Ben Line Japan marks 200 years anniversary in Tokyo with over 160 guests, featuring speeches, a Scottish performance, and a tribute to our heritage and future.

 

 

Celebrating 200 Years of Ben Line in Japan

This year, Ben Line Japan marked a historic milestone with our 200th anniversary celebration, held at Daiichi Hotel in Tokyo on July 24^th,2025.  Attended by over 160 guests including vendors, customers, Ben Line alumni and many long-standing supporters.

The evening began with an opening address from our Chairman, Mr Iigaki, the longest-serving contributor to Ben Line Japan, who reflected on our history in Japan - from the opening of Yokohama Port in 1859 to the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.

Kris Vandermeer, Ben Line Group CEO honoured the occasion with a bilingual speech and leading a toast in English and Japanese, followed by congratulatory remarks from Mr Gen Nakatani, current Japan’s Minister of Defence invited as a friend of Mr. Iigaki, together with other distinguished guests. Our Country Manager, Joe Nakaue, brought the evening to a close with a message of commitment to growth and to Ben Line’s next 200 years.

To round off the celebration, guests enjoyed a traditional Scottish music and unique dance performance — a nod to our roots and the heritage that continues to inspire us today.