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is a joint venture co-financed by the European Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Its aim is to foster the development of industrial cooperation between companies from both regions through training programmes for businesspeople, for EU and Japanese students and researchers, and through information services and an industrial dialogue. This quarterly newsletter is produced by the EU-based office of the EU-Japan Centre, and is primarily intended to provide EU/Japan-related news.

Centre's News

Vulcanus in Europe 2023/24 - Interview with Yudai and Keisuke

During the orientation seminar for the Vulcanus in Europe programme 2023/24 session, held on 20 and 21 April in Brussels, the EU-Japan Centre had the chance to meet the participants of this year’s edition. We asked two of them, Yudai Morita and Keisuke Murota, to share with us how their experience abroad was going, which challenges they were facing and what hopes they had for the future.

Vulcanus in Europe 2023/24 - Interview with Yudai and Keisuke

During the orientation seminar for the Vulcanus in Europe programme 2023/24 session, held on 20 and 21 April in Brussels, the EU-Japan Centre had the chance to meet the participants of this year’s edition. We asked two of them, Yudai Morita and Keisuke Murota, to share with us how their experience abroad was going, which challenges they were facing and what hopes they had for the future.

Revamping the EU-Japan Centre Website

We are happy to announce that we have revamped our website! Have a look and skim through the Centre’s activities and services with a new and improved perspective.

Japanese Industry and Policy News May 2023

The Centre regularly screens various Japanese language sources of potential interest, including newly released policy documents, surveys, and official statements, to provide you with the latest information about EU-Japan cooperation.

EU enterprises still uncommon in Japanese government procurement – Survey

A survey among 950 procurement offices of Japanese government organizations has shown that since the enactment of the EPA, participation of EU enterprises in government tenders is still uncommon.

Japanese Industry and Policy News May 2023

The Centre regularly screens various Japanese language sources of potential interest, including newly released policy documents, surveys, and official statements, to provide you with the latest information about EU-Japan cooperation.

EU-Japan BRT to meet in November

The 25th annual meeting of the EU-Japan Business Round Table will take place in Brussels on Tuesday, 7 November 2023.

Our latest Market Access Workshops

In its ongoing efforts to help European SMEs to access the Japanese market, the EU-Japan Centre has organized on regular bases since 2015 various market access workshops to explain the specificities of doing business in Japan, focusing on the cultural aspects or some industrial sectors. These workshops are organized within the frame of the Centre’s activities as a member of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).  

The EU-Japan Centre is happy to announce the successful conclusion of four workshops since March, co-organized with the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the...

Our latest Market Access Workshops

In its ongoing efforts to help European SMEs to access the Japanese market, the EU-Japan Centre has organized on regular bases since 2015 various market access workshops to explain the specificities of doing business in Japan, focusing on the cultural aspects or some industrial sectors. These workshops are organized within the frame of the Centre’s activities as a member of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).  

The EU-Japan Centre is happy to announce the successful conclusion of four workshops since March, co-organized with the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the...

Space.Japan Webinar: Risk Monitoring from Space

Space.Japan, in collaboration with a spacetech SME from Portugal, Spotlite, hosted a webinar titled ‘Risk Monitoring from Space’ on 10 May 2023.

EU-Japan Centre’s First Green Mission Completed

Eight SMEs from France, Estonia, Germany, Italy, and Spain attended the EU-Japan Centre’s first Green Mission to Japan held from 14 to 17 March, and the Decarbonization Expo in Tokyo.

Feedback from the Centre’s nanotech Mission 2023

From 30 January to 3 February 2023, the EU-Japan Centre organized the 6th edition of its Nanotech mission in Japan. 9 EU entrepreneurs from 5 different countries (France, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden and Netherlands) had the opportunity to showcase their products and innovative seeds during nano tech 2023 – the 22nd International Nanotechnology Exhibition & Conference.

Lean in Europe visits to Ski Beat and to Fly S.p.a.

A preview of July’s Lean in Europe visit to a machining company in Italy and a review of April’s Lean visit to a hospitality company in France.

Some participants feedback from WCM November 2022-online edition

While still gathering some feedback from participants of the most recent WCM March 2023 session (the first physical mission in Japan after covid), we are pleased to share with you two testimonials from the online session last November.

