Welcome to the new online version of the EU-Japan Newsletter.
SCROLL DOWN to access all the chapters.
HORIZONTAL SWIPE in chapters to access all the pages.

Click here to read the newsletter

Table of Content

for PDF version click here

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

The EU-Japan BRT will address economic security, green transition, standardisation, and digital issues

Established in 1999 to foster communication and cooperation between EU and Japanese industries, November’s EU-Japan Business Round Table meeting will address 4 key areas for future EU-Japan cooperation – economic security, the green transition, standardisation and digital.

How Japanese companies can benefit from EEN

Within the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the EU-Japan Centre is the sole representative for Japan, therefore providing Japanese SMEs with an entry door to access the EU market.

Newsletter survey

The EU-Japan Centre invites you to fill in a survey about your experience with us.

The EU-Japan BRT will address economic security, green transition, standardisation, and digital issues

Established in 1999 to foster communication and cooperation between EU and Japanese industries, November’s EU-Japan Business Round Table meeting will address 4 key areas for future EU-Japan cooperation – economic security, the green transition, standardisation and digital.

How Japanese companies can benefit from EEN

Within the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the EU-Japan Centre is the sole representative for Japan, therefore providing Japanese SMEs with an entry door to access the EU market.

New list of case studies of EU-Japan business cooperation in Southeast Asia

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation recently published a list of 25 projects between EU and Japanese companies taking place in Southeast Asia. Through these case studies, the EU-Japan Centre aims to encourage EU and Japanese companies to consider collaboration in Southeast Asia.

Promoting EU-Japan business cooperation in Africa at the STePP Forum 2023

On 13 September 2023, the EU-Japan Centre was invited to speak at the STePP Forum organised by UNIDO ITPO Tokyo to talk about EU-Japan business cooperation in Africa.

Japanese website revamp

A few months after the revamping of the English website of the EU-Japan Centre, we are happy to announce that we have finished remodeling the Japanese version of the website!

New list of case studies of EU-Japan business cooperation in Southeast Asia

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation recently published a list of 25 projects between EU and Japanese companies taking place in Southeast Asia. Through these case studies, the EU-Japan Centre aims to encourage EU and Japanese companies to consider collaboration in Southeast Asia.

Promoting EU-Japan business cooperation in Africa at the STePP Forum 2023

On 13 September 2023, the EU-Japan Centre was invited to speak at the STePP Forum organised by UNIDO ITPO Tokyo to talk about EU-Japan business cooperation in Africa.

Last chance to get a place on the RATIONAL Lean in Europe visit

We have just 3 more Lean in Europe visits to go, to see how Japanese principles of production excellence are used in European facilities. December’s visit will be to RATIONAL – Germany’s Factory of the Year in 2022. Apply now.

Get Ready For Japan 2023– 6th edition – Testimonials

Heartfelt reflections and captivating anecdotes from businesspersons who embarked on the 6th edition of the Get Ready for Japan programme!

Last chance to get a place on the RATIONAL Lean in Europe visit

We have just 3 more Lean in Europe visits to go, to see how Japanese principles of production excellence are used in European facilities. December’s visit will be to RATIONAL – Germany’s Factory of the Year in 2022. Apply now.

World Class Manufacturing missions

Read about our latest mission and apply to the forthcoming one.

Interview series: the people behind EU-Japan Cooperation

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is happy to introduce the second installment of a series of articles meant to introduce the individuals and organizations making EU-Japan collaboration possible. We hope you enjoy a snippet of our interview with Marcus Schurmann, the CEO of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan - AHK Japan.

Stay up to date with Japanese public sector procurement

Finding information about procurement activities of the Japanese government is often a challenge. The JTPP Helpdesk has a service that can help you get a better insight into contracts and projects on offer by Japanese government organizations.

Interview series: the people behind EU-Japan Cooperation

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is happy to introduce the second installment of a series of articles meant to introduce the individuals and organizations making EU-Japan collaboration possible. We hope you enjoy a snippet of our interview with Marcus Schurmann, the CEO of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan - AHK Japan.

Stay up to date with Japanese public sector procurement

Finding information about procurement activities of the Japanese government is often a challenge. The JTPP Helpdesk has a service that can help you get a better insight into contracts and projects on offer by Japanese government organizations.

