EBC Newsletter – December 3, 2025

The EBC was honoured to speak at the Café-Croissant organised by the French Chamber of Commerce (CCIFJ). This monthly gathering brings together a small circle of members for informal exchanges on current business issues. Our presentation focused on the EBC’s advocacy work and committee structure, with particular highlights on two of our most engaged committees:

Materials Committee
Presented by Chair Eduard Gabric, this committee unites companies in industrial materials and metals. Its mission is to enhance regulatory clarity, promote fair competition, and support dialogue between European and Japanese stakeholders across the value chain.

Automotive Components & Aftermarket Committee
Represented by Jochem Kuehnle, this committee brings together European suppliers operating in Japan. It works to advance fair market access, transparent technical standards, and a level playing field, crucial at a time when the automotive sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by electrification, digitalisation, and sustainability.
This event was an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with the French business community and highlight how the EBC supports European companies daily.

Connecting Japan, Spain and Latin America – 26 November
The EBC attended the conference “Connecting Japan, Spain and Latin America: Opportunities for Cross-Border Investment”, hosted by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SpCCJ). The event highlighted opportunities for trilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and technology, with valuable insights on regulatory practices and partnership building. The lively networking reception that followed showcased Spanish gastronomy and enabled productive exchanges with Spanish companies active in Japan.

EBC-Spain Chamber Meeting – 27 November
The EBC met with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce (in Spain) Managing Director Inmaculada Riera and her colleague Micaela Picazo and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SpCCJ) Executive Director Sergio Nespral Sánchez.
The discussion covered shared priorities in transportation, offshore wind, and defence. Both chambers expressed strong interest in maintaining an enhanced dialogue and exploring areas for deeper cooperation. Strengthening coordination among European business organisations remains key to robust and unified advocacy in Japan.

Spain-Japan Business Contribution Awards – 28 November
The EBC was honoured to attend the 10th Edition of the Spain–Japan Business Contribution Awards (SJBCA) hosted by the SpCCJ.
Warm congratulations to Iberia Airlines and Fujitsu for receiving this year’s awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to bilateral cooperation. We commend the SpCCJ for a decade of commitment to strengthening business ties between Spain and Japan.

The EBC was pleased to attend the Banque de France – Fondation France-Japon Lab Winter Conference, held at the Japan Industrial Club.

The event explored the impact of AI on macroeconomics and financial stability, gathering experts from central banks, academia, and industry.

We were especially proud to see Felix von Helden, Co-Chair of the EBC Digital Committee, share his expertise during the roundtable on AI and financial stability.

A warm thank you to all organisers for a highly insightful programme.

The Tax Committee invites members to join its next meeting at the EBC offices in Toranomon Hills. Participants will:

• discuss shared challenges
• receive updates on recent tax reforms
• exchange practical insights relevant to foreign businesses in Japan

To register: [email protected]

The Japan Tax & Public Procurement (JTPP) Helpdesk is exploring a business mission to Japan (12–15 May 2026) for EU-headquartered SMEs providing innovative solutions for public services and local government.

Selected companies will exhibit at the Government & Public Sector Week Japan, the country’s leading trade show for public-sector innovation.

More information

We thank all partners, members, and committee chairs for their continued dedication and look forward to another productive week ahead.

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan

• The Japanese government has established a new organization to review its subsidies and taxation as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s effort to pursue economic growth through what she calls “wise spending,” the Finance Ministry said. The entity, dubbed the Japanese version of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, widely known as DOGE, will be led by Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, who is also in charge of special measures on taxation and reviewing subsidies. (Japan Today)
• Top Japanese marine shipping groups will partner with major shipbuilders to develop a new generation of vessels, Nikkei has learned, as Japan aims to regain momentum in an industry outproduced by Chinese and South Korean rivals. Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha will invest in MILES, a ship design joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Imabari Shipbuilding. (Nikkei Asia)
• Companies could use up to 40% of their R&D investment for tax credits under a plan for 2026 tax reform proposed by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry. The tax credits would be offered specifically for investments in the government’s six “national strategic technologies.” The proposal to expand the R&D Tax Credit System is aimed at encouraging corporate investment in areas critical for economic security and industrial growth. (The Japan News)

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