Business guidance, reports and other documents to help you understand the UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein free trade agreement (FTA).
Essential Steps Before Launching an International Auction Business
Expanding a business internationally presents unique challenges, particularly when that business involves auctions. The global auction market continues to grow as more entrepreneurs see its potential for reaching new customers across borders. However, success in this specialised field requires careful planning and the right technological foundation.
Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts
UK Export Finance supports renewable energy tech company Dulas to deliver life-saving vaccine refrigerators to over 80 countries worldwide.
Japan’s first salaried foreign ninja
A region of Japan looking to use ninja warriors to boost tourism has made an American the first foreign national to draw a salary for joining the country’s traditional group of assassins
Aichi Prefecture (near Nagoya to the south west of Tokyo) had been seeking 6 full-time ninja. Ninja were skilled in espionage and guerrilla warfare; they were hired mercenaries during the turmoil that marked the Sengoku (Waring States) Period between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Job postings said candidates of any nationality were welcome. Of the 235 applicants, 85% were non-Japanese. 29-year-old Chris O’Neill so impressed the selection panel with acrobatic flips during his auditions that officials created an extra place for him.
The ninja squad will receive one-year contracts and a monthly salary of ¥180,000 (US$1,750) plus bonuses. O’Neill will work alongside six Japanese colleagues comprising five men and one woman. Their duties include performing acrobatic flips, demonstrating their trademark shuriken throwing stars and posing for photographs with tourists.