EBC Newsletter – September 10, 2025

The European Business Council in Japan continues to facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration between European businesses, Japanese authorities, and international partners. This month’s highlights showcase our committees’ activities, strategic meetings, and upcoming events shaping business, innovation, and policy in Japan.

On 29 August, the Medical Equipment & IVD Committee hosted its Summer Lecture & Information Exchange at Gate City Osaki, bringing together around 100 participants from industry, government, and international organizations. The session focused on “Diversity in Medical Care × Diversity of Values × Diverse Innovation.”

Professor Ikeda discussed advances in medical technology and value assessment, while Dr. Jimi Hanako explored medical policymaking and the future of medical device regulation. Representatives from MHLW, PMDA, METI, the EU Delegation, the Swiss Embassy, and other organizations joined lively discussions on device policy, regulations, and medical fee revisions.

The event offered a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and exploring innovation, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of healthcare.

On 1 September, the EBC participated in a preparatory session for the 2026 EU–Japan Business Round Table (BRT), a high-level forum that brings together senior business leaders from Europe and Japan to promote trade, investment, and policy collaboration.

The EBC serves as Co-Chair of Working Party 1 (with the Japan Business Council in Europe), addressing trade relations, investment and regulatory cooperation, financial, accounting, and taxation issues. Recommendations are prepared for both the Government of Japan and EU authorities.

We thank the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Merck Group, and NEC Corporation for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to a meaningful EU–Japan BRT 2026.

On 3 September, the EBC welcomed a delegation from the Law Society of England and Wales, including newly appointed President Mr. Richard Atkinson. Discussions focused on the registration process for foreign lawyers in Japan and emphasized the importance of a transparent and efficient framework supporting international legal practice.

The Committee values this ongoing dialogue and remains committed to supporting an open, competitive, and well-functioning legal services environment in Japan.

Also on 3 September, the EBC met with Kobe City to learn about Life Tech Kobe, a startup initiative fostering innovation and international collaboration in the life sciences sector. The program supports both domestic and foreign startups, leveraging Kobe’s established ecosystem in healthcare and life sciences.

The EBC looks forward to continued dialogue and potential collaboration between European businesses and Japanese stakeholders.

On 8 September, the EBC, led by President Laurent Depus, had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Naoki Hikota, the new Director General for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Promotion at the Cabinet Office. He previously served as Ambassador at the Japanese Mission in Geneva, succeeds Mr. Mitsuru Myochin, who will soon take up a new post at the Embassy of Japan in Jakarta.

The EBC would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Myochin for his close cooperation and support over the years and wishes him every success in his new role. Looking ahead, the EBC is eager to work closely with Mr. Hikota and is confident that this collaboration will further contribute to strengthening the FDI environment in Japan.

• Mobility’s Neural Shift – Automotive AI Event (17 September, L’Espace)
  Jointly hosted with the EBC Automotive components committee, German and Swiss Chambers of Commerce, focusing on AI’s impact on the automotive value chain.
  Register by Tuesday, 9 September 2025 (cancellations or no-shows after this date will be billed in full). More details and registration here
• Hybrid Forum – Investment in Ukraine (25 September, 16:00–18:00)
  Co-hosted with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (UCCJ, a member of the EBC) and the EU-Japan Centre, this free forum will provide updates on regulatory developments, investment incentives, and business opportunities in Ukraine.
  Register here by 18 September (free of charge)
  More information on the seminar: here

• The government will take steps to develop “world-class genomic medicine,” according to a draft basic plan for medical measures that utilize genomic data. The government will work to balance the medicine with bioethics and discrimination prevention, according to the draft. It will also work to promote research and development and improve delivery systems for medical services. (The Japan News)
• A Nikkei survey on U.S. tariff policies found that more than 80% of major Japanese auto parts makers have either forwarded the added costs of import levies on to customers or are considering doing so. With automakers in the U.S. — namely, Japanese companies with American factories — having to pay higher prices from overseas suppliers, subsequent higher vehicle prices are likely to impact consumer demand in the country. (Nikkei Asia)
• Almost all European carmakers are on track to meet EU emission targets after winning a reprieve this year as electric vehicles (EV) sales pick up, a study released Monday showed. The European Commission is under pressure to further loosen its climate requirements for the beleaguered automotive sector faced with Chinese competition and U.S. tariffs. (Japan Today)

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