Feedback from the Centre’s nanotech Mission 2023

From 30 January to 3 February 2023, the EU-Japan Centre organized the 6th edition of its Nanotech mission in Japan. 9 EU entrepreneurs from 5 different countries (France, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden and Netherlands) had the opportunity to showcase their products and innovative seeds during nano tech 2023 – the 22nd International Nanotechnology Exhibition & Conference.

Interview series: the people behind EU-Japan cooperation

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is launching a new series of articles meant to introduce the individuals and organizations making EU-Japan collaboration possible. Here below is a snippet of the interview with our first guest: Sophie Bocklandt, General Manager, Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan - BLCCJ.

“About Japan” Case Study – Abbeal, Start-up, France

Abbeal is a French start-up specializing in web and mobile development consultancy. They have four branches in France (Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Bordeaux) as well as two subsidiaries in Canada (Toronto and Montréal) and one in Tokyo, Japan. They recently expanded their business in Japan and met quite a big success in the country of the rising sun. 

With the purpose of showcasing EU companies’ successes in Japan, Mr. Mohamed Elwageeh, Abbeal’s country manager of Japan, is answering some questions by the EU-Japan Centre.  

An Introduction
At the moment, Abbe...

Interview series: the people behind EU-Japan cooperation

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is launching a new series of articles meant to introduce the individuals and organizations making EU-Japan collaboration possible. Here below is a snippet of the interview with our first guest: Sophie Bocklandt, General Manager, Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan - BLCCJ.

“About Japan” Case Study – Abbeal, Start-up, France

Abbeal is a French start-up specializing in web and mobile development consultancy. They have four branches in France (Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Bordeaux) as well as two subsidiaries in Canada (Toronto and Montréal) and one in Tokyo, Japan. They recently expanded their business in Japan and met quite a big success in the country of the rising sun. 

With the purpose of showcasing EU companies’ successes in Japan, Mr. Mohamed Elwageeh, Abbeal’s country manager of Japan, is answering some questions by the EU-Japan Centre.  

An Introduction
At the moment, Abbe...

Latest “About Japan” report released

The EU Business in Japan content provides practical information for European Union businesses in need of clear guidelines to trade with or invest in Japan or cooperate with Japanese partners.

Upcoming and past “About Japan” webinars

Lately, the EU-Japan Centre conducted a series of webinars, covering many sectors and topics, to support EU companies doing business with Japan.

Survey: help us improve our “About Japan” content

Addressed to EU companies and organizations, this 5-minute survey is anonymous, and will help us plan future content, reports, and webinars releases to better suit Users’ needs.

“Keys to Japan” - Compete for sponsorship of your market entry plan for Japan

“Keys to Japan” is a European Commission-funded initiative, managed by the EU-Japan Centre to help a selected European SME considering marketing a product or a service in Japan by developing a detailed and personalised market entry plan for it.

“Keys to Japan” - Compete for sponsorship of your market entry plan for Japan

“Keys to Japan” is a European Commission-funded initiative, managed by the EU-Japan Centre to help a selected European SME considering marketing a product or a service in Japan by developing a detailed and personalised market entry plan for it.

“STEP IN JAPAN” your free office space in Tokyo… and much more

Are you an SME from the EU or SMP-COSME country(*) planning to go to Japan? Then do not miss out on this opportunity: the EU-Japan Centre offers FREE logistical support and business assistance at our Tokyo office, for up to one month.

From EU

From Japan

The Fintech market in Japan – FinCity.Tokyo

Japan’s fintech market is estimated at JPY1,210 billion (USD 12 billion), which is still very small compared to markets such as that of the US (USD 4 trillion). However, it has been showing constant growth. From 2017, a CAGR of nearly 70% is estimated towards 2022. FinCity.Tokyo, as a public-private agency established to promote Tokyo as a global financial hub, would be delighted to support EU firms to connect with Japan’s ecosystem.

Introduction of Global Biocommunities: Biocommunity Kansai “BiocK”

Biocommunity Kansai “BiocK” is one of the first global Biocommunities in Japan, established in July 2021 and certified by the Japanese cabinet office in April 2022, based on the Japanese cabinet office's Bioeconomy Strategy "Realization of the World's Most Advanced Bioeconomy Society".

Mochida Pharmaceutical’s open innovation programme

Since 2019, the company is managing its MOIRe (Mochida Open Innovation Research) programme and is now inviting researchers and research representatives affiliated with public research institutions, universities, etc. to submit proposals for collaborative research.

