The EU-Japan Centre launched "Step in Japan", a new highly anticipated support initiative for SMEs. The service, which is offered free of charge, acts as a landing pad for SMEs based in the EU or COSME partnering country, planning on entering into or expanding within Japan. The initiative encompasses a full range of essential support measures for businesses:

• free office space in Japan: a “hot desk” in Tokyo on the Centre’s premises that includes an internet connection and telephone (**) for up to 1 month (a maximum of 2 beneficiaries per time slot);
• full access to meeting and seminar facilities within the Centre’s premises;
• a help desk for information inquiries on business in Japan;
• assistance with using the Enterprise Europe Network service while in Japan.

(**) unlimited local calls