Japan publicly cautioned the two candidates vying to replace Prime Minister Theresa May that Japanese investment could leave the country if there is a no-deal Brexit, urging Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt to avoid such a scenario.

Japan, one of the biggest investors in the British economy, is very concerned about a disorderly Brexit that would have a very negative impact on Japanese firms in Britain, Foreign Minister Taro Kono told.

“Please, no no-deal Brexit,” Kono said. “Some companies are already starting to move their operations to other places in Europe.”

Asked whether investment could leave Britain, Kono said: “It could be that there is going to be less investment.”