The Fintech market in Japan – FinCity.Tokyo

Japan’s fintech market is estimated at JPY1,210 billion (USD 12 billion), which is still very small compared to markets such as that of the US (USD 4 trillion). However, it has been showing constant growth. From 2017, a CAGR of nearly 70% is estimated towards 2022. FinCity.Tokyo, as a public-private agency established to promote Tokyo as a global financial hub, would be delighted to support EU firms to connect with Japan’s ecosystem.

JETRO Survey on Business Operations of Foreign-affiliated Companies in Japan

JETRO conducted a survey on foreign-affiliated companies based in Japan and released its report in March.

Spotted publication

The monthly magazine “Highlighting Japan” is published by the Japanese Government to help readers better understand Japan today. Latest issues: March - the Japanese and gold (part II); April – the charms of Hiroshima.

EU-Japan News

Visit of the Ambassador of Japan in Spain to Málaga Techpark

In April 2023, the new Ambassador of Japan in Spain as well as a member of the embassy visited Málaga TechPark, the Technology Park in Andalusia, Spain, with the intention of strengthening the business and academic relationship between Japan and Málaga. 

The city of Málaga has become a technology referent at a European and global level thanks to the 30-year efforts of Malaga TechPark and the collaboration with private and public companies, institutions, and academic organisms. The Ambassador Nakamae had the opportunity to learn about the park’s development model and its innov...

Agri-food co-operatives in southern Europe exchange experiences with the Japanese social economy

Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de Andalucía (Agri-food Cooperatives of Andalusia), a federation which brings over 650 cooperatives and more than 290,000 farmers in southern Spain, organised a trade mission to Japan last April to find out about the cooperative model in the country and to expand the frontiers of its production.

Full of success Polish-Japan trade mission

The cities of Krotoszyn (Poland), Okinoshima (Japan), and Misato (Japan) have organised a very successful trade mission to Shimane Prefecture (Japan) in 2023. This mission signifies a continuation of joint activities implemented in 2019, which were interrupted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Visit of the Ambassador of Japan in Spain to Málaga Techpark

In April 2023, the new Ambassador of Japan in Spain as well as a member of the embassy visited Málaga TechPark, the Technology Park in Andalusia, Spain, with the intention of strengthening the business and academic relationship between Japan and Málaga. 

The city of Málaga has become a technology referent at a European and global level thanks to the 30-year efforts of Malaga TechPark and the collaboration with private and public companies, institutions, and academic organisms. The Ambassador Nakamae had the opportunity to learn about the park’s development model and its innov...

Agri-food co-operatives in southern Europe exchange experiences with the Japanese social economy

Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de Andalucía (Agri-food Cooperatives of Andalusia), a federation which brings over 650 cooperatives and more than 290,000 farmers in southern Spain, organised a trade mission to Japan last April to find out about the cooperative model in the country and to expand the frontiers of its production.

Full of success Polish-Japan trade mission

The cities of Krotoszyn (Poland), Okinoshima (Japan), and Misato (Japan) have organised a very successful trade mission to Shimane Prefecture (Japan) in 2023. This mission signifies a continuation of joint activities implemented in 2019, which were interrupted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Vitagora’s actions for gathering French & Japanese Life and Food sciences ecosystems

Vitagora, the French agri-food and innovation cluster, has been collaborating with the Japanese Kyushu Bio Cluster Conference (KBCC) for more than 10 years, implementing tangible and long-term actions between the two networks: visiting companies and research centers, discovering the expertise of both networks, signing partnership agreements between their members.

ITALIA Pavilion at CPHI JAPAN 2023 with 13 companies

The Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy has organized a national pavilion at the 20th edition of CPHI JAPAN (19-21 April 2023) with 13 companies. The aim of the participation to the tradeshow was to promote the excellence of Made in Italy, to show the high level of development achieved by Italian production techniques, and to strengthen the presence of the Italian pharmaceutical industry in the Japanese market, increasing the business opportunities for the companies.

Vitagora’s actions for gathering French & Japanese Life and Food sciences ecosystems

Vitagora, the French agri-food and innovation cluster, has been collaborating with the Japanese Kyushu Bio Cluster Conference (KBCC) for more than 10 years, implementing tangible and long-term actions between the two networks: visiting companies and research centers, discovering the expertise of both networks, signing partnership agreements between their members.

