"Step in Japan" is a support initiative for SMEs, offered free of charge.

It acts as a landing pad for SMEs(*) based in the EU or SMP associated 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. (****)

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be:
- working for an SME(*) that is a juridical person based and headquartered in:

  • the European Union, or
  • a European country associated to the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar of the SMP(**)

- working in a management position
- at least 20 years of age at the date of submission of the application form

APPLICATION FORM TO BE SUBMITTED

 

(*) SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are companies meeting  the standard European Commission criteria for an SME which have applied successfully for a grant. Other companies are large companies or SMEs that fail to apply successfully for a grant.

(**) Please check the status of your country here.

(***) unlimited local calls

(****) If you wish to benefit from the support of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) in your internationalisation process, the Centre will be pleased to introduce you to the relevant organisation in your area in charge of the EEN support

EU-Japan Centre's News

More
The EU-Japan Centre is now calling for expressions of interest for Market Access online and on-site…
The EU Japan Centre is releasing a weekly press review covering Japan's economic and policy matters…
The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is currently accepting applications to the call for…
The EU Japan Centre is releasing a weekly press review covering Japan's economic and policy matters…
JTPP Helpdesk's Weekly Digest of Public Sector Tenders is a selection of tenders found on the Japan…

Events

More
12/03/2025
The Research Institute of Economy (RIETI), Trade and Industry, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation (EUJC) will jointly host the following…
Online and in Japan
19/05/2025 - 13/06/2025
19-23 May 2025, → 1st phase online 9-13 June 2025, → 2nd phase in Japan   PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES “Get Ready for Japan” aims to help understand Japanese business practices and communication styles…
We use a selection of our own and third-party cookies on the pages of this website. If you choose "ACCEPT ALL", you consent to the use of all cookies. You can accept and reject individual cookie types.
Related
Subscribe to
our newsletters

The EU-Japan Centre currently produces 5 newsletters :

  • EU-Japan NEWS - our flagship newsletter covering the Centre's support services, information about EU (or Member States) - Japan cooperation
  • Japanese Industry and Policy News
  • “About Japan” e-News (Only available for EU companies / EU organisations)
  • Japan Tax and Public Procurement Weekly Tender Digest (Only available for EU companies / EU organisations)
  • Tech Transfer Helpdesk Newsletter
Subscribe