[Event report] Copeland Evening at the Royal Norwegian Embassy

NCCJ co-hosted a "Copeland event" at the Aurora Hall, Royal Norwegian Embassy, on February 12, 17:30 to 21:00. The event brought together members and invited guests from the Norwegian–Japanese business and cultural community. The event was co-hosted by NCCJ, Norway Japan Society and the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo.
The event was held on February 12 to coincide with the anniversary of William Copeland’s passing; February 11th. The evening honored the life and legacy of the Norwegian Johan Martinius Thoresen—better known as William Copeland, the founder of the Spring Valley brewery in Yokohama, later aquired by Kirin and is recognized as the firm commercial beer brewery in Japan. Copeland was one of the most influential pioneers in Japan’s beer brewing history. The event was held with the strong support of the Norwegian Ambassador to Japan, Kristin Iglum, who welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of cultural and historical ties between Norway and Japan.
The presentation was delivered by Glenn Scoggins, a highly respected local historian with academic training from Yale University and Harvard University and long-standing teaching experience in Japan, together with Jan Einar Strømsodd, a Norwegian long-term resident of Japan, former tax consultant, and founder of the internationally recognized publication Your Next Shoes. Their contributions connected business, history, and culture, offering valuable insight into Copeland’s achievements and his lasting influence on Japan’s brewing industry.  And also the history of perhaps the first Norwegian business entrepreneur to be established in Japan.
The evening also welcomed colleagues from Kirin, sponsoring beer for the event. We also had Norwegian food generously sponsored by our corporate members: premium Norwegian trout of the renowned brand "Fossen" from Lerøy, cheese from TINE, and traditional crispbread from Sigdal Bakeri.  NCCJ welcomes this to our events to highlight our members' products and brands.
The Copeland Evening served as a meaningful platform for dialogue, networking, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the shared heritage and ongoing collaboration between Norway and Japan.