Exclusive lamb&goat from Europe

The Spanish Interprofessional Sheep and Goat Meat Organization, alongside the Hungarian Organization of Sheep meat producers, presents “Exclusive Lamb&Goat from Europe”, a three-year programme launched to bring quality meat products of European origin closer to the sector professionals in Japan.

ITALIA Pavilion at CPHI JAPAN 2023 with 13 companies

The Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy has organized a national pavilion at the 20th edition of CPHI JAPAN (19-21 April 2023) with 13 companies. The aim of the participation to the tradeshow was to promote the excellence of Made in Italy, to show the high level of development achieved by Italian production techniques, and to strengthen the presence of the Italian pharmaceutical industry in the Japanese market, increasing the business opportunities for the companies.

Poland and Japan strengthen cooperation on hydrogen

On 4 May 2023, Polish Minister of Climate and Environment, Anna Moscow, and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Yasutoshi Nishimura, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of hydrogen.

Japanese and European nuclear industries partner to promote nuclear energy development

On 26 April 2023: nucleareurope, the trade association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe, and the Japanese Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in advancing nuclear energy’s development, application, and deployment to meet energy security and climate change goals.

Poland and Japan strengthen cooperation on hydrogen

On 4 May 2023, Polish Minister of Climate and Environment, Anna Moscow, and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Yasutoshi Nishimura, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of hydrogen.

FFJ - Banque de France workshop on climate change

Climate change and its associated natural disasters pose significant financial risks to economies around the world. As a result, central banks are increasingly being called upon to integrate environmental issues into their policies.

News from EU-Japan Business Round Table’s member NEC Japan establishes European subsidiaries to strengthen its work on AI drug development

NEC strengthens its European life science activities where AI technology, biomedical science and ICT combine to develop advanced therapies for patients across the globe. Central and Northern Europe’s vivid entrepreneurial and scientific environment, and the European clinical network and regulatory infrastructure, help drive developments in immunotherapies.

Romanian - Japanese Innovation FORUM: Matchmaking & pitching sessions

Cluj-Napoca will host The Romanian - Japanese Innovation Forum, an event organised with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Romania, Romanian ministries, national and local authorities, and other clusters in the region. The event aims to straighten the Romanian – Japanese collaboration, as both countries signed a strategic partnership in March 2023, to deepen cooperation in the field of science and technology.

Smart Manufacturing Summit

Smart Manufacturing Summit (13-15 March 2024, Aichi, Japan) delivers a new, innovative event format for professionals working in industry, IOT technologies, AI and robotics.

News from EU-Japan Business Round Table’s member NEC Japan establishes European subsidiaries to strengthen its work on AI drug development

NEC strengthens its European life science activities where AI technology, biomedical science and ICT combine to develop advanced therapies for patients across the globe. Central and Northern Europe’s vivid entrepreneurial and scientific environment, and the European clinical network and regulatory infrastructure, help drive developments in immunotherapies.

Expert’s view: Venture Capital and Corporate Venture Capital in Japan - New trends

The government of Japan has appointed officially in August 2022 a new "Startup Minister" to help the support to startups, to implement an economic revitalization and in addition has launched the Five-Year Startup Development Plan in November 2022 to have 100 000 startups, 100 unicorns and an annual investment of 10 trillion yens. Although this seems to be an ambitious plan, Japan is setting the tone for a new economic road with entrepreneurship in high technologies and deeptech.

European Association of Japanese Studies conference at Ghent University

It is only a few months before Ghent University will open its doors to the 17th International Conference of the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS). Co-organized by the Institute of Japanese Studies during 17-20 August 2023, this in-person conference will host 736 scholars who will present their latest research as academic papers and another 300 attendees who will participate in exhibitions, discussions, and all side events.

Expert’s view: Venture Capital and Corporate Venture Capital in Japan - New trends

The government of Japan has appointed officially in August 2022 a new "Startup Minister" to help the support to startups, to implement an economic revitalization and in addition has launched the Five-Year Startup Development Plan in November 2022 to have 100 000 startups, 100 unicorns and an annual investment of 10 trillion yens. Although this seems to be an ambitious plan, Japan is setting the tone for a new economic road with entrepreneurship in high technologies and deeptech.

