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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

The Vulcanus in Europe Alumni Get-Together in Tokyo

On 6 September, the EU-Japan Centre had a great pleasure of hosting the "Vulcanus in Europe" alumni get-together in Tokyo.

Internship programme Vulcanus in Europe – One year later interview

Following up on the interview with two Vulcanus in Europe* participants published in June 2023, we are glad to share some updates from Yudai Morita, a student at Tohoku University - Graduate School of Engineering, who carried out an internship at the Spanish company Vector Renewables.

Vulcanus in Japan Alumni Get-Together in Brussels

The 4th Vulcanus Alumni in Japan Get-Together took place in Brussels on 5 July.

The Vulcanus in Europe Alumni Get-Together in Tokyo

On 6 September, the EU-Japan Centre had a great pleasure of hosting the "Vulcanus in Europe" alumni get-together in Tokyo.

Internship programme Vulcanus in Europe – One year later interview

Following up on the interview with two Vulcanus in Europe* participants published in June 2023, we are glad to share some updates from Yudai Morita, a student at Tohoku University - Graduate School of Engineering, who carried out an internship at the Spanish company Vector Renewables.

Liftoff for the Space Business Mission to Japan

The EU-Japan Centre is launching a new Business Mission to Japan. Are you a European SME active in the Space sector? Apply and get a chance to exhibit at ISIEX at our booth.

Call for applicants: Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission in Japan

Join the EU-Japan Centre Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission in Japan, 1st edition, 21-24 January 2025.

Liftoff for the Space Business Mission to Japan

The EU-Japan Centre is launching a new Business Mission to Japan. Are you a European SME active in the Space sector? Apply and get a chance to exhibit at ISIEX at our booth.

Call for applicants: World Class Manufacturing training

The World Class Manufacturing training programme is now organized once a year, aligning with the EU-Japan Centre's calendar reorganization.

Call for applicants: Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission in Japan

Join the EU-Japan Centre Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission in Japan, 1st edition, 21-24 January 2025.

Interview series: the people behind EU-Japan cooperation

Who are the people behind EU-Japan cooperation efforts? What is their story and how did they become involved in developing international cooperation? The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is happy to introduce the 6th instalment in the series – an interview with H.E. André J. Spiteri, the Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Japan.

Case study of XLAB

XLAB is an IT company founded in 2001 at the Ljubljana Technology Park in Slovenia. XLAB has since expanded into a global enterprise. It actively contributes to the European research sphere and provides services to users in more than 100 countries. 

Get Ready For Japan June-July 2024 – 7th Edition

The 7th Get Ready For Japan (GRFJ) programme was organized by the EU-Japan Centre on 17-21 June for the online session and 8-12 July 2024 for the onsite session in Tokyo.

Interview series: the people behind EU-Japan cooperation

Who are the people behind EU-Japan cooperation efforts? What is their story and how did they become involved in developing international cooperation? The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is happy to introduce the 6th instalment in the series – an interview with H.E. André J. Spiteri, the Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Japan.

Case study of XLAB

XLAB is an IT company founded in 2001 at the Ljubljana Technology Park in Slovenia. XLAB has since expanded into a global enterprise. It actively contributes to the European research sphere and provides services to users in more than 100 countries. 

Get Ready For Japan June-July 2024 – 7th Edition

The 7th Get Ready For Japan (GRFJ) programme was organized by the EU-Japan Centre on 17-21 June for the online session and 8-12 July 2024 for the onsite session in Tokyo.

Latest market access workshops by the Centre

In its ongoing efforts to help European SMEs 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.

“About Japan” Reports and Webinars

New webinars and reports are scheduled as part of the Centre's EU Business in Japan support. For firms in the European Union who require clear guidelines to trade, invest, or collaborate with Japanese partners, the EU Business in Japan section offers helpful information.

New Reporting Projects

In an effort to enhance understanding and analysis of the Japanese market and its policy background, the EU-Japan Centre has launched three new reporting projects. These initiatives will provide comprehensive insights into current market trends, policy developments, regulatory changes, and economic policies that impact both domestic and international stakeholders.