“About Japan” reports and webinars

New reports and forthcoming webinars have been planned within the frame of the Centre’s EU Business in Japan support.

Monthly Japanese Industry and Policy News September 2023

The  EU-Japan 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 Japanese policies.

Monthly Japanese Industry and Policy News September 2023

The  EU-Japan 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 Japanese policies.

From EU

The 41st EU-Japan Inter-Parliamentary meeting

The Chair of the Delegation for relations with Japan (D-JP), Ms Christel Schaldemose, welcomed Honourable Japanese Delegates to the 41st EU-Japan Inter-Parliamentary meeting (IPM) in Strasbourg on 12-13 July 2023.

EU and Japan boost strategic cooperation on digital and on critical raw materials supply chains

The strategic partnership between the EU and Japan continues to grow and to become even more dynamic, as the two partners are strengthening their cooperation in areas of high economic potential, which contribute to economic resilience and security in the current geopolitical context and accelerated technological shifts.

The 41st EU-Japan Inter-Parliamentary meeting

The Chair of the Delegation for relations with Japan (D-JP), Ms Christel Schaldemose, welcomed Honourable Japanese Delegates to the 41st EU-Japan Inter-Parliamentary meeting (IPM) in Strasbourg on 12-13 July 2023.

Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs conclude visit to Japan

MEPs from the Foreign Affairs Committee focused on strengthening cooperation on foreign policy and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region during their two-day visit to Japan.

Factsheet on EU-Japan strategic partnership

Japan is the EU’s closest strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a key ally for the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific released in September 2021. A factsheet summarizing the main aspects of the agreement was released in July by the European External Action Service (EEAS).

An additional 42 EU and Japanese GIs protected

In the framework of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, both parties will protect an additional 42 geographical indications (GIs), such as Raclette de Savoie, Vinagre de Jerez for the EU and sanuki shiro miso (miso paste), or Osaka wine for Japan.

European Higher Education Fair 2023

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, the “European Higher Education Fair 2023”, was held on 24-25 June, with the aim of giving Japanese students a deeper understanding of the appeal of studying in Europe.

Factsheet on EU-Japan strategic partnership

Japan is the EU’s closest strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a key ally for the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific released in September 2021. A factsheet summarizing the main aspects of the agreement was released in July by the European External Action Service (EEAS).

An additional 42 EU and Japanese GIs protected

In the framework of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, both parties will protect an additional 42 geographical indications (GIs), such as Raclette de Savoie, Vinagre de Jerez for the EU and sanuki shiro miso (miso paste), or Osaka wine for Japan.

European Higher Education Fair 2023

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, the “European Higher Education Fair 2023”, was held on 24-25 June, with the aim of giving Japanese students a deeper understanding of the appeal of studying in Europe.

From Japan

SMRJ’s “CEO Business Meeting” open to European companies

The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (SMRJ) manages a support called “CEO Business Meeting” that connects CEOs from overseas companies with Japanese Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The (over) 70% negotiation success rate achieved last year by these meetings reflects the high quality of the support.

TOSBEC holds seminars for future entrepreneurs

For people planning to start up business in Tokyo, The Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) holds seminars taught by experts on the topic, either online or during one of its in-person events. Participation is free!

SMRJ’s “CEO Business Meeting” open to European companies

The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (SMRJ) manages a support called “CEO Business Meeting” that connects CEOs from overseas companies with Japanese Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The (over) 70% negotiation success rate achieved last year by these meetings reflects the high quality of the support.

TOSBEC holds seminars for future entrepreneurs

For people planning to start up business in Tokyo, The Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) holds seminars taught by experts on the topic, either online or during one of its in-person events. Participation is free!

EU-Japan News

New cooperation between Higashiosaka City in Japan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Düsseldorf

In its internationalization process, Higashiosaka approached the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Düsseldorf - IHK Düsseldorf, seeing this organization as a possible partner.

Presentation of IHI Aerospace and B2B with the Czech space industry in Prague

Czech Space Alliance and the Ministry of Transport - Space Department organised a “get-to-know” session in Prague between two top-level executives of IHI Aerospace Japan and representatives of space companies from different parts of the Czech Republic.

New cooperation between Higashiosaka City in Japan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Düsseldorf

In its internationalization process, Higashiosaka approached the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Düsseldorf - IHK Düsseldorf, seeing this organization as a possible partner.

