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Dear Friends of the EBC, This week, the EBC engaged with stakeholders across a broad range of sectors and policy areas, from patient-centred healthcare and urban innovation to logistics infrastructure and Indo-Pacific security. We also look ahead to upcoming opportunities for the European business community, including the Digital Industry & Automotive Summit, a workshop on intellectual property mediation, and a defence business mission to Japan in 2027. Together, these activities reflect the EBC’s commitment to strengthening Europe-Japan business relations, supporting innovation and promoting a favourable environment for European companies in Japan. |
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| Healthcare: Recognising Patient Advocacy at the EFPIA Japan PASE AWARD 2026 On 13 October, the EBC attended the 2026 PASE AWARD ceremony organised by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations Japan (EFPIA Japan, an EBC Member). The Patient Advocacy Support by EFPIA Japan (PASE) programme supports patient organisations working to improve healthcare and the medical environment in Japan. This year’s recognised organisations included Cancer Support Kagoshima, Porque and Linkage, highlighting the important role of patient organisations in supporting patients and their families. The ceremony and subsequent reception brought together representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, Japanese healthcare authorities and the European diplomatic community. Speakers included Stefan Oelrich, Chair of the Global Board of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA); Yasuhiro Fujiwara, Chief Executive of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA); and Giorgio Aliberti, Ambassador-designate of the European Union to Japan. The event underlined a shared priority: building a more patient-centred healthcare system through stronger collaboration between patients, industry and public authorities. |  |
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| Helsinki-Tokyo: Turning City-to-City Cooperation into Business Opportunities On 14 October, the EBC attended the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (FCCJ)’s Executive Dialogue with Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of Helsinki, to discuss opportunities for closer economic cooperation between Helsinki and Tokyo. The dialogue highlighted promising areas for collaboration, including startups and innovation, health tech, sustainability, creative industries and maritime activities. Helsinki sees Tokyo as a strategic gateway to Asia, while Japanese companies and investors can benefit from Helsinki’s innovation ecosystem and research capabilities. The commitment to closer ties is taking shape: on 13 October 2026, Helsinki and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in startups, innovation, industry, digital technologies, education, longevity and culture. Turning these ambitions into tangible business opportunities also requires an environment in which companies can operate and grow effectively. This is where the EBC plays an important role. Through policy advocacy and dialogue with Japanese authorities, we explained how we work to address regulatory and structural barriers affecting European companies established in Japan, helping improve market conditions and support their long-term development. The EBC thanks the FCCJ, one of our 17 stakeholders, for the invitation and for facilitating this valuable exchange. |  |
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| Freight & Logistics: EBC Committee Visits Narita International Airport On 15 October, the EBC Freight & Logistics Committee visited Narita International Airport for an exclusive look at the airport’s latest developments and future plans. The programme included a guided tour and a presentation on recent infrastructure developments, with a particular focus on Cargo 8, ANA’s new cargo facility. The visit provided valuable insights into the development of Narita’s cargo infrastructure and its role in supporting Japan’s international logistics and air freight operations. The EBC thanks Narita International Airport Corporation for its warm welcome, informative presentation and the opportunity to learn more about the airport’s ongoing developments. Such visits enable committee members to deepen their understanding of Japan’s logistics infrastructure and the operational environment in which European companies do business. |  |
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| Europe and the Indo-Pacific: Rethinking Security On 16 October, the EBC attended the “Road to Schuman” event, Rethinking Security from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, hosted by the EU Delegation to Japan in preparation for the Schuman Security and Defence Forum 2026. The discussions brought together European and Indo-Pacific perspectives on shared security challenges, covering AI, defence innovation, maritime security, cybersecurity and information integrity. The exchanges highlighted the importance of strengthening preparedness, resilience and cooperation in an increasingly complex security environment. For the EBC, participation in these discussions is important to ensure that the perspectives of European businesses in Japan remain connected to broader policy developments. Security, technological innovation and economic resilience are increasingly intertwined, making dialogue between policymakers, experts and the business community essential. The EBC extends its sincere thanks to the EU Delegation to Japan for the invitation and for organising this valuable opportunity to exchange views and strengthen connections between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. |  |
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| Upcoming Events and Opportunities |
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| 3rd Digital Industry & Automotive Summit – 19 November 2026 The European Business Council in Japan (EBC), together with the Delegation of the European Union to Japan and other European partners, invites you to the 3rd Digital Industry & Automotive Summit, bringing together Japanese and European leaders from the automotive, manufacturing and digital industries to explore how AI is being put into practice. Taking place at Europa House, the EU Delegation in Tokyo, the summit will feature three keynote presentations covering AI in the automotive sector, the future of the factory, and the role of semiconductors in robotics. Two panel discussions will explore the transformation of the automotive industry, including autonomous driving, and the growing application of AI across industry. Speakers and panellists represent companies including TIER IV, SAP Japan, Infineon Technologies, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation / ARCHION Corporation, and Sakana AI. The programme will begin at 16:00, followed by a networking reception from 18:30, offering participants an opportunity to exchange views and connect with industry peers. Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026
Time: 16:00–19:30 (doors open at 15:30)
Venue: Europa House, Delegation of the European Union to Japan, 4-6-28 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Information Registration: To register, please send an email to [email protected]. The summit is supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, AHK Japan, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the EBC, together with EBC and AHK members and partners. |  |
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| Stakeholder Event: Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BLCCJ) & International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) event The BLCCJ is joining forces with the ICC for its annual Japanese-language event aimed at its Japanese-speaking members. The webinar will explain how the ICC and its Japan committee support businesses engaged in international trade and global economic activities. Programme: - History and current status of the ICC – Presenter: 人見 欧司
- Current status and activities of ICCJ – Presenter: 岩﨑 剛士
- Belgium and its relationship with the ICC – Presenter: 人見 欧司
Information and registration: Webinar in Japanese: 国際商業会議所(ICC)とICC日本委員会ー国際ビジネスでの活用 | Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan |
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| Defence Business Mission to Japan 2027 – Applications Open The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is now accepting applications for its Defence Business Mission to Japan, scheduled for April 2027. The mission is aimed at European businesses specialising in defence technologies and solutions, including cybersecurity, uncrewed and autonomous systems, laser technologies, satellite communications and radar technologies. The initiative offers participants an opportunity to explore the Japanese market, present their solutions and connect with potential Japanese partners and clients, including through exhibition opportunities. More information |  |
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| Partner Event – Online Workshop on Mediation in Intellectual Property Disputes – 30 October, at 17:00 – 20:00 JST (In English and Japanese) The event is organised by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) within the framework of the EU-Japan Intellectual Property Action (EU-Japan IPA), in cooperation with the Japan Intellectual Property Arbitration Center (JIPAC). The workshop will bring together representatives from public institutions, mediation centres, academia and private-sector organisations from Europe and Japan to exchange experiences and perspectives on the use of mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in intellectual property disputes.Participants will have the opportunity to explore the role of mediation in supporting effective, flexible and business-oriented solutions for disputes relating to trade marks, designs, patents and copyright. The programme will feature contributions from experts from the: - EUIPO Mediation Centre
- Japan Intellectual Property Arbitration Center (JIPAC)
- Japan Patent Office (JPO)
- Unified Patent Court Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre (UPC PMAC)
- Academia
Discussions will address the current state of IP mediation in Japan and Europe, including challenges such as limited uptake, legal and institutional fragmentation, enforceability concerns, and the need for specialised expertise. Practical examples and institutional approaches will also be shared, highlighting how ADR can help preserve business relationships, reduce costs and time, and respond to the growing complexity of cross-border IP disputes. Through expert presentations, interactive discussions and case-based exchanges, the workshop will provide an excellent opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and identify areas for closer EU-Japan cooperation in the field of IP mediation. Registration link: Please register here.(the Zoom link will be shared closer to the date, upon registration) |
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From policy dialogue and industry engagement to practical business opportunities, the EBC continues to connect European companies with key stakeholders in Japan. As technological innovation, market access, infrastructure and economic security become increasingly interconnected, our work remains focused on representing European business interests, fostering cooperation and helping our members navigate Japan’s evolving business environment. Stay connected with the EBC for further updates on our policy work, committee activities and opportunities to engage with the European business community in Japan! Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- France and Germany have agreed that vehicles manufactured in Japan should not be eligible for a proposed incentive scheme in legislation currently under consideration by the European Union. The proposed legislation is intended to grant preferential treatment to European-made electric vehicles and other products. A final decision will be made following deliberations by EU member states and the European Parliament, but the agreement reached Friday between France and Germany is likely to have significant impact on the discussions. (The Japan News)
- The government has published an English-language booklet highlighting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic and fiscal policies as part of efforts to drive foreign direct investment into Japan. The move also appears aimed at dispelling concerns over fiscal deterioration linked to her signature policy of “responsible and proactive public finances.” (The Japan News)
- The number of foreigners holding business manager visas who left Japan without applying for reentry permits nearly quadrupled in the first half of 2026 from a year earlier, government data showed Thursday. The sharp increase came to light ahead of Friday’s first anniversary of Japan’s tightening of business manager visa requirements, including raising the minimum capital requirement to 30 million yen ($190,000) from 5 million yen. (Kyodo News)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date | Committee | Time / Location | | October 22 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | October 29 (Thursday) | Insurance | Hybrid
0800~ | | November 5 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | November 9 (Monday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | November 10 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | November 10 (Tuesday) | Government Relations | Hybrid
1230~ | | November 12 (Thursday) | Liquor | Hybrid
0830~ | | November 26 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | December 1 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | December 1 (Tuesday) | Energy | Hybrid
1330~ | | December 8 (Tuesday) | Sustainability & Social Responsibility | Hybrid
1030~ | | December 10 (Thursday) | Telecommunications Equipment | Hybrid
1000~ | | December 10 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | December 14 (Monday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | December 16 (Wednesday) | Food & Agriculture | Hybrid
0930~ | | December 16 (Wednesday) | Materials | Hybrid
1730~ | | December 17 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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