The 8th Get Ready For Japan (GRFJ) programme was organized by the EU-Japan Centre in two parts, with the online session on 21-25 October, and the onsite session in Tokyo on 11-15 November 2024. 7 SME companies from 7 EU Member States participated in this Autumn programme.
The two-week GRFJ programme offers EU executives and managers with an interest in the Japanese market a unique opportunity to experience and understand Japanese business practices, as well as both cultural and economic factors, in order to initiate or achieve business success in Japan. Focusing on business management, the programme is designed to enable participants to gain a thorough understanding of the current state of business in Japan through practical analysis and research.
During the two weeks, participants benefited from a series of lectures on Japanese culture, economy, and the differences between Japanese and European companies, two visits to large and small companies, a one-day joint seminar with role-playing on "intercultural communication and international business management, negotiation for international business operations", and a marketing discovery tour.
In addition, the most important part is that within the framework of the mission, all participants had individual company meetings with potential Japanese partners to help them develop their business in Japan or learn more about the country.
The EU-Japan Centre is excited to announce the 9th edition of the GRFJ programme starting on 19-23 May 2025 with the online session, followed by an onsite session in Tokyo on 9-13 June. If you are interested in staying informed about the opening of the application period, please reach out via email to Follow-up_training(at)eu-japan.eu
“The programme largely met my expectations and helped me achieve most of the goals I had set before participating. Networking with other European SMEs provided valuable insights into the challenges and strategies required to succeed in the Japanese market. The sessions with the advisor Mrs. Parissa exceeded my expectations, offering a clear understanding of Japanese business practices and how to navigate meetings effectively.”
“While the EU-Japan Centre offered a variety of beneficial activities, the most interesting and impactful was the Individual Company Meetings. These meetings provided a unique opportunity to interact directly with new businesses and form valuable connections with Japanese companies, which was one of the primary goals of the trip. Building these relationships was essential for understanding the Japanese market and exploring new business opportunities.“
By George Kitsios, Business Development Manager, L.K Hi-Tech Auto Ltd
“The program exceeded my expectations, providing practical tools and insights to improve our engagements with Japanese partners and expand our network. The communication styles and negotiation practices I learned will enable me to approach future interactions with greater confidence and adaptability. This experience is significant for our company as it offers an entry into a market with great potential. With patience and a thoughtful approach, we now have the tools and knowledge to engage meaningfully in the Japanese business landscape.”
“The program was well-structured, with relevant and insightful sessions and company visits. I appreciated joining additional visits and participating in the calligraphy course, which added depth to the experience.”
By Andrew Willems, CEO, AWIT
“The course was very helpful in learning about different aspects of the Japanese market. Beginning with the online session, I was able to learn several things about the Japanese market, starting with the culture, how to approach business and possible local partners, economics, and customs to follow in order to avoid being inappropriate. The onsite session allowed me to put the lessons into practice and experience firsthand what it is like to do business with a potential Japanese client. The activities I most enjoyed were the online seminars on the differences between European and Japanese corporations and how to communicate with Japanese people. Also, the onsite sessions featuring Japanese guests and the individual meetings, all of which allowed me to achieve my goals and set new ones for the near future.”
By Alessandro Peri, Sales Area Manager, BRAM-COR SPA