Presentation of IHI Aerospace and B2B with the Czech space industry in Prague

Czech Space Alliance and the Ministry of Transport - Space Department organised a “get-to-know” session in Prague between two top-level executives of IHI Aerospace Japan and representatives of space companies from different parts of the Czech Republic.

Japan Science and Technology Agency and the European Molecular Biology Organization sign a Memorandum of Cooperation

On 24 July 2023 at Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)’s Tokyo Headquarters, Kazuhito Hashimoto, President of JST, and Dr. Fiona Watt, President of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.

A Japan-Spain intercultural guide released

The Japan-Spain Intercultural Guide published by the SHACHO KAI Association of Japanese companies culminates a trilogy of publications that reflect extensively on Japanese management.

Shigekata Mizuno, Kyoto Research Parks, joins IASP International Board

The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) recently celebrated their 40th annual World Conference in Luxembourg on 12-15 September 2023. Mr. Shigekata Mizuno from Kyoto Research Park was welcomed to the Board, becoming only the second Japanese member to serve on the board in the association's history.

A Japan-Spain intercultural guide released

The Japan-Spain Intercultural Guide published by the SHACHO KAI Association of Japanese companies culminates a trilogy of publications that reflect extensively on Japanese management.

Developing your business in Slovakia

Report from a Slovak investment seminar in Tokyo and short invitation to SARIO´s international B2B event in Slovakia.

Shigekata Mizuno, Kyoto Research Parks, joins IASP International Board

The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) recently celebrated their 40th annual World Conference in Luxembourg on 12-15 September 2023. Mr. Shigekata Mizuno from Kyoto Research Park was welcomed to the Board, becoming only the second Japanese member to serve on the board in the association's history.

F2F Health Matters collective international trade mission to Japan successfully finalised

The selected Champion SMEs of the call for the second target country, Japan, got the opportunity to expand their business and to start a new internationalisation journey.

Towards Green Transition: First Polish Hydrogen Mission to Japan

In September, Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) organized its first Polish Hydrogen Mission to Japan. Participants from various fields had a chance to network with their Japanese counterparts, attend seminars as well as exhibit their hydrogen-related solutions at Smart Energy Week 2023.

The European Travel Commission back at Tourism EXPO Japan

The European Travel Commission will join Tourism EXPO Japan 2023, a trade and consumer show jointly organised by the Japan Travel and Tourism Association, the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), with a dedicated Europe Pavilion.

F2F Health Matters collective international trade mission to Japan successfully finalised

The selected Champion SMEs of the call for the second target country, Japan, got the opportunity to expand their business and to start a new internationalisation journey.

Towards Green Transition: First Polish Hydrogen Mission to Japan

In September, Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) organized its first Polish Hydrogen Mission to Japan. Participants from various fields had a chance to network with their Japanese counterparts, attend seminars as well as exhibit their hydrogen-related solutions at Smart Energy Week 2023.

The European Travel Commission back at Tourism EXPO Japan

The European Travel Commission will join Tourism EXPO Japan 2023, a trade and consumer show jointly organised by the Japan Travel and Tourism Association, the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), with a dedicated Europe Pavilion.

A season full of opportunities to present the Italian quality production in Japan

During the past four months, the Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in Japan engaged in promoting Italian excellence in several events on multiple fronts, with a significant response from the Japanese audience.

ICCJ's Digital Strategy Boosts Italian SME in Japan

Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan's digital initiatives, aided by the partnership with a Japanese volleyball star, boosted Italian pillow manufacturer Fabe's presence in Japan, leading to expanded product offerings.

A season full of opportunities to present the Italian quality production in Japan

During the past four months, the Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in Japan engaged in promoting Italian excellence in several events on multiple fronts, with a significant response from the Japanese audience.

ICCJ's Digital Strategy Boosts Italian SME in Japan

Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan's digital initiatives, aided by the partnership with a Japanese volleyball star, boosted Italian pillow manufacturer Fabe's presence in Japan, leading to expanded product offerings.

Belgian algorithm determines Japanese electricity prices

N-SIDE, a Belgian scale-up providing software and services for leading energy players to solve complex issues through better decision-making, and Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX), the only power exchange that facilitates the trading of electricity in Japan, jointly announced their collaboration last June.

The 17th international EAJS conference at Ghent University

During 17–20 August 2023, the Institute for Japanese Studies at Ghent University organized the 17th International Conference of the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS). It attracted 886 participants in person and more online.

