| Dear Friends of the EBC,
This week at EBC has been highly productive, marked by exciting developments and thought-provoking events that have fostered insightful discussions.
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| Advancing Gender Equality: A Joint Initiative by the EBC Sustainability & HR Committees
On 11 December, the EBC Sustainability and Human Resources Committees hosted an impactful meeting focused on gender equality, featuring insights from five exceptional speakers across various sectors.
The discussion spotlighted how companies and organisations are working to transform society and industry through initiatives that raise awareness and foster support for gender equality.
Key takeaways included:
- Corporate Strategies (Ikea, Amundi, Randstad): Speakers shared efforts to train managers and staff, set measurable targets (e.g., increasing female leadership), and create a culture where taking leave, including parental leave, is normalised and encouraged.
- Belgian Embassy’s Perspective: Showcasing initiatives to promote women’s participation, rooted in both Belgian and European legislation.
- Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Highlighting programs to support female entrepreneurship and train SMEs to increase women in management roles.
These conversations reinforce the importance of collaboration in driving systemic change. Inspired by the session, the EBC is exploring the possibility of organising a dedicated event on gender equality in 2025. |
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| EBC Medical Devices & Diagnostics Committee holds end of year party
On 12 December the EBC Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Committee hosted an event attended by representatives from various ministries and the EU delegation. After opening remarks by Chair Hideaki Mori, Hiroko Otsubo from the Health Department of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) gave a presentation on the use of data and its impact on the healthcare sector.
Shinichi Takae, Director at MHLW, followed with insights into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Japanese government’s initiatives to drive digital transformation (DX) in the broader healthcare landscape. Kazuo Minamikawa, also a Director at MHLW, emphasised that government and industry should also work together to achieve results.
Emiko Kondo of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) discussed the agency’s support for innovation and the use of real-world data to drive healthcare solutions. Building on this theme, Nobuhiko Watanabe, Director at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), outlined METI’s vision for enhancing Japan’s attractiveness as a hub for medical innovation. He also highlighted plans for the upcoming EXPO, with a special focus on Healthcare Week.
The formal proceedings concluded with a toast from Shinichi Eda, Vice-Chair of the Committee and representative of the diagnostics sector. The event then segued into an informal networking session, where attendees shared opinions and ideas in a relaxed atmosphere that fostered lively discussion and camaraderie.
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Recruitment of Host Companies for the 2025-2026 “Vulcanus In Japan” Programme
The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, established in 1987, aims to enhance economic relations and address trade imbalances between the EU and Japan. One of its key initiatives is the Vulcanus in Japan internship programme, which provides European science and technology students with hands-on experience at Japanese companies.
Since 1997, the programme has attracted 400-800 applicants annually, with 20-40 highly skilled students selected to participate. Starting in August 2025, interns will undergo two months of intensive Japanese language training before beginning six-month placements at host companies from October 2025 to March 2026.
Participants contribute technical expertise, fresh perspectives, and help foster global human networks. Many host companies value their role in internationalizing teams and addressing the challenge of recruiting young talent.
Call for Host Companies: Applications are now open to host interns. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 27, 2024. Visit the programme website for details.
For inquiries or assistance, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 03-6408-0281
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New initiative to support global companies in establishing their business in Sapporo
In October 2024, the one-stop service desk – the Sapporo Transnational Expansion and Partnership (STEP) – was established to assist foreign companies looking to expand to the Sapporo region by offering support entirely in English (business establishment, including assistance with corporate registration, visa applications, business matchmaking, etc.).
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| We look forward to connecting with you soon!
Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer
For more updates and information, please visit our website |
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- The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will actively promote the recruitment of nursing care staff from Southeast Asia, beginning next fiscal year, to cope with the serious labor shortage in the industry. The ministry will shoulder part of the costs that Japanese nursing care operators incur when recruiting staff in the region, and establish a nursing care education program in Indonesia. (The Japan News)
- Japan wants renewables to be its top power source by 2040 in its push to become carbon neutral by mid-century, under government plans unveiled on Tuesday. Thirteen years after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Tokyo also reaffirmed that it sees a major rule for nuclear power in helping Japan meet growing energy demand from artificial intelligence and microchip factories. (Japan Today)
- The Japanese health ministry is planning to introduce a new measure encouraging companies supportive of working women’s health to disclose their efforts, such as allowing employees to take “period leave” and setting up consultation desks, to make the information available to the public. Under the women’s professional life promotion law, businesses that have at least 101 employees are required to create “general employer action plans.” (The Mainichi)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| January 17 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| January 23 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| January 28 (Tuesday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
| February 4 (Tuesday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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