| Dear Friends of the EBC,
This week, the European Business Council in Japan had a series of high-level exchanges and events that confirmed its role as a trusted interlocutor for European business interests in Japan. From strategic dialogues with key diplomatic partners to leadership transition and forward-looking policy discussions, the EBC continues to actively shape the business policy agenda in a complex international environment. |
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| EBC – German Embassy Exchange
On 28 January, the EBC met with the team of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Japan: Peter Löffelhardt, Head of Department for Economic and Scientific Affairs, Dr Sophia Anastasia Latsos, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Department for Economic Affairs, and Dr Fabrizio Micalizzi, First Secretary for Economic Affairs.
Building on the long-standing and constructive relationship between the EBC and the German Embassy, this courtesy visit, organised in the context of the appointment of the new EBC Board President, Nikolaus Boltze, provided an opportunity to exchange views on the key priorities currently engaging the EBC, as well as on the Embassy’s areas of focus. These exchanges took place against the backdrop of the evolving international and geopolitical landscape.
The discussion once again underlined the value of close cooperation between European embassies, the EBC, and the European National Chambers of Commerce. The EBC looks forward to continuing a pragmatic and forward-looking dialogue in support of European business in Japan. |
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| EU Ambassador in Japan Meets with the EBC Board and Committee Chairs
Also on 28 January, EU Ambassador to Japan Jean-Eric Paquet met with the EBC Board and Committee Chairs, sharing valuable insights on recent developments in EU-Japan relations within the current geopolitical and economic context. He outlined key priorities shaping bilateral cooperation in 2026 and beyond.
The exchange focused on major policy areas of direct relevance to European companies operating in Japan, including:
- Digital & AI policy
- Competitiveness & industrial policy
- Energy & climate
- Economic security & defence
EBC Committee Chairs actively contributed sector-specific perspectives, ensuring a concrete and two-way dialogue. This discussion once again highlighted the EBC’s unique role as a bridge between European business and EU institutions, translating on-the-ground business realities into policy-relevant input.
The EBC warmly thanks EU Ambassador Paquet, Head of Trade Adeline Hinderer, and their team for the excellent cooperation and open exchange, which is highly valued by our members. |
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| EBC Board President Handover Reception
On 28 January, the EBC had the honour of celebrating the handover of its Board Presidency at a reception graciously hosted by H.E. Jean-Eric Paquet at the EU Delegation in Tokyo.
The evening marked the transition from Laurent Depus to Nikolaus Boltze as President of the EBC Board, in the presence of EBC stakeholders, including Presidents and Directors of European National Chambers of Commerce in Japan, EBC Committee Chairs, representatives of the EU Delegation, Ambassadors and diplomats of European embassies.
This event provided an opportunity to reflect on the EBC’s achievements, reaffirm its role as the voice of European business in Japan, and look ahead to the priorities of the new mandate. The EBC expresses its sincere appreciation to Laurent Depus for his leadership and dedication over the past two years, and thanks the EU Ambassador and Delegation for their continued support and generous hospitality. |
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| Upcoming EBC Event: 10 February
The EBC is pleased to invite members to a high-level panel discussion entitled:
“Practical Insights for In-House Counsel: EU and Japan Perspectives on Global Regulatory Trends.”
Jointly hosted with the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Japan, this event marks Cyprus’ accession to the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The discussion will explore how key EU regulatory developments, ranging from digital governance and data protection to competition law and compliance, are shaping corporate legal strategies in Japan and globally.
- Date: 10 February
- Panel discussion: 16:30–17:45
- Networking reception: 17:45–18:30
- Venue: Europa House, Tokyo
Participation is subject to limited capacity and security requirements. Advance registration is required. To register, please contact [email protected]. |
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Kick-off Session: Gender Equality Forum
The EBC is proud to announce the launch of a new inter-committee work stream dedicated to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. Co-led by the Sustainability & Social Responsibility and HR Committees, this initiative serves as a collaborative platform for all EBC member companies to drive meaningful change in the Japanese business landscape. Our goal is threefold: to inspire member companies through the sharing of best practices, to identify policy recommendations for the EBC White Paper, and to provide a networking space for female professionals and allies within the EU-Japan community. Open to both men and women, the project will host regular sessions ranging from expert-led discussions to interactive workshops and site visits.
To move beyond theory and into shared understanding, we will host a trial session of the “Gender Equity Collage” workshop, led by a facilitator from the Ichigo Bloom collective. Born in Europe and localized for the Japanese context, this collaborative workshop uses a visual, hands-on approach to help participants deconstruct stereotypes and understand the systemic levers of gender equity. This lunchtime session is an excellent opportunity to meet peers from across all EBC committees and contribute to the foundation of our 2026 roadmap.
- Date: 26 February 12:00-14:30
- Format: Interactive Workshop + Lunch
- Target: Open to all EBC members (all genders encouraged)
- Capacity: 12 participants
- More about the workshop
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| Welcome to Our New Members in 2026
The EBC is pleased to welcome two new members in February, further strengthening the diversity and expertise of the European business community in Japan. |
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| Novonesis is a global company leading the era of biosolutions. In 2024 they successfully combined two strong companies which bring together 100+ years of experience from Chr. Hansen and Novozymes from the Novo Group. At Novonesis they use microbes, enzymes and other proteins that can improve daily life and solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges. Biosolutions can increase crop yields, make food last longer, create chemical-free detergents, and effective supplements for the body and mind. Biosolutions also help produce foods with less sugar, more fiber, better taste, and much more.
Novonesis is divided into two divisions: Food & Health Biosolutions which enables food and beverages for healthier lives and Planetary Health Biosolutions which enables companies and consumers to reduce their fossil-based resources, chemicals and energy for a healthier planet. |
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| ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility.
Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.
With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal year 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries. |
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| Through continuous engagement with European stakeholders, dynamic policy dialogue, and a strong and active membership, the EBC remains firmly committed to representing and advancing European business interests in Japan.
Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- The deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), has successfully conducted a test excavation of rare earth–bearing mud from the deep ocean floor, according to government sources. China controls the majority of rare earth production in the world, and increasingly uses these critical minerals as a diplomatic tool. This achievement represents a major step toward developing a domestic supply. (The Japan News)
- The government has decided to require mobile phone service carriers to confirm the identities of purchasers who sign up for data-only SIM cards, in an effort to prevent social media-based fraud. The carriers are currently required to confirm the identities of customers who sign up for mobile phones capable of making voice calls, collecting documents such as driver’s licenses. However, that requirement does not apply to purchases of data-only SIM cards, which are usually used in tablets and similar devices. (The Japan News)
- Hybrid-electric vehicles dethroned purely petrol-powered cars as the top power option among consumers in Europe last year, data showed Tuesday. Some 1.88 million new vehicles were registered in 2025 in the European Union, an increase of 1.8 percent from the previous year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). New car sales “remain well below pre-pandemic levels”, however, the trade association said in a statement. (Japan Today)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| February 6 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| February 19 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & IVD |
Hybrid
1430~ |
| February 20 (Friday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
| February 26 (Thursday) |
Sustainability & Social Responsibility |
Hybrid
1030~ |
| March 3 (Tuesday) |
Digital |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| March 18 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
| March 19 (Tuesday) |
Insurance |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| March 19 (Tuesday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
| March 19 (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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