EBC Newsletter – January 15, 2025

We are delighted to welcome the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SCCJ) as the newest member of the European Business Council. Petra Färe, SCCJ Chair, will become our new Board member.
This exciting addition further enriches the EBC’s mission to represent European businesses in Japan. With the SCCJ’s expertise and strong dedication to fostering business relations between Sweden and Japan, their membership strengthens our collective voice and reinforces the diversity of perspectives within our organisation. The SCCJ’s involvement will undoubtedly bring fresh opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and mutual success across the EBC network.
In 2025, the European Business Council represents a network of 16 Chambers of Commerce from across Europe and proudly marks its 53rd anniversary. Together, we continue to build a stronger, united European business presence in Japan.

The EBC attended two New Year’s Ceremonies

This year, the EBC once again had the privilege of attending two traditional New Year’s Ceremonies hosted by Keidanren / Keizai Doyukai / the Japan-Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, and the Japan Foreign Trade Council. These two events provided excellent opportunities to reconnect and strengthen relationships with our Japanese partners.

Mie Prefecture Seminar for Foreign Companies

Mie Prefecture invites foreign companies interested in doing business in the Prefecture to attend an information seminar.
The main industrial sectors in Mie Prefecture are semiconductors and automobile-related. The prefecture has been number one in the nation for the 19th consecutive year in terms of shipment value of semiconductor-related manufactured goods.
In the automobile-related sector, various suppliers, including Honda and Toyota Auto Body, are based in Mie Prefecture. There are also many petroleum and chemical companies due to the Yokkaichi Petrochemical Complex.

Time and Date: 18:00 – 20:00, Friday 21 February 2025
Venue: Tokyo Green Palace (B1 Banquet Hall “Fuji”)
Address: 2 Niban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0084

To participate,please fill in the application form.
For inquiries, please contact the following person:
Mie Prefectural Government Industrial Investment Promotion Division
Nishioka Ichise, Tel: 059-224-2819 E-mail: [email protected]

WIND EXPO is Japan’s largest wind energy show. It will be held from 19 to 21 February 2025. From components, devices, various services to wind turbines, a wide range of cutting-edge products and technologies will be exhibited. Active business meetings will be conducted among exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

https://www.wsew.jp/hub/en-gb/about/wd.html

Valerie  Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

For more updates and information, please visit our website

• Japan will develop a set of standards next month to support hiring in the space field, clarifying the skills being sought for rocket and satellite development in order to encourage workers outside the growing sector to join it. This will be the country’s first set of standards for human resources requirements across the space industry. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, IHI Aerospace and satellite startup iQPS, as well as space industry groups, will participate in meetings organized by the Cabinet Office to develop the standards. (Nikkei Asia)
• The transport ministry is moving to authorize a sharp increase in the number of takeoffs and landings at Narita Airport, marking the first major shakeup in 15 years. The move is intended to bolster the status of the facility in Chiba Prefecture close to Tokyo as competition for passengers continues to heat up at the world’s major international airports. (The Asahi Shimbun)
• The government is discussing a plan to require owners and builders to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide that will be emitted when constructing, managing and demolishing buildings. The government aims to decarbonize the construction sector by quantifying CO2 emissions that affect the environment, and will confirm by March a schedule to realize the plan. The government hopes to submit a related bill to an ordinary Diet session in 2026. (The Japan News)

If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place.