Latest market access workshops by the Centre

In its ongoing efforts to help European SMEs 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.

“About Japan” Reports and Webinars

New webinars and reports are scheduled as part of the Centre's EU Business in Japan support. For firms in the European Union who require clear guidelines to trade, invest, or collaborate with Japanese partners, the EU Business in Japan section offers helpful information.

New Reporting Projects

In an effort to enhance understanding and analysis of the Japanese market and its policy background, the EU-Japan Centre has launched three new reporting projects. These initiatives will provide comprehensive insights into current market trends, policy developments, regulatory changes, and economic policies that impact both domestic and international stakeholders.

From EU

From Japan

Join “Tech Tour KYOTO” and Discover Kyoto’s Business Strengths

Kyoto City introduces “Tech Tour KYOTO” to facilitate business networking through curated visits and startup interactions. This tour helps you understand tech and business landscape in Kyoto.

Join “Tech Tour KYOTO” and Discover Kyoto’s Business Strengths

Kyoto City introduces “Tech Tour KYOTO” to facilitate business networking through curated visits and startup interactions. This tour helps you understand tech and business landscape in Kyoto.

Expansion opportunities into Osaka for Fintech firms and investors from finance sector

Incentives to attract and facilitate the entry of Fintech firms and investors from the finance sector into Osaka’s financial market

Kobe opens a business office in Paris

Kobe takes a growing interest in European companies and establishes a representative office in Paris.

Spotted publication

The monthly magazine “Highlighting Japan” is published by the Japanese Government to help readers better understand Japan today.

Spotted publication

The monthly magazine “Highlighting Japan” is published by the Japanese Government to help readers better understand Japan today.

EU-Japan News

EU-Japan Aviation Partnership Project (APP): safety and sustainability in the skies

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) are joining hands under the EU-Japan Aviation Partnership Project (APP), a technical cooperation platform established in June 2023, to advance partnership between the two regions in civil aviation.

Sharing the best practices between the Digital Agency of Japan and Estonia

Based on a mutual cooperation agreement, the Digital Agency of Japan dispatched an expert to Estonia to analyze the i-voting system.

EU-Japan Aviation Partnership Project (APP): safety and sustainability in the skies

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) are joining hands under the EU-Japan Aviation Partnership Project (APP), a technical cooperation platform established in June 2023, to advance partnership between the two regions in civil aviation.

Starting the FINESTJAP Project with a Finnish-Estonian Export Mission to Japan

The FINESTJAP Project invites Finnish and Estonian Green Tech SMEs with export-ready products and services to join a new export collaboration. FINESTJAP started in June 2024 and continues until May 2027.

Sharing the best practices between the Digital Agency of Japan and Estonia

Based on a mutual cooperation agreement, the Digital Agency of Japan dispatched an expert to Estonia to analyze the i-voting system.

Invitation to the 2nd Digital Automotive Summit

The European Business Council in Japan flagship summit on the digital automotive realm brings together industry, policy, and advocacy leaders at the Europa House in Tokyo.

Japanese journalists visited Poland before Expo 2025

During their visit, the journalists discovered the richness of Polish heritage and experienced how it drives modern times. The press trip organized as part of promotional activities preceding Poland's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

French agri-food innovation cluster nurtures French and Japanese collaboration

Located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in Eastern France, the agri-food innovation cluster Vitagora has tied strong relationships with its Japanese partners for more than 15 years. Since the COVID-19 crisis, Vitagora has opened a subsidiary office in Kumamoto, Japan, to deepen these relationships and find out new opportunities that could lead to a better world through food and health.

Invitation to the 2nd Digital Automotive Summit

The European Business Council in Japan flagship summit on the digital automotive realm brings together industry, policy, and advocacy leaders at the Europa House in Tokyo.

