Dear Friends of the EBC,
I hope you had a restful summer.
The EBC team is kicking off the new season with renewed energy, and the weeks ahead are full of opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and expand your network. In this newsletter, you will find a large array of events organized by the EBC or by partner organizations. I encourage you to join and make the most of these platforms! |
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Networking Reception with Mr. Andrea Caroni, President of the Council of States (Upper House) of the Swiss Parliament
On 28 August, the EBC joined the Swiss-Japanese business community for a special reception at the Residence of H.E. Roger Dubach, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, on the occasion of the official visit of Mr. Andrea Caroni, President of the Swiss Council of States, with a high-level delegation.
The evening featured sector pitches from five Swiss companies in Japan and insights from a Japanese company investing in Switzerland, highlighting innovation, bilateral cooperation, and future opportunities. In 2024, Switzerland became Japan’s 7th largest investor, while Japan remains Switzerland’s 9th most important investment partner, reflecting deepening economic ties.
The EBC thanks the Embassy of Switzerland and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCIJ) for their kind invitation and warm hospitality.
Ambassador Roger Dubach – Michael Mroczek, President of the SCCIJ – Andrea Caroni |
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Mobility’s Neural Shift – Success Stories & Strategic Debate
EBC Automotive Components Committee joint event with the German Chamber of Commerce and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce (17 September, 16:30-19:30 at L’Espace, courtesy of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan)
The event will highlight how artificial intelligence is reshaping the automotive value chain. With success stories and strategic discussions, the focus will be on practical implications for Tier-1s, OEMs, and technology suppliers. This is also an excellent opportunity to connect with experts and exchange views with peers from across the industry.
- 5,500 JPY for EBC Members | 7,700 JPY for Non-Members
- Register by Tuesday, 9 September 2025 (cancellations or no-shows after this date will be billed in full)
- Limited to approx. 80 participants, first-come, first-served
- English
- Presentations, panel discussions, followed by networking with buffet & drinks
More details and registration here |
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Austrian Strategic Business Summit – Indo-Pacific (2-3 October 2025)
Join European and Asian/Japanese business representatives at the Austrian Strategic Business Summit | Indo-Pacific, an exclusive event organized by ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, spotlighting how European businesses can strategically engage with Asia amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. Over a one-and-a-half-day program, top voices from business, politics, diplomacy, and science across Asia and Europe will convene to explore critical themes such as geopolitics, digital innovation, investment trends, supply chain realignment, and talent acquisition (Detailed Agenda).
Networking takes center stage, beginning with a reception at the Austrian Embassy and continuing through structured breaks, a networking lunch, a happy hour, and an evening soirée at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, providing countless opportunities to connect with key stakeholders across industries and regions.
Whether you’re a European company seeking new markets in Asia or navigating Asia’s emerging opportunities, or interested in geopolitics and innovation, this summit delivers the vision, connections, and momentum to help you reimagine your strategic future.
For details and registration please refer to the event website |
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Circular Economy Days at Expo 2025 Osaka (22-24 September)
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will host Circular Economy Days at Expo 2025 Osaka. The three-day programme features nine sessions across five pavilions, with contributions from policymakers, businesses, and civil society from Europe and Japan. Topics will include the environmental footprint of textiles, sustainable urban design, and the New European Bauhaus.
This is a unique opportunity to exchange best practices and foster EU–Japan cooperation on circular solutions.
Full details |
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Policy Seminar – Offshore Wind Power in Japan (22 September, 16:00–17:30 (Zoom webinar, English–Japanese interpretation)
The U.S.-Japan Council and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation will co-host a policy seminar on the future of offshore wind power in Japan, with lessons from Europe and the U.S. Experts from government, industry, and international organizations will discuss opportunities and challenges for offshore wind as Japan expands development to its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Register here |
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MIPRO (Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization) Online Startup Seminar (18 September, 14:00-15:30)
Guest speaker Mr. Masayuki SUEDA, Administrative Attorney and SME Management Consultant, will share practical insights on how to develop an appealing and effective business plan. This session is highly recommended for anyone considering starting a business in Japan.
Register here or contact [email protected] |
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The EBC warmly invites European companies facing non-tariff barriers in the Japanese market to reach out to us. Your insights and experiences are invaluable as we work together to address challenges and create opportunities. As we look ahead to upcoming engagements and events, the EBC remains dedicated to fostering a dynamic and prosperous EU-Japan business environment.
Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer |
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- The Japanese government plans to launch a platform where individuals can register their digital skills, part of an effort to facilitate matchmaking between companies and people with technical talent to alleviate the country’s labor shortage. Many companies in Japan outsource the systems they use to outside information technology vendors. Reliance on outside engineers has been a factor preventing companies from developing in-house digital talent. (Nikkei Asia)
- Japan plans to raise the bar on requirements for foreigners entering the country on business manager visas, including increasing the minimum capital investment to 30 million yen ($203,000) from 5 million yen, it said Tuesday, as concerns have been raised about abuse of the system. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s proposed revision of a ministerial ordinance also includes requiring visa applicants to employ at least one full-time staff member at their companies. (Kyodo News+)
- Japan will take steps to help secure domestically produced technology for wireless networks, aiming to boost competitiveness of local companies and curb dependence on foreign suppliers in a field that is essential to security. The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry is looking to work out measures to promote domestic development of transmitters and other core components for base stations as well as radar and sensor networks. It aims to encourage investment in production as well as foster talent to maintain the country’s technical capabilities. (Nikkei Asia)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings
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Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
September 3 (Wednesday) |
Liquor |
Hybrid
0830~ |
September 9 (Tuesday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
September 16 (Tuesday) |
Sustainability & Social Responsibility |
Hybrid
0900~ |
September 16 (Tuesday) |
Energy |
Hybrid
1330~ |
September 17 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
September 18 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
September 25 (Thursday) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
0900~ |
September 25 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
October 2 (Thursday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
October 3 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
October 23 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
October 24 (Friday) |
Insurance |
Hybrid
0800~ |
October 30 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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