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| Dear Friends of the EBC, Over the past week, the EBC continued to foster dialogue between European and Japanese stakeholders through high-level exchanges, institutional meetings, and upcoming initiatives supporting business cooperation. From innovation partnerships and policy discussions to knowledge-sharing opportunities and membership growth, these activities reflect the EBC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Europe-Japan economic relations and supporting its members across strategic sectors. |
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| France-Japan Cooperation: Innovation, Resilience and Trusted Partnerships On 1 April 2026, the EBC was pleased to attend a conference on “France-Japan Partnerships: For Sovereign, Sustainable and Shared Innovation” held at Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), gathering French and Japanese leaders, policymakers, and business executives to shape the next phase of bilateral cooperation. With nearly 200 Japanese business leaders and a large French delegation in attendance, the forum demonstrated strong momentum to expand bilateral economic ties and advance a shared agenda of innovation, investment, and sustainable growth. In a rapidly evolving global environment, discussions focused on how France and Japan can work together to strengthen economic resilience and technological leadership through concrete partnerships:
-Securing supply chains and reinforcing shared economic sovereignty
-Accelerating decarbonisation through sustainable industrial solutions
-Supporting innovative tech ecosystems driving future growth In his closing address, President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Europe’s predictability and reliability as a long-term partner, stressing that stability and strategic alignment are key assets in an increasingly uncertain world. Calling for deeper cooperation, he encouraged companies to believe in the future of France-Japan collaboration and to scale up joint innovation efforts. Events such as this underline the importance of trusted international partnerships, and the EBC remains committed to fostering dialogue between European and Japanese stakeholders across strategic industries. |  |
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| European Chambers Exchange: Strengthening Transnational Dialogue On 2 April, the EBC met with representatives from several German Chambers of Commerce, based in Munich, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf, as well as the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan). The exchange was marked by open and lively discussions, focusing in particular on standard-setting and the evolving role of Europe and Japan in an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable global environment. Participants shared perspectives on how closer cooperation and alignment can help address common challenges, while also identifying opportunities to further strengthen transnational collaboration across industries. The meeting underscored the importance of continued dialogue between European and Japanese partners, especially at a time when global frameworks and economic relationships are rapidly shifting. A sincere thank you to all participants for coming to the EBC and contributing to such a dynamic exchange! |  |
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| EU-Japan cooperation in focus On 6 April, the EBC met with Saki Sakuma (Keidanren) ahead of her upcoming secondment to the Japanese Mission to the EU. A timely exchange to discuss key policy priorities, ensure continuity of dialogue, and strengthen coordination between European and Japanese stakeholders in Brussels.
The EBC looks forward to continued collaboration in support of a strong EU-Japan partnership. |  |
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| Upcoming Event – Tax Roundtable (17 April) The EBC invites CFOs and Tax Managers from member companies to a Tax Roundtable on 17 April at the EBC offices (with remote participation available). The session will explore evolving tax operating models and how tax functions can balance compliance responsibilities with a growing strategic advisory role amid automation, AI adoption, and resource constraints. The roundtable will provide a confidential setting for peer exchange and sharing of best practices. Registration: [email protected] |
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| Upcoming Webinar: Protecting Intellectual Property in the EU and Japan On 22 April 2026, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in cooperation with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and JETRO, will host a webinar titled “IP Basics: Protecting Trade Marks, Designs, Patents and other IP rights in the EU & Japan”. Taking place at 17:00, with simultaneous interpretation in English and Japanese, this session will provide a practical introduction to key intellectual property rights in both jurisdictions. Participants will gain insights into trade marks, designs, patents, and learn how to identify and structure their IP assets effectively. This webinar is particularly relevant for SMEs, startups, and companies expanding across EU-Japan markets, as well as for legal and IP professionals seeking a comparative perspective. In the context of strengthening EU-Japan economic ties under the Economic Partnership Agreement, the session will offer actionable guidance to support market entry, IP protection, and strategic development. Speakers will include experts from EUIPO, JPO, and JETRO.
Registration is now open |
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| Welcoming New EBC Members This month, the EBC is glad to welcome 2 new Members: Ultra Tendency Japan as part of Ultra Tendency Group is a European-headquartered boutique IT services firm with operations in the US, Europe and Asia specializing in scalable data platforms, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and microservices architecture. The Tokyo office focuses on delivering tailor-made software solutions as well as cloud migration, containerization, CI/CD automation, and AI-driven data platforms. Ultra Tendency is recognized for its Databricks skills (global professional services DPP-partner), its contributions to open-source projects and holds certifications including ISO 27001, ISO 22301, and TISAX, underscoring its commitment to high software quality and security standards. The company’s largest clients come from the banking, insurance, manufacturing, automotive and telecommunication industries. |  |
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| Dojima Law Office L.P.C., established in 1965, is a Japanese law firm engaged in a broad spectrum of domestic and international business law matters. The Firm has cultivated substantial expertise in cross-border transactions and dispute resolution, and, as a member of an international network of law firms, routinely collaborates with overseas counsel to support European enterprises entering and operating within the Japanese market. Dr. Kenichi Yasuda, Partner, oversees the Firm’s engagement with the EBC. He pursued legal studies in New York and has practiced at a law firm in Beijing, as well as at the Bangkok subsidiary of a Japanese general trading company. Drawing upon this international background and his particular expertise in human resources and labor law, he increasingly advises Japanese subsidiaries of foreign corporations on Japanese employment and general corporate matters. Dr. Yasuda also serves as legal counsel to several European embassies in Japan. |  |
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| As global economic and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the EBC remains committed to promoting constructive dialogue, supporting regulatory cooperation, and strengthening partnerships between European and Japanese stakeholders. Through events, institutional engagement, and member-driven initiatives, we will continue to provide a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and shared innovation. We thank all our members and partners for their continued engagement and look forward to the weeks ahead. Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- The government plans to launch a project to identify suitable locations for the production of geologic hydrogen this fiscal year, with an aim to start using it as an energy source by 2040. Hydrogen is seen as a key tool in decarbonization efforts, and the government plans to develop the geologic hydrogen industry from the viewpoint of economic security. (The Japan News)
- Japan began implementing a public system on Wednesday that allows children to attend day care for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of parental employment status, as part of a larger initiative to alleviate child care stress as the number of births continues to decline. The system targets children aged 6 months to under 3 years who were previously ineligible for day care services at authorized child care facilities if a parent was unemployed. According to a government agency, about 60 percent of children in this age bracket were not enrolled in such facilities in fiscal 2023. (Japan Today)
- The government has begun making arrangements to permit commercial flying car services carrying paying passengers as early as 2027 or 2028, according to multiple government sources. Operations are expected to begin with sightseeing flights in urban areas, before eventually expanding to point-to-point services such as routes linking cities and airports. Passenger transportation by flying car, seen as a potential once-in-a-century revolution in mobility, now appears to become a reality sooner rather than later. (The Japan News)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date | Committee | Time / Location | | April 16 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | April 16 (Thursday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | April 20 (Monday) | Liquor | Hybrid
0830~ | | April 23 (Thursday) | Logistics & Freight | Hybrid
0930~ | | April 23 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | May 12 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | May 12 (Tuesday) | Sustainability & Social Responsibility | Hybrid
1030~ | | May 18 (Monday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | May 28 (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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