| Dear Friends of the EBC,
Our organization continues to actively engage with European and Japanese stakeholders to support constructive policy dialogue, strengthen business cooperation across regions, and foster discussions on key economic and societal challenges. Over the past week, EBC activities have reflected our commitment to connecting members with policymakers, partner organisations, and experts shaping the EU-Japan business environment.
Below are some highlights from recent EBC engagements and upcoming opportunities for members. |
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| EU Council Presidency Handover Celebrated in Tokyo
In January 2026, Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, serving until 1 July as the final member of the current presidency trio, following Poland and Denmark.
This important transition was marked in Tokyo at a reception hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, attended by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Arfiya Eri. During the ceremony, Ambassador Yannis Michaelides of the Republic of Cyprus officially took over from Ambassador Jarl Frijs-Madsen of Denmark.
The EBC was pleased to participate in this occasion, which highlighted the continued importance of strong EU-Japan relations at a time of evolving geopolitical and economic challenges. Events such as these reinforce the close cooperation between European institutions, diplomatic partners, and the business community in Japan. |
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| Gender Equality & Equity – Interactive EBC Session
On 26 February, the EBC Sustainability Committee and HR Committee jointly organised an interactive session dedicated to gender equality and equity in the workplace.
Led by Sakura Hamaoka and Stéfan Le Dû, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, the session moved beyond a traditional presentation format, encouraging active dialogue among participants. Through data-driven insights and practical examples, discussions addressed structural inequalities, unconscious bias, and concrete actions companies can take to foster inclusive workplaces.
The session underscored that meaningful progress requires both organisational commitment and individual engagement. Participants left with practical tools and new perspectives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organisations.
The EBC looks forward to continuing similar interactive initiatives as part of its broader sustainability and workplace dialogue agenda. |
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| Strengthening European Chambers Cooperation in Asia
On 27 February, the EBC welcomed Stratos Pourzitakis, Vice Chair of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, for an exchange on organisational priorities and regional developments.
As members of the European Business Organizations Worldwide Network, both chambers share a common mission of supporting European businesses abroad. The meeting provided an opportunity to compare advocacy approaches, discuss EU-Hong Kong and EU-Japan trade relations, and exchange perspectives on policy issues affecting companies operating across Asia.
The discussion reaffirmed the value of closer cooperation among European chambers in the region to address shared challenges and promote open, rules-based trade. |
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Upcoming Event : EU-Japan Circular Economy Policy Seminar
Organised by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Policy Seminar
Current Status and Challenges of the Circular Economy📅 17 March 2026 | 16:30–18:00 (Tokyo) | Online (Zoom)
🎧 Simultaneous interpretation | Free participationThe EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation will host a policy seminar exploring how circular economy strategies are evolving in both Japan and the European Union.
As circular economy policies increasingly contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to economic security and industrial competitiveness, the webinar will bring together policymakers and industry representatives to discuss regulatory developments, business initiatives, and future areas for EU-Japan cooperation.
Speakers will include representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the European Commission (DG GROW), and private-sector stakeholders.
Participants will gain insights into emerging policy frameworks and opportunities for collaboration between European and Japanese industries.
Registration |
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| Through policy dialogue, committee activities, and partnerships across Asia and Europe, the EBC continues to provide a platform where European businesses in Japan can exchange expertise, shape policy recommendations, and engage with key stakeholders.
We look forward to welcoming members to upcoming committee meetings and events as we continue working together to strengthen the EU-Japan economic partnership and support a sustainable, competitive business environment.
Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- The Japanese government is preparing an international recommendation on space debris mitigation around the moon, as lunar exploration intensifies and concerns grow about an increase in dead satellites, according to the country’s space agency and other sources. Japan hopes such a recommendation, to include calls for designing satellites with post-mission de-orbiting systems, will be endorsed by some 60 signatories to the Artemis Accords, a U.S.-led political declaration outlining principles for the safe and sustainable exploration of space, possibly in the fall. (Japan Today)
- The Japanese government has finalized a plan to create a National Intelligence Agency, a new command center for intelligence policy, which will centrally collect and analyze information from all government ministries to improve coordination. The plan, which grants the agency “comprehensive coordination authority,” will be included in a bill establishing a corresponding “National Intelligence Council” to be submitted to the current session of the Diet. (The Asahi Shimbun)
- Japan will revise a law to establish rights to block unauthorized exports of new crop varieties by third parties to protect brand value and intellectual property rights amid a series of leaks abroad, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday. Once the revision to the plant variety protection and seed law is enacted, the new rights will take effect when a developer declares that a new variety has been applied for registration. (Japan Today)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| March 18 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Insurance |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Energy |
Hybrid
1330~ |
| March 19 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & IVD |
Hybrid
1430~ |
| March 26 (Thursday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| April 2 (Thursday) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| April 7 (Tuesday) |
Digital |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| April 7 (Tuesday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
| April 9 (Thursday) |
Liquor |
Hybrid
0830~ |
| April 16 (Thursday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| April 23 (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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