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| Dear Friends of the EBC, Over the past week, we continued to strengthen our engagement with Japanese institutions and the international business community while promoting closer Europe-Japan cooperation. From expanding dialogue with key Japanese stakeholders to supporting new networking initiatives and sharing opportunities for members, the EBC remains committed to fostering an open, competitive, and resilient business environment in Japan. |
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| Strengthening Cooperation Among Foreign Chambers in Japan On 23 June, the EBC participated in the launch of a new networking initiative bringing together representatives of foreign chambers of commerce in Japan.
The initiative aims to create a regular platform for exchanging perspectives, discussing issues affecting the international business community, and reinforcing cooperation among chambers. The inaugural reception provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect with long-standing partners, establish new contacts, and exchange ideas in a relaxed and constructive atmosphere. The reception opened with remarks by Marcus Schürmann, CEO of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan), followed by Christina Schösser, Austrian Commercial Counsellor and Executive Director of the Austrian Business Council. Motohiko Sato, General Manager of the Global Affairs Department at JANE, proposed the toast before guests enjoyed an evening of networking. The evening concluded with closing remarks by Nikolaus Boltze on behalf of the European Business Council, who highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation among foreign chambers and thanked everyone for contributing to a successful inaugural reception.
The EBC is pleased to support this new initiative and looks forward to contributing to its future development. |  |
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| EBC Meets the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry On 29 June, the EBC met with Ken Kobayashi, Chairman of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), to discuss key issues affecting both European and Japanese businesses. Discussions focused on shared challenges, including Japan’s labour shortage; Policies affecting foreign workers and residents; Securing stable supplies of rare earths and other critical materials. Both organisations also explored opportunities for closer cooperation, particularly in helping Japanese companies better understand the growing body of European legislation that may affect their business activities. The meeting reaffirmed the value of regular dialogue in strengthening Europe-Japan economic cooperation. |  |
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| BLCCJ Nippon Export Award 2026–2027 The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BLCCJ) has launched the 13th edition of the Nippon Export Award, recognising companies that have achieved outstanding success in exporting to Japan, importing into Japan, or distributing Belgian and Luxembourg products and services. Key dates:
– Application deadline: 4 September 2026
– Finalist presentations: October 2026
– Award ceremony: Belgian or Luxembourg Embassy in Japan The award offers excellent visibility for companies demonstrating excellence in the Japan market. |  |
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| Upcoming EU-Japan Centre Policy Seminar: Hydrogen Strategies The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation will host an online policy seminar on 7 July 2026 entitled: “Challenges Confronting the Hydrogen Strategies of the EU and Japan and Efforts to Strengthen the Japan–EU Partnership.”
The webinar will examine: - EU and Japanese hydrogen strategies;
- Challenges facing green hydrogen deployment;
- Supply chain resilience;
- Opportunities for closer EU-Japan cooperation in hydrogen technologies and infrastructure.
The event is free of charge, held online via Zoom, and will include simultaneous interpretation.
Webinar Registration – Zoom |
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| As Europe and Japan continue to address evolving economic, industrial, and geopolitical challenges, the EBC remains committed to strengthening dialogue between policymakers, business leaders, and industry stakeholders. Through advocacy, institutional engagement, and cooperation with our partners, we will continue working to ensure that the voice of European business contributes to a transparent, innovative, and competitive business environment in Japan. Thank you for your continued support and engagement with the EBC. Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- Japan on Monday established a cross-ministerial, U.S.-style committee to strengthen the country’s prescreening of foreign investments, as it seeks to prevent leaks of critical technologies and ensure economic security. The launch of the body, called the Japan Foreign Investment Committee, or JFIC, followed a revision to the foreign exchange and trade law to cope with rising applications as more sectors are deemed critical for national security. (Kyodo News)
- The government will consider support measures, including tax incentives, for the use of domestic services including babysitting, according to a key policy aimed at encouraging women’s participation in the labor force and improving gender equality. To promote women’s participation in the 17 strategic fields advocated by the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the policy, which was approved Thursday, aims to double the number of female professionals in the field of science and technology. (The Japan News)
- The Japanese government said Wednesday it will target 370 trillion yen ($2.3 trillion) in combined public and private investment by fiscal 2040, with a clear emphasis on semiconductors as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s strategy to spur growth and protect national security. The sweeping long-term strategy from fiscal 2026, which began in April, covers 17 sectors including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, energy, medicine and entertainment, and is intended to help private-sector firms plan investments by providing a government benchmark. (The Mainichi)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date | Committee | Time / Location | | July 1 (Wednesday) | Insurance | EBC
1300~ | | July 7 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | July 9 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | July 16 (Thursday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | July 23 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | August 27 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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