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| Dear Friends of the EBC, Over the past week, the EBC continued to strengthen engagement with diplomatic, industrial, and institutional stakeholders across Japan and Europe. From high-level exchanges on mobility and transport policy to networking events with European partners and upcoming innovation-focused initiatives, the EBC remains committed to supporting a strong, resilient, and forward-looking Europe-Japan business relationship. |
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| Celebrating Poland’s National Constitution Day in Tokyo On 21 May, the EBC was honoured to attend the reception hosted by H.E. Paweł Milewski, Ambassador of Poland to Japan, at the iconic Hotel New Otani in Tokyo on the occasion of Poland’s National Constitution Day. The event gathered representatives from the diplomatic, business, and cultural communities and featured remarks by senior Japanese and Polish officials, underlining the strong relationship between Poland and Japan. As the Polish Chamber of Commerce in Japan is a stakeholder of the EBC, the reception also provided an excellent opportunity to further strengthen ties with the growing Polish business community in Japan. With Poland’s economy continuing to expand dynamically and gain international visibility, the EBC looks forward to welcoming more Polish companies into its committees and activities in the future. |  |
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| Networking at the German Asparagus Dinner On 22 May, the EBC was pleased to attend the German Asparagus Dinner organised by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan), one of the EBC’s 17 stakeholders and long-standing partners. Held in a warm and convivial atmosphere, the event offered excellent networking opportunities with members of the German business community while celebrating one of Germany’s best-known seasonal traditions: white asparagus. Beyond the culinary experience, the evening highlighted the importance of strengthening connections and cooperation across the broader German business ecosystem in Japan. |  |
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| JAIA Annual Reception Highlights the Future of Mobility On 25 May, the EBC attended the 61st Annual Reception of the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA) in Tokyo. The gathering brought together key representatives from government and industry and highlighted the growing importance of mobility transformation, decarbonisation, innovation, and international cooperation in the automotive sector. Opening remarks were delivered by JAIA Chairman Go Goeltinger, who also serves as Chair of the EBC Automobile Committee. Government perspectives were shared by senior representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The EBC highly values continued engagement with Japanese stakeholders on the future of mobility and automotive policy. |  |
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| Constructive Exchange with the European Commission’s DG MOVE On 26 May, representatives from several EBC committees met with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) for a broad and constructive policy exchange. Led by Director-General Magda Kopczyńska, the meeting provided EBC committees with an important opportunity to present key issues affecting European companies operating in Japan across multiple transport and mobility sectors. Discussions covered regulatory developments, standards, market access challenges, and wider policy considerations, while DG MOVE also shared updates regarding ongoing EU initiatives and cooperation with Japan. The EBC sincerely appreciated the open dialogue and looks forward to continued collaboration in support of stronger EU-Japan mobility and transport cooperation. |  |
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| Upcoming Event: Cross-Cultural Leadership in Automotive Design & Engineering On 8 June 2026, the EBC Automotive Components Committee and AHK Japan will co-host a special event in Tokyo entitled: “Design Leadership Across Cultures: Building High-Performance Global Interior & HMI Teams.” The session will feature:
– A keynote presentation by Benjamin Nawka, Head of Design at Daimler Truck Asia
– A panel discussion with Doru Tasca, President of ZF Japan
– Networking opportunities with industry stakeholders The discussion will explore how global automotive organisations can successfully integrate engineering, software, design, and innovation capabilities across Europe and Asia, while addressing the challenges of cross-cultural leadership in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape. Registration |
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| METI Industrial Tour: Exploring Kansai’s Life Sciences Ecosystem The Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will organise a special industrial tour on 30 June for members of G7 Chambers of Commerce in Japan, focusing on the life sciences sector in the Kansai region. The programme will include:
-Visits to major innovation hubs including Nakanoshima Qross and KENTO
-Pitch presentations by Kyoto-based companies
-Networking opportunities with Japanese stakeholders Participants will also receive complimentary access to IVS 2026, Japan’s largest startup conference, taking place from 1-3 July. This initiative represents an excellent opportunity for European companies to discover Japan’s dynamic innovation ecosystem in life sciences and healthcare. Registration deadline: Friday, 22 May |
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| As Europe and Japan continue to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment, the EBC remains fully committed to supporting dialogue, cooperation, and practical engagement between policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders. Through continued advocacy, networking, and institutional engagement, the EBC will keep working to strengthen the voice of European business in Japan and contribute to a transparent, innovative, and competitive business environment.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with the EBC. Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- The Financial Services Agency and the Bank of Japan have asked financial institutions to set criteria for shutting down financial systems if they fail to repel cyberattacks that utilize the latest artificial intelligence models. This is one of the measures the FSA and the BOJ on Friday requested financial institutions to implement to deal with the threat of AI-assisted cyberattacks. (The Japan News)
- Japan’s immigration authorities plan to crack down on visa overstayers and illegal foreign workers by monitoring social media and other platforms for information or leads. The initiative is part of the country’s efforts to reduce the number of overstayers at a time when Japan is taking in more foreign workers due to labor shortages. (Japan Today)
- A working-level meeting of the National Conference on Social Security has compiled a summery of discussions to introduce a refundable tax credit program that consists solely of benefits, with middle- and low-income working-age people to be the primary targets of the support. The meeting of the conference, comprising representatives from the government and ruling and opposition parties, released the summary on the system’s design on Wednesday. (The Japan News)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date | Committee | Time / Location | | May 28 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | May 29 (Friday) | Logistics & Freight | Hybrid
0