| Dear Friends of the EBC,
This past week, the European Business Council in Japan continued to foster dialogue, support its member community, and engage with key stakeholders across sectors, from food and retail to government relations and cultural industries. Through meetings, events, and upcoming initiatives, the EBC remains committed to improving the business environment for European companies operating in Japan. |
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Annual bilateral DAG meeting and Joint Civil Society Dialogue
The European Business Council in Japan continues to contribute actively to EU-Japan policy dialogue as a member of the EU-side Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. On 4 March, the annual bilateral DAG meeting and Joint Civil Society Dialogue took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, bringing together representatives from Japanese ministries, the European Commission, and civil society organisations.
Represented by the Chair of its Sustainability & Social Responsibility Committee, Stefan Le Du, the EBC highlighted the growing risks of greenwashing and the need to further strengthen Japan’s regulatory framework in line with European initiatives. Together with Japan Business Council in Europe, we also shared key takeaways from our recent joint event with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on responsible supply chains.
A valuable platform to advance dialogue on sustainability and reinforce cooperation between European and Japanese stakeholders!
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| Celebrating the Greek New Year with the Greek Business Community
On 12 March, the EBC was delighted to join the Greek Chamber of Commerce in Japan for its Greek New Year’s Luncheon, chaired by its president, Tony Andriotis.
The event brought together members and partners in a warm and convivial atmosphere, in the presence of H.E. Olga Kliamaki, Ambassador of Greece, and H.E. Yiannis Michaelides, Ambassador of Cyprus. The traditional Vasilopita ceremony symbolised both cultural heritage and community spirit.
Beyond the celebration, the Chamber’s General Meeting highlighted the continued dynamism of European business networks in Japan. Events like this underscore the essential role of national chambers in strengthening connections, fostering dialogue, and reinforcing Europe-Japan business ties. |
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| Food Committee Exchange with Polish Delegation
On the same day, the EBC Food Committee, with its Chair, Johann Pozzi and one of its members, Charles Robin from Lactalis, met with a Polish delegation, including representatives from the National Support Centre for Agriculture, Polish companies, and the Embassy of Poland.
Discussions focused on regulatory developments impacting the food sector, notably food contact materials and additives. This exchange provided a valuable platform to share insights and practical experiences, contributing to a better understanding of regulatory frameworks and market access challenges in Japan. |
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Engagement with German Business Community
Reception at the German Residence
Also on 12 March, the EBC attended a reception hosted by the German Ambassador to Japan, Petra Sigmund.Organised in cooperation with Nordmetall and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, the event gathered representatives from industry, institutions, and business associations. It provided an excellent opportunity to exchange perspectives on the evolving economic landscape and to further strengthen European-Japanese business ties. |
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| Berlin Fashion X International – Tokyo Delegation
On 16 March, the EBC attended a reception at the German Residence on the occasion of Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo.
Organised with Fashion Council Germany as part of the Berlin Fashion X International initiative, the event showcased German designers engaging with Japan’s fashion ecosystem.
The Residence was transformed into a creative exhibition space, featuring mannequins displaying selected designs. The event gathered key figures from the Japanese fashion industry, highlighting the importance of cultural and creative industries in strengthening economic ties.
This initiative also aligns with the work of the EBC Retail & Wholesale Committee, which supports European brands navigating the Japanese market and addresses regulatory and market access issues. |
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| Upcoming Event: The Future of the Automotive Industry
The EBC, together with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, is pleased to invite members to a discussion based on insights from the 25th KPMG Global Automotive Executive Survey.
As the automotive sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by digitalisation, sustainability, and shifting market dynamics, this session will provide a strategic overview of key global trends shaping the industry.
We look forward to welcoming you to this timely exchange!
📅 Date: 3 April 2026
🕓 Time: 16:00 -19:00 (JST)
📍 Venue: AHK Japan, Tokyo
Registration |
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| Japanese Government Procurement Seminar 2026 (Online)
Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, this seminar will provide insights into Japan’s government procurement framework for FY2026.
Information (English / Japanese)
📅 Date: 9 April 2026
💻 Format: Online
📩 Registration deadline: 2 April 2026
📧 Contact: [email protected] |
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| From policy discussions to sector-specific dialogue, the EBC continues to play a central role in connecting European businesses with Japan’s dynamic market environment. By working closely with national chambers, embassies, the Japanese government and industry stakeholders, we remain committed to supporting our members and fostering a more open, transparent, and competitive business landscape.
We look forward to continuing these exchanges and welcoming you at our upcoming events.
Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- A European wind power giant will build a plant in Japan by fiscal 2029 to assemble turbine components, as the country seeks to expand its use of renewable energy. The facility to be established by Danish company Vestas Wind Systems A/S with support from the Japanese government will assemble nacelles, the housings atop wind turbine towers that contain major machinery such as the generator and gearbox. (Kyodo News)
- The government intends to establish a new organization in fiscal 2026 that will serve as a “command center” for industry-academia-government collaboration, with the aim of strengthening the development of personnel to work in nuclear power, it has been learned. While there is growing momentum for building new nuclear reactors and restarting existing reactors, these goals face a major challenge in the form of a shortage of personnel who can work in the nuclear power industry. The government aims to deepen cross-industry collaboration in order to fully address this issue. (The Japan News)
- The Japanese government on Tuesday approved a bill to amend the immigration control law to establish an online pre-entry screening system for overseas arrivals and significantly increase residence status application fees for foreigners. The cabinet-endorsed bill will be submitted to the current Diet session, and if enacted, the government aims to implement the entry eligibility screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, in fiscal 2028. (Japan Today)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| March 18 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Insurance |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Energy |
Hybrid
1330~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & IVD |
Hybrid
1430~ |
| March 26 (Thursday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| April 2 (Thursday) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| April 7 (Tuesday) |
Digital |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| April 7 (Tuesday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
| April 9 (Thursday) |
Liquor |
Hybrid
0830~ |
| April 16 (Thursday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| April 23 (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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