EBC ニュースレター　2025年10月1日

On 3 October, EBC President Laurent Depus and Chief Policy Director Bjorn Kongstad met with Mr. Toshiyuki Shirai, the newly appointed Director of the Europe Division at METI. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to introduce the EBC’s work and priorities, and to explore ways to further strengthen EU-Japan collaboration, notably through the Competitiveness Alliance.
With several MoUs already in place, both sides expressed optimism about future innovation and growth. The EBC warmly thanks Mr. Shirai for the constructive exchange and looks forward to deepening cooperation with METI.

Also on 3 October, the EBC participated in the Austrian Strategic Business Summit in Tokyo, focused on the Indo-Pacific region. The event gathered leaders and experts to discuss geopolitical transitions, supply chains, and digital innovation.
For the EBC, it was an opportunity to connect with stakeholders from Austria, Japan, and beyond, and to explore concrete avenues for cooperation between European and Indo-Pacific firms.
Many thanks to the organizers and participants for their inspiring contributions.

JETRO “Collaborate & Invest Japan” Networking Event

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will host its 2025 “Collaborate & Invest Japan” Networking Event on Wednesday, 5 November from 17:00 to 19:30 at Prominence, ANA InterContinental Tokyo.

This annual event brings together foreign-affiliated companies, Japanese firms interested in collaboration, innovation ecosystem stakeholders, and diplomatic and economic organizations to foster meaningful connections and new business opportunities across regions and industries.

The program will include a seminar followed by a networking session, conducted in Japanese and English. Participation is free of charge, but advance registration is required by 17:00 (JST) on Friday, 24 October. Please note that capacity is limited to 300 participants, and registration will close once full.

👉 Register here: JETRO Application Form
📍 Venue details: ANA InterContinental Tokyo

For reference, a report on the FY2024 event is available here.

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer

• The European Space Agency is targeting Tokyo for its first office in Asia, aiming to boost cooperation with Japan on asteroid observation and other activities.  By joining forces, Japan and Europe hope to boost their presence in a sphere led by the U.S., with China playing the second-most prominent role.   (Nikkei Asia)
• Japan will offer financial support for investment in advanced technology by companies that use renewable or nuclear power, in a bid to promote industry while also reducing its carbon footprint. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will start accepting applications and possibly paying out subsidies as early as next year.  (Nikkei Asia)
• Japan fully enforced on Wednesday a law requiring firms to enhance support for employees raising preschoolers aged 3 or above by providing flexible work options as the country combats declining births. Companies must implement at least two support measures out of five, such as at least 10 days working from home per month and staggered working hours, so that employees can choose work styles suitable for them. (Japan Today)

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