EBC ニュースレター　2025年11月26日

2025年11月26日 EBC ニュースレター　2025年11月26日

ニュースレター, 公開情報

 

From the EBC

Dear Friends of the EBC,

As part of its mission to strengthen European business interests in Japan, the EBC continues to engage actively with diplomatic partners, expand its policy platforms, and support initiatives that foster talent and innovation. Below is an overview of this week’s key activities and opportunities for our members.
Meeting with the Swiss Embassy – 19 November

On 19 November, the EBC met with Gabriel Spaeti, Counsellor and Head of the Economy & Finance Section at the Swiss Embassy in Japan.

The discussion was broad and constructive, covering topics such as the EU-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement, the Embassy’s priorities in Japan, and other shared areas of interest. We also presented the EBC’s background, activities, and main policy-engagement areas.

The meeting took place in an open and positive atmosphere, with both sides expressing a strong commitment to continued close collaboration.

Celebrating Ireland-Japan Business Excellence – 21 November

The EBC was delighted to attend the Ireland Japan Business Awards on 21 November, organized by the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious event shines a spotlight on companies and individuals driving success and fostering stronger economic ties between Ireland and Japan.

The evening was a true celebration, with outstanding Irish food, drinks, and music, and a fantastic turnout from the Ireland–Japan business community.

Congratulations to all award recipients! We also commend the IJCC for highlighting the depth, vibrancy, and continued potential of Ireland-Japan business relations.
Inaugural Meeting of the EBC Digital Committee – 25 November

This new initiative comes at a crucial moment, as digital transformation continues to shape business practices and regulatory environments in both Japan and Europe. With strong interest from companies across multiple sectors, the committee is already shaping up to be a vibrant platform for dialogue and collaboration.

During this inaugural session, members exchanged views on their priorities and explored the key policy areas where the committee will focus its efforts. Going forward, the group will continue to deepen its work and engage proactively with stakeholders on both the European and Japanese sides.

If your company is active in Europe and interested in digital policy or the broader digital ecosystem in Japan, we would be pleased to connect with you.

A warm thank you to Felix von Helden (Ultra Tendency) and Wataru Suzuki (SAP) for stepping up as our committee co-chairs.

We look forward to building this new initiative together!

Recruitment of Host Companies for the 2026–2027 “Vulcanus in Japan” Programme

“Vulcanus in Japan” is an 8-month industrial internship programme for European engineering and science students, managed by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. Each year, approximately 25 highly skilled and motivated students are selected for internships in Japan: two months of intensive Japanese language courses and seminars, followed by six months of hands-on training at a host company.

Internship projects typically span Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, AI, ICT, Data Science, GNSS, Chemistry, Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Space technologies, and more.

The 2026-2027 programme will begin in August 2026 with language training, followed by industrial placements from October 2026 to March 2027.

Companies in Japan interested in hosting interns may contact the Vulcanus in Japan team at the EU-Japan Centre in Tokyo:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +81-(0)3-6408-0281
Recruitment period: 1 November – 12 December 2025
More details and application forms for host companies are available online

Conclusion

Through policy engagement, dialogue with key partners, and support for initiatives that strengthen Europe-Japan cooperation, the EBC remains committed to representing the voice of European business in Japan. We look forward to continuing this work together with our members, stakeholders, and the wider European community.

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan

What’s in the Media

  • Japan looks to designate six fields including artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion and biotechnology as “national strategic technologies,” prioritizing them for research funds and preferential tax treatment, Nikkei has learned. The government aims to draw private-sector investment by supporting fields essential for economic growth and crisis management where Japan faces intense global competition. (Nikkei Asia)
  • The government is planning to introduce a tax credit allowing businesses to deduct 8% of the value of their capital investments from their corporate tax liability as part of efforts to encourage more domestic corporate investment. The government’s capital investment promotion tax system will be included in tax reforms for fiscal 2026. (The Japan News)
  • Japan will allow mergers in fields like shipbuilding that face intense foreign competition even if their domestic markets are dominated by a few players, according to policy guidelines revealed by the antitrust watchdog Thursday. At a meeting of an expert panel, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry presented application guidelines on 15 antitrust case studies that concern economic security for the country.  (Nikkei Asia)

Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings

Date Committee Time / Location
November 27 (Thursday) Human Resources Hybrid
0930~
November 28 (Friday) Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Off-site
1430~
December 3 (Wednesday) Liquor Hybrid
0830~
December 9 (Tuesday) Sustainability & Social Responsibility Hybrid
0900~
December 9 (Tuesday) Energy Hybrid
1330~
December 11 (Thursday) Food & Agriculture Hybrid
0900~
December 11 (Thursday) Telecommunications Equipment Hybrid
1000~
December 11 (Thursday) Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Off-site
1430~
December 17 (Wednesday) Materials Hybrid
1730~
December 19 (Friday) Railways Hybrid
1600~

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

Stakeholders of the EBC:

European Business Council JAPAN
Toranomon Hills Business Tower 15F, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6415
105-6415 東京都港区虎ノ門1-17-1 虎ノ門ヒルズビジネスタワー15階
www.ebc-jp.com/