| Dear Friends of the EBC,
As the trusted voice of European business in Japan for over five decades, the EBC continues to foster dialogue between European and Japanese stakeholders to promote fair market access, transparency, and innovation.
This week’s highlights reflect our ongoing commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and community building across a wide range of sectors, from digital policy to sustainability and international partnerships. |
|
|
| EBC meets with the French Embassy in Japan
On 30 October, Laurent Depus, President of the EBC Board, and Valerie Moschetti, EBC Chief Operating Officer, met with Gilles Bordes, Minister-Counsellor for Economic Affairs and Head of the Regional Economic Department at the French Embassy in Japan, and Christophe Grignon, Deputy Head of the Department.
The meeting was an opportunity to present the EBC’s activities and reaffirm its long-standing advocacy role in Japan. For over 50 years, the EBC has represented the interests of European companies operating in Japan, working closely with Japanese authorities and European institutions to promote fair competition, regulatory transparency, and a level playing field.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen our cooperation with European embassies to support our member companies and foster a more open and competitive business environment. |
 |
|
| EBC Digital Committee – Inaugural Meeting Invitation – 25 November
We are delighted to announce the launch of the EBC Digital Committee this November.
This new forum will enable members to discuss and collaborate on key digital-policy issues such as data governance, innovation, and the evolving regulatory landscape. The inaugural meeting will set the Committee’s direction and priorities for the coming year.
If your company operates in the digital or AI sectors, or if you have colleagues working in this field, we warmly invite you to join us:
📅 Tuesday, 25 November 2025
🕛 12:00
📍 EBC Office, Tokyo
Please confirm your attendance by replying to [email protected].
We believe this initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as digital transformation continues to shape business and policy in both Japan and Europe. |
|
|
| Nordic Kansai Business Alliance (NKBA) Launches to Strengthen Nordic–Japanese Ties
Five Nordic Chambers of Commerce in Japan, representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, have officially launched the Nordic Kansai Business Alliance (NKBA).
This initiative aims to deepen collaboration and foster sustainable business growth between the Nordics and Japan, building on the momentum of the Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. NKBA enhances Nordic visibility in the Kansai region through joint chamber events and shared partnerships, while maintaining the independence of each Chamber.
The alliance embodies shared Nordic values of innovation, sustainability, and trust, and provides a platform for Japanese companies with interests in the Nordic region. |
|
|
| German Chamber (AHK) Sustainable Business Night – 27 November
Join the AHK Japan’s first Sustainable Business Night on 27 November (17:00–20:00) at Tokyo Port City Takeshiba Port Hall.
The event will bring together leaders from business, government, and academia to discuss the latest developments in Sustainability Transformation (SX) between Germany and Japan. Highlights include a keynote on sustainability across business, policy, and innovation ecosystems, a panel discussion with industry experts, and an exhibition area featuring practical solutions.
A networking session with a sustainable flying buffet and drinks will offer opportunities for meaningful exchange and collaboration.
👉 Register here |
|
|
| Policy Webinar: Green Materials – Key for Scope 3 Emission Reduction
🗓 18 November, 16:30-18:00 (Japanese language only)
🎤 Co-hosted by the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation (EUJC)
This webinar will bring together public- and private-sector experts to discuss the challenges and future directions for promoting green materials, with insights from stakeholders across the supply chain, from upstream suppliers to downstream users.
🔗 Register for the Zoom webinar here (capacity: 1,000) |
|
|
| Through its committees, partnerships, and advocacy, the EBC continues to act as a bridge between Europe and Japan, ensuring that European companies have a strong, coordinated voice in one of the world’s most important markets.
We thank all our members and partners for their active participation and support, and we look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming EBC events.
Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
|
|
- Japan plans to adopt a target of 10,000 buses, taxis, trucks and other vehicles on the road capable of Level 4 self-driving by fiscal 2030, looking to spur the rollout of such advanced technology by domestic automakers. Level 4, part of a range extending to full automation at Level 5, requires no driver under specified conditions. (Nikkei Asia)
- Foreign companies are increasing their presence in Japan’s electric vehicle market. From April to September, foreign makers’ combined market share exceeded 50%, owing to their wide range of products offered at reasonable prices. It is the first time ever for the figure to cross that threshold over a six-month period. (The Japan News)
- The government plans to tighten regulations on so-called mega solar power plants related to nature destruction and disaster risk. A liaison conference comprising five ministries will compile potential measures regarding mega solar power plants, such as amendments to relevant laws and the strengthening of monitoring systems, as soon as this year. The five ministries include the Environment Ministry and the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry. (The Japan News)
|
|
|
Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
|
|
| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| November 14 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| November 17 (Monday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
| November 25 (Tuesday) |
Digital |
EBC
1200~ |
| November 27 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| November 28 (Friday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| December 3 (Wednesday) |
Liquor |
Hybrid
0830~ |
| December 9 (Tuesday) |
Sustainability & Social Responsibility |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| December 9 (Tuesday) |
Energy |
Hybrid
1330~ |
| December 11 (Thursday) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| December 11 (Thursday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
| December 11 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| December 17 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
| December 19 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
|
|
|
|
|