The 17th international EAJS conference at Ghent University

During 17–20 August 2023, the Institute for Japanese Studies at Ghent University organized the 17th International Conference of the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS). It attracted 886 participants in person and more online.

INNOVCARE project selected for the France 2030 priority research programme on Autonomy

“Care-led innovation: The case of elderly care in France and Japan", a Fondation France-Japon de l’EHESS project, has been selected as part of the "Autonomy: ageing and disability situations" Priority Research Programme (France 2030).

The Network News

The Network offers & requests

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Toys

A Japanese company offers environmentally friendly wooden 3D puzzles representing both popular brands and traditional themes.

BOJP20220909006

REQUEST FOR AGENT: Electronics

Japanese electronic components manufacturer specialised in miniaturised potentiometers, joysticks and slip rings.

BOJP20220909001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Industrial Equipment

Japanese pipe fitting manufacturer looking for partners.

BOJP20220909004

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Gardening

Japanese garden tool manufacturer looking for partners.

BOJP20220922004

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Home Interior

A Japanese knitting lace manufacturer is offering heat shield lace fabrics.

BOJP20220922003

MANUFACTURING SERVICES OFFERED: Medical Equipment

Japanese manufacturer of magnesium-made canes and wheelchair frames is seeking EU partners.

BOJP20220920002

MANUFACTURING SERVICES OFFERED: Aerospace

A Japanese qualified manufacturer of forging parts for the aerospace sector is offering manufacturing services.

BOJP20220909010

TECHNOLOGY OFFERED: Medical Equipment

Japanese patented technology for fundamental mechanism of peristaltic pumps.

TOJP20220909008

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Toys

A Japanese company offers environmentally friendly wooden 3D puzzles representing both popular brands and traditional themes.

BOJP20220909006

REQUEST FOR AGENT: Electronics

Japanese electronic components manufacturer specialised in miniaturised potentiometers, joysticks and slip rings.

BOJP20220909001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Industrial Equipment

Japanese pipe fitting manufacturer looking for partners.

BOJP20220909004

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Gardening

Japanese garden tool manufacturer looking for partners.

BOJP20220922004

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Home Interior

A Japanese knitting lace manufacturer is offering heat shield lace fabrics.

BOJP20220922003

MANUFACTURING SERVICES OFFERED: Medical Equipment

Japanese manufacturer of magnesium-made canes and wheelchair frames is seeking EU partners.

BOJP20220920002

MANUFACTURING SERVICES OFFERED: Aerospace

A Japanese qualified manufacturer of forging parts for the aerospace sector is offering manufacturing services.

BOJP20220909010

TECHNOLOGY OFFERED: Medical Equipment

Japanese patented technology for fundamental mechanism of peristaltic pumps.

TOJP20220909008

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
19
Oct
2023
Japan
Hybrid - Tokyo
SEMINAR AND INDIVIDAL MEETINGS
High-Level Event - Financing Opportunities for EU-Japan Business Cooperation in Africa
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
23
Oct
2023
Japan
Hybrid - Tokyo
SEMINAR
Airport Concession: Private Management of a Public Infrastructure
Maison franco-japonaise
Url
24
Oct
2023
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar 219: How to influence decision-making processes in Japanese organisations.
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
07
Nov
2023
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar 220: The Log House Market in Japan.
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
15
Nov
2023
Japan
Osaka
WORKSHOP
"German Economic Roundtable" in Osaka
Global Talents and International Teams As Corporate Advantage? Strategies for Human Resource Management in Japan and Germany
German Consulate General Osaka-Kobe, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) and the Japanese-German Business Association (DJW)
Url
28
Nov
2023
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar 221: Newspace Market in Japan.
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
05
Dec
2023
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar 221: Aligning strategy with Japanese counterpart
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
07
Dec
2023
08
Dec
2023
Germany
Landsberg am Lech
COMPANY VISIT
LEAN in Europe - Visit to RATIONAL Aktiengesellschaft
Application deadline: 16 October 2023
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
19
Feb
2025
21
Feb
2025
Japan
Tokyo
BUSINESS MISSION
Green Business Mission
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
31
Jan
2024
03
Feb
2024
Japan
Tokyo
MATCHMAKING MISSION
Nanotech Cluster & SMEs Mission
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url