Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson arrives in Japan on Thursday for top level security and trade talks.
The North Korean nuclear crisis is likely to feature in discussions Mr Johnson is having with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.
Mr Johnson will also hold talks on cyber safety and business opportunities.
The Foreign Secretary said: "I have come to Japan to build on our historic relationship, which is based on common values, support for democracy, human rights and free and open markets.
"Japanese companies invest more than £40 billion in the UK and our commercial relationship is stronger than ever.
"We do great work together on everything from defence and security to education, research and innovation."
Mr Johnson said British firms would play a key role in Tokyo's hosting of the 2020 Olympics.
He added: "As London Mayor I had the privilege and honour to see up close how dramatically the Olympic and Paralympic Games unified and lifted our great capital, and I am excited for the people of Tokyo that they will soon experience the magic that the Olympics brings.
"I'm proud that our world-leading expertise in staging major events will help to forge an even stronger UK-Japan partnership ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games."
Mr Johnson will head to New Zealand and Australia after he leaves Japan.