Hello, I'm Matthew Hallhouse, Emlex's correspondent covering the UK's changing relationship with the European Union.

Welcome to this new addition to Emlex's series of podcasts. The Brexit divorce is entering its most sensitive and dangerous phase.

Between now and Christmas, the UK and the EU must seal an agreement to terminate the country's four decades of membership and lay the

ground for a new trade and security agreement.

But talks face collapse over the vexed question of how to avoid a customs and regulatory

border between Ireland and the UK.

Both sides warn that the risk of a messy no-deal exit is rising unless cool heads prevail.

Countries around the world are watching anxiously, but perhaps none more so than Japan, which has long regarded the UK as the ideal foothold for trade in Europe.

My colleague, Emlex senior reporter Satchko Sakamaki, has been following developments in Tokyo.

Sotiko, hello from London.

Hi, Matthew, greeting from Tokyo.

Let's set the scene.

The Brexiteers say that Britain's departure from the EU is an opportunity to trade more freely

with the world. So why is Japan

so worried?

Well, in Japan, the level of concern is rising after the warnings from both the EU and

the UK about a possible no-deal scenario. Japan has a big stake in the UK.

It's the second biggest destination for the Japanese foreign direct investment after the

US.

As much as 38% of Japan's foreign direct investment in the EU goes straight into the UK.

In other words, the UK has been a gateway to the EU for many Japanese

companies. That's why the Japanese government and business lobbies have been unusually vocal

...