European Association of Japanese Studies conference at Ghent University

It is only a few months before Ghent University will open its doors to the 17th International Conference of the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS). Co-organized by the Institute of Japanese Studies during 17-20 August 2023, this in-person conference will host 736 scholars who will present their latest research as academic papers and another 300 attendees who will participate in exhibitions, discussions, and all side events.

Fellowships from the Canon Foundation in Europe

Annually, the Canon Foundation in Europe grants up to 15 Fellowships to highly qualified European and Japanese researchers. European Fellows are expected to pursue a period of research in Japan whereas Japanese Fellows are expected to do their research in Europe.

Seminar: developing your business in Slovakia

Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) and the Slovak Embassy in Tokyo are organizing a seminar focused on investment and business opportunities in Slovakia.

Working moms in Europe

The German Japanese Professional Women's Network has organized an online event for working mothers to discuss challenges, working environments and share information.

The Network News

Innovative Therapies Days

CCI Région Bourgogne Franche-Comté is organizing a B2B matching event within the frame of the scientific congress Innovative Therapies Days.

Virtual Brokerage Event @ Innovation Village

ENEA, Italian partner of EEN, organises, in the framework of Innovation Village 2023, the Virtual Brokerage Event @ Innovation Village.

MEDICA Healthcare Brokerage Event 2023

On the occasion of MEDICA 2023, the global No. 1 meeting place for the medical sector, EEN partner ZENIT GmbH will organise an international Brokerage Event.

The Network offers & requests

SERVICES OFFERED: Aerospace

A Japanese company is offering its cloud-based software platform for the analysis of satellite data using artificial intelligence.

BOJP20230314001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Construction

A Japanese company offers its hardware and building components specifically for wood-made houses and structures.

BOJP20230317019

REQUEST FOR PARTNERS: Lightning, Healthcare

A Japanese R&D company developed a sanitising lighting technology and aims to expand in the EU.

BOJP20230419002

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Nanotech, testing

A Japanese company offers a nano indentation tester under a commercial agreement.

BOJP20230511001

LICENSING OFFER: Construction, Nanotechnology

Japanese SME is licensing out its inorganic photocatalytic technology aimed to protect interior and exterior of building structures.

TOJP20230530008

SERVICES OFFERED: Aerospace

A Japanese company is offering its cloud-based software platform for the analysis of satellite data using artificial intelligence.

BOJP20230314001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Construction

A Japanese company offers its hardware and building components specifically for wood-made houses and structures.

BOJP20230317019

REQUEST FOR PARTNERS: Lightning, Healthcare

A Japanese R&D company developed a sanitising lighting technology and aims to expand in the EU.

BOJP20230419002

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Nanotech, testing

A Japanese company offers a nano indentation tester under a commercial agreement.

BOJP20230511001

LICENSING OFFER: Construction, Nanotechnology

Japanese SME is licensing out its inorganic photocatalytic technology aimed to protect interior and exterior of building structures.

TOJP20230530008

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
15
Jun
2023
Online
WEBINAR
Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (CEREP) - The Strategy of Resource-Autonomous Circular Economy for Growth
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
20
Jun
2023
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar 213: How to Succeed with B2B Marketing in Japan
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Jun
2023
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar 214: The Differences Between Japanese and Western Strategic Management
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
17
Aug
2023
20
Aug
2023
Belgium
Ghent
CONFERENCE
17th International Conference of the European Association for Japanese Studies
European Association for Japanese Studies
Url
12
Sep
2023
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar 215: Confectionary Market in Japan
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
12
Sep
2023
Japan
Tokyo
SEMINAR
Developing your business in Slovakia
SARIO; Slovak Embassy in Tokyo
Url
27
Sep
2023
Online
B2B MATCHMAKING EVENT
Dedicated EU-Japan B2B event within the frame of the Global Foodture project
Global Foodture project
Url
08
Oct
2024
11
Oct
2024
Japan
Tokyo
BUSINESS MISSION
Biotech Mission
Application deadline: TBC
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
06
Nov
2023
10
Nov
2023
Japan
Tokyo
TRAINING MISSION
World Class Manufacturing - November session
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
19
Feb
2025
21
Feb
2025
Japan
Tokyo
BUSINESS MISSION
Green Business Mission
Application deadline: 6 December 2024
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
12
Mar
2024
15
Mar
2024
Japan
Tokyo
MATCHMAKING MISSION
Digital Cluster & SMEs Mission
Application deadline: 24 November 2023
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url