Japanese journalists visited Poland before Expo 2025

During their visit, the journalists discovered the richness of Polish heritage and experienced how it drives modern times. The press trip organized as part of promotional activities preceding Poland's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

French agri-food innovation cluster nurtures French and Japanese collaboration

Located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in Eastern France, the agri-food innovation cluster Vitagora has tied strong relationships with its Japanese partners for more than 15 years. Since the COVID-19 crisis, Vitagora has opened a subsidiary office in Kumamoto, Japan, to deepen these relationships and find out new opportunities that could lead to a better world through food and health.

Romanian Trade Mission to Enhance Romanian-Japanese Relations at Expo Osaka

In April 2025, a group of Romanian companies will participate in a trade mission to Osaka, organized by Afaceri.ro in collaboration with local partners and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. This mission, which coincides with Expo Osaka 2025, aims to foster stronger business relations between EU and Japanese companies, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and exploring potential partnerships.

A Global Stage for Italian Video Game Industry

The Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in Tokyo promoted the presence of 14 companies, highlighting Italy's growing video game market and technological innovations.

European Travel Commission joins Tourism EXPO Japan 2024 with largest-ever booth

The European Travel Commission (ETC) is excited to participate in Tourism EXPO Japan, which took place on 26-29 September 2024, at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. This year, ETC showcased the largest booth ever, highlighting the richness of European travel opportunities.

Romanian Trade Mission to Enhance Romanian-Japanese Relations at Expo Osaka

In April 2025, a group of Romanian companies will participate in a trade mission to Osaka, organized by Afaceri.ro in collaboration with local partners and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. This mission, which coincides with Expo Osaka 2025, aims to foster stronger business relations between EU and Japanese companies, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and exploring potential partnerships.

A Global Stage for Italian Video Game Industry

The Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in Tokyo promoted the presence of 14 companies, highlighting Italy's growing video game market and technological innovations.

European Travel Commission joins Tourism EXPO Japan 2024 with largest-ever booth

The European Travel Commission (ETC) is excited to participate in Tourism EXPO Japan, which took place on 26-29 September 2024, at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. This year, ETC showcased the largest booth ever, highlighting the richness of European travel opportunities.

Eureka GlobalStars Japan 2024 Call for Collaborative R&D Projects

The GlobalStars Japan 2024 call invites collaborative R&D projects between Japan and European companies, fostering innovative solutions across various industries.

Successful kickstart of MIRAI 2024-2026

The MIRAI digital Kickoff on September 4, 2024, gathered over 200 participants from member universities in Japan and Sweden, as well as attendants from external parties such as private companies and funding organizations. 

Eureka GlobalStars Japan 2024 Call for Collaborative R&D Projects

The GlobalStars Japan 2024 call invites collaborative R&D projects between Japan and European companies, fostering innovative solutions across various industries.

Successful kickstart of MIRAI 2024-2026

The MIRAI digital Kickoff on September 4, 2024, gathered over 200 participants from member universities in Japan and Sweden, as well as attendants from external parties such as private companies and funding organizations. 

10-year anniversary of German-Japanese Professional Women's Network

The "German-Japanese Professional Women's Network (GJPWN)" is dedicated to connecting Japanese and German working women, offering a space for mutual learning. To commemorate its 10th anniversary on 16 June 2024, a special event was organised.

A Japanese cherry blossom is planted in Joensuu, Finland

On 31 August 2024, His Excellency Mr. Takashi Okada, the Japanese Ambassador to Finland, and Mr. Markus Hirvonen, North Karelia Region Mayor, planted an Ezo-Yama Sakura cherry blossom seedling at Kirkkopuisto (Church Park) in Joensuu, the capital of North Karelia, as well as Forest Capital of Europe.

Science-Art Exhibition in Tokyo by Finnish organizations

The BIOSYS Ecosystem is calling natural science, art, and GX professionals and enthusiasts to visit ASUMIA Tokyo (11-12 Nov at MIL GALLERY JINGUMAE).

10-year anniversary of German-Japanese Professional Women's Network

The "German-Japanese Professional Women's Network (GJPWN)" is dedicated to connecting Japanese and German working women, offering a space for mutual learning. To commemorate its 10th anniversary on 16 June 2024, a special event was organised.

A Japanese cherry blossom is planted in Joensuu, Finland

On 31 August 2024, His Excellency Mr. Takashi Okada, the Japanese Ambassador to Finland, and Mr. Markus Hirvonen, North Karelia Region Mayor, planted an Ezo-Yama Sakura cherry blossom seedling at Kirkkopuisto (Church Park) in Joensuu, the capital of North Karelia, as well as Forest Capital of Europe.

Science-Art Exhibition in Tokyo by Finnish organizations

The BIOSYS Ecosystem is calling natural science, art, and GX professionals and enthusiasts to visit ASUMIA Tokyo (11-12 Nov at MIL GALLERY JINGUMAE).

The Network News

MEDICA Healthcare Brokerage Event 2024

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

MEDICA Healthcare Brokerage Event 2024

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

DEICy 2024

The EEN partner University of Warsaw is organizing a physical B2B event with workshops sessions within the frame of DEICy 2024 Digital Economy, Internet of Things, Cybersecurity.

The Network offers & requests

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: optical instruments

100-year-old Japanese SME is offering its high-tech optical instruments and microscopes.

BOJP20240618015

REQUEST FOR PARTNERS: services

A Japanese SME is looking for EU partners to localise a methodology for human resources engagement and team-building improvements.

BOJP20240702016

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: machinery

A Japanese company is offering lathe chucks and Electrical Discharge Machining tables.

BOJP20240702019

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: household equipment, construction

Japanese manufacturer of tubes and spare parts for air-conditioning systems is looking for EU distributors.

BOJP20240711003

SERVICES OFFERED: space

A Japanese company offers international project opportunities to EU companies in space operations and ground segment infrastructure.

BOJP20240730001

REQUEST FOR SALES AGENT: electronics

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

BOJP20240827009

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: optical instruments

100-year-old Japanese SME is offering its high-tech optical instruments and microscopes.

BOJP20240618015

REQUEST FOR PARTNERS: services

A Japanese SME is looking for EU partners to localise a methodology for human resources engagement and team-building improvements.

BOJP20240702016

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: machinery

A Japanese company is offering lathe chucks and Electrical Discharge Machining tables.

BOJP20240702019

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: household equipment, construction

Japanese manufacturer of tubes and spare parts for air-conditioning systems is looking for EU distributors.

BOJP20240711003

SERVICES OFFERED: space

A Japanese company offers international project opportunities to EU companies in space operations and ground segment infrastructure.

BOJP20240730001

REQUEST FOR SALES AGENT: electronics

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

BOJP20240827009

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
15
Oct
2024
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar series 238: Market Situation and Potentials for Eco-Housing Materials and Technologies in Japan
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
01
Nov
2024
Tokyo, Japan + online
CONFERENCE
Journée Francophone de la Recherche 2024
Sciencescope, Embassy of France in Japan
Url
05
Nov
2024
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar series 239: Mastering B2B Tech in Japan - Strategies to Reach Key Decision Makers
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
20
Oct
2024
14
Nov
2025
Japan
Tokyo
TRAINING MISSION
Get Ready for Japan - second session
Application deadline: TBC
20-24 October 2025, Online
10-14 November 2025, Tokyo, Japan
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
19
Nov
2024
Online
WEBINAR
About Japan webinar series 240: How to conduct a successful meeting with Japanese?
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
29
Nov
2024
30
Nov
2024
Japan
Tokyo
NETWORKING
ACE Japon 5th Meeting and 10th Anniversary
Association of Spanish Scientists of Japan
Url
02
Dec
2024
05
Dec
2024
Japan
Tokyo
BUSINESS MISSION
Innovation Business Mission
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
21
Jan
2025
24
Jan
2025
Japan
Tokyo
BUSINESS MISSION
Smart Factory / Robotics Business Mission
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
17
Feb
2025
21
Feb
2025
Japan
Nagoya
TRAINING MISSION
World Class Manufacturing
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