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What kind of cultural values in Japanese business etiquette should be understood in depth to conduct successful business relationships in Japan? This work is based on a broader research conducted by the author in Japan as a Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Tokyo. It has two main aims. After presenting the identified cultural values in Japanese business, the author describes some situations where misunderstandings arise and the obstacles that result from...

How do we present and market a European Arts production to Japanese audiences?This report uncovers resident Japanese perceptions of European Visual and Performing Arts events and charts their recent experiences. The structure of our report focuses on a combination of case studies and primary market research. We also conducted in-depth interviews with a number of professionals who have experience either as a producer or as an artist working with Japan. It acts as a guide and practical entry map...

Will human assistant robotics represent the solution to population ageing?When it comes to human assistant robotics Japan is known as leading contributor to its development. The advanced level of technological sophistication, a population that is said to be particularly open to the utilisation of robots for personal care, the growing demand based on societal challenges etc. make Japan a perfect market and partner. As European countries face a similar demographic development they see the same...

What are the characteristics of the Japanese artificial intelligence industry and market?The Japanese government is focusing on artificial intelligence as a key for Japan’s revival as a leading technology nation. Prime Minister Abe is calling for greater use of AI and robotics as part of Japan’s new economic growth strategy. In contrast to the U.S. market, the utilisation of deep learning in AI has not yet reached mainstream in Japan. Recently, Japanese companies have started to look overseas...

How does the tax system in Japan work with regard to consumption tax? Japan’s current consumption tax rate is 8 % and is expected to rise in the coming years, including a system of differentiated tax rates for daily necessities. In a number of aspects such as payment of consumption taxes, filing for returns and withholding of taxes the Japanese system differs from most EU countries. In this seminar, tax expert Ms. Hiroko Koido from TGN Soleil Accounting Firm in Tokyo, will give an outline of the...

How do you successfully navigate through the cultural challenges you face when trying to penetrate the Japanese market?For European companies looking to penetrate the Japanese market there are several cultural factors that can facilitate or dramatically impede your entry into the market. The objectives of this webinar is to review the different challenges you are likely to face and to provide you with tools to be more effective in your work and communication with Japanese partners or clients.The...

What are the current developments in the Japanese railways market and do EU SMEs have business opportunities there?The Japanese railway market has a reputation of being closed to foreign companies. Strong cross-links between various actors in the market, have made it difficult for foreign entrants to build up a successful business case there. In this webinar an overview is given of the market, the challenges of the market, possible opportunities for entry and current trends.The webinar is...

What is the landscape, and what are the key trends in the energy storage sector? What are the trends in the Japanese energy storage market? What does the energy storage market play in the renewable energy and clean-tech sector in Japan?In the 21st century, the future of the energy landscape throughout the industrialized world is a context defined by the rise of renewable energies, as well as the diversification and diffusion of energy generation. However, the emergence of this reality gives rise...

Will Japan succeed in creating a hydrogen-driven society? The Japanese government led by PM Abe has vowed to make Japan a “hydrogen society”. The expectations are high, but so are also the challenges. Various initiatives have been made including a roadmap to achieve this target. This presentation will highlight the current status of the transition to a hydrogen-driven society and look into potential opportunities for European SMEs. The webinar is targeted to EU companies seeking to enter the...

Why has the Drone Industry in Japan become such a hype?Japan have been using unmanned helicopters for more than 40 years in agricultural applications. Now many other applications have gained a lot of interest. The first drone laws were implemented during 2015. The Japanese government has also allocated several special zones for field trial. Large and small companies are developing and field trialling new solutions. Year 2015 is regarded as year number 1 for the drone industry.At the moment toys...

Which media should you use to gain the maximum return on your investment when advertising in Japan?When entering the Japanese market, European companies experience many differences in how business is run in Japan. Information relating to advertising in Japan is very limited in English and the advertising industry practices are very domestic, which makes it almost hard for European companies to understand and make the right decision. This webinar provides an overview on the advertising industry...

What taxes do you need to be aware of when doing business in Japan?No one can escape from taxes. As Japan is one of the high tax countries, you need to carefully prepare your business plans beforehand, so that you will not have unpleasant surprise to receive high tax bills after you make profits in the Japanese market. Having at least basic knowledge of how your business can be taxed in Japan is prerequisite for any SME planning to expand into the Japanese market. The webinar is targeted at EU...

Which opportunities does the composite materials market in Japan offer for EU companies?Japan is not only home to large chemical companies that manufacture raw materials and composite materials, but also has a large market for composites in industries such as construction, aerospace or automobile manufacturing. As in all “high-tech” sectors, another typical characteristic is the high occurrence of inter-company R&D cooperation. For these reasons, Japan can be an interesting base for the...

Which opportunities does the Japanese market for personal protective equipment offer for EU companies?This webinar informs you about recent trends in the market for personal protective equipment in Japan, such as helmets, safety goggles or protective footwear. Such products are used, among others, in the following fields: manufacturing, construction, chemical industry or firefighting and disaster management. An overview over regulations, market players and distribution paths will be given...

How to benefit from EU-Japan joint cooperation programmes in the ICT sector?Since 2012, the European Commission and the NICT and the MIC of Japan have been jointly launching call for project proposals addressing today’s and tomorrow’s challenges on ICT. This webinar will be presenting 3 of the projects that have been accepted to get funding from the European and Japanese authorities. The objective is to present the project results, pilot deployments and overall the software that can be reusable...

How to find a reliable distributor and increase your sales results in Japan?In order to succeed in Japanese market, it is necessary to understand the distribution network for your product. Being aware of distribution system and how it works, you will be able to find a right distributor for a particular product. Therefore, there are several key factors to check before starting business in Japan- select right distribution channel, select the best distributor/wholesaler for your product, and know...

How can European and Japanese organisations cooperate in aviation research?The webinar will be introducing the SUNJET II project and the opportunities for European and Japanese companies to cooperate in the aeronautic sector. SUNJET II aims at providing the European Commission and METI with recommendations on relevant research topics to be funded in the future. The project is also setting up a guidance desk to help businesses find the relevant information on how to initiate a successful research...

What are the main trends of the ceramic products markets in Japan?If you are a bioceramics (dental or bone implants), tableware or interior design ceramic producer or major distributor this webinar will provide you some understandings of the Japanese ceramic market trends and opportunities. Japan’s aging population and the elders' expectations for a healthy, qualitative and active life represent great potential for products complying with this demands. At the same time the younger generations...

This project was conducted as part of the MINERVA research fellowship programme of the EU-Japan Centre, and the final report provides a comprehensive overview of the Japan Space policy and industry, with a focus on Earth Observation (EO), including a SWOT analysis of the Japanese EO industry. It’s the first report of its kind dedicated to the commercial EO data service industry in Japan, and it distinguishes itself through fresh market analysis based on on-site interviews with 40 private and...

What role does an open city platform play in creating smart city innovation?Data will be what the smart city of the future runs on. To make this a reality, cities need a platform where data from a variety of sources –e.g., Internet of Things data, open government data, social media – can be processed, linked, and analysed and made accessible to third parties for further exploitation. The CPaaS.io project is building such a platform in Europe and in Japan. The webinar is introducing this platform...