EBC ニュースレター　2025年9月17日

The EBC Government Relations Committee met on 9 September for a timely and engaging session. The meeting began with a discussion on the resignation of Prime Minister Ishiba and the possible successors, including the political shifts required to secure a majority in parliament.

We then had the pleasure of hearing from Professor Stephen Nagy of International Christian University, who shared his insights on Japan’s geopolitics and its strategic approach to international partnerships, aligning closely with key allies while using this foundation to engage with others. The presentation sparked an active exchange of questions, ideas, and perspectives among participants.

The EBC would like to sincerely thank Professor Nagy for his outstanding presentation, which provided valuable food for thought on Japan’s evolving role on the global stage.

On 12 September, the EBC, together with its Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Committee, met with the EUIPO – European Union Intellectual Property Office, led by Executive Director João Negrão. The EUIPO delegation was in Japan for discussions with key Japanese stakeholders, including the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
The meeting provided an opportunity for EBC members to share their perspectives on intellectual property rights and their enforcement. Topics covered included trademarks, patents, e-commerce platforms, injunctions, and more.

The EUIPO is launching a new programme in cooperation with Japan, and both sides agreed to remain in close contact to facilitate information exchange as the programme develops.

If your company has an interest in IPR, we encourage you to reach out to the EBC!

From 14 to 17 October, CEATEC will once again transform Makuhari Messe (Chiba) into Asia’s leading hub for technology and innovation, gathering more than 100,000 visitors and over 800 exhibitors from Japan and abroad.

For the first time, the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (UCCJ) will organize a Ukrainian Pavilion, highlighting innovation in IT, drones, agritech, dual-use technologies, and AI. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for European companies to gain visibility, connect with Japanese industry leaders, and engage with government officials, investors, and potential partners.

Companies interested in joining are invited to contact the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Japan directly for further details and registration: [email protected]

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer

• Japan has drawn up a plan to scale up artificial photosynthesis technology by 2040, aiming to convert carbon dioxide into fuel, as part of its decarbonization efforts. While the government works to minimize CO2 emissions to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it hopes to also use CO2 as a “resource,” along with water and sunlight, to produce energy through the next-generation technology that mimics natural photosynthesis. (The Mainichi)
• Japan is making a push to lead global rulemaking in disaster risk financing, aiming to do what European banks did in environmental, social and governance standards.  A Japanese panel on this topic, chaired by the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), presented a draft of standards in Tokyo on Monday based on input from industry, government and academia.(Nikkei Asia)
• The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has decided to provide ¥24.6 billion in subsidies across five years to three companies engaged in efforts to achieve mass production of next-generation perovskite solar cells.  The ministry will provide the money to Panasonic Holdings Corp., Ricoh Co. and EneCoat Technologies Co., a startup that originated at Kyoto University, to cover the costs of technological development and demonstration tests. (The Japan News)

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