| Dear Friends of the EBC,
I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable Golden Week. As spring moves into full swing, we’re pleased to share a few recent updates and highlights from the EBC’s activities. From addressing key trade concerns with European embassies to welcoming dynamic new member companies, the EBC continues to foster collaboration and drive progress for the European business community in Japan. |
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| Joint Efforts to Address Poultry Export Restrictions
On 9 May, the EBC Food and Agriculture Committee held a timely and productive meeting with representatives of the French Embassy, Claudine Girardo, Agricultural Counsellor, and Marie Collard, Project Officer, Agriculture and Food Division.
A key topic of discussion was France’s preventive poultry vaccination policy against avian influenza. Paradoxically, this measure has resulted in restrictions on the export of French chicken and duck products to Japan.
Given the importance of this issue to the Committee, both parties exchanged insights and agreed to continue working together to improve market access for these products. |
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Since the beginning of the year, the EBC has had the pleasure of welcoming several European companies as new members, further enriching our committees.
This week, we are pleased to introduce three of them: |
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The Tyrolit Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of grinding and dressing tools, as well as a system provider for the construction industry. For over 100 years, innovative tools and solutions have played a crucial role in technological advancements across various industries.
With roots in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Tyrolit combines the strengths of family values with a global vision and over a century of individual corporate and technological experience. The goals clearly are to impress both internal and external target groups and foster fair, enduring partnerships. In pursuit of these, Tyrolit consistently optimizes product quality and services while continuously adjusting business processes to meet evolving market demands. |
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| Gemini Group is a Tokyo-based public affairs and government relations consultancy that helps international organizations navigate Japan’s complex policy and regulatory landscape. With deep local expertise and a bilingual team, Gemini provides end-to-end support, from stakeholder engagement and narrative development to policy analysis and strategic planning and execution. Acting as an extension of our clients’ teams, we deliver actionable insights, build influence, and drive meaningful impact in Japan. |
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| MCRA Japan is the premier CRO and healthcare advisory firm guiding foreign manufacturers through the complex landscape of Japan medical device commercialization. Informed by bicultural perspectives, MCRA Japan capabilities include regulatory, clinical, reimbursement and DMAH support to advance your medical innovation in Japan. Within Japan, MCRA’s legal entity is Vorpal Technologies, K.K. Based in Tokyo, MCRA Japan has over 40 employees and assists over 40 clients annually, working across a wide array of therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, orthopedic, SaMD, and dermatology. |
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We are delighted to see our community continue to grow. As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement with the EBC.
Wishing you a productive and successful week ahead.Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer |
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- Japan looks to expand its skilled worker visa program, allowing employers in three more industries — warehouse management, waste disposal and linen supply — to hire foreign employees as early as 2027. The government intends to announce the plan soon and aims to secure cabinet approval in December. (Nikkei Asia)
- The government is enhancing a system to encourage middle-aged workers in major companies to move into positions at midsize and small companies in provincial regions. The enhanced program also upgraded a scheme for compensating transferees who are concerned that their salaries will decrease if they were to take up the new positions. (The Japan News)
- Japan and the European Union on Thursday reaffirmed the importance of their collaboration in maintaining “free and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core,” at a time U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are shaking global economies. During their high-level dialogue on economic issues in Tokyo, the two sides also agreed to cooperate with “like-minded partners” in the economic security field including beefing up supply chains, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said. (The Mainichi)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| May 22 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| May 29 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| May 30 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| June 3 (Tuesday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
| June 10 (Tuesday) |
Sustainability & Social Responsibility |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| June 10 (Tuesday) |
Energy |
Hybrid
1330~ |
| June 11 (Wednesday) |
Liquor |
Hybrid
0830~ |
| June 18 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
| June 19 (Thursday) |
Insurance |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| June 19 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| June 19 (Thursday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
| June 26 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| June 26 (Thursday) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| June 27 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| July 24 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| June 27 (Friday) |
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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