Introduction

Abstract

Literature on Anglo-Japanese relations have centred on diplomacy, industry, and culture, but failed to incorporate the EC/EU dimension. In this book the Nissan-Sunderland deal will be thoroughly addressed with an eye on the negotiations of the Thatcher administration and Nissan’s European strategy. Britain’s EC/EU membership was at the core of both parties. Another crucial missing piece was trade unions and its misunderstood role in the negotiations, which was the key for both Nissan’s choice of plant location and its “successful” operation. The Brexit referendum of 2016 and Carlos Ghosn’s fall have put the future of Sunderland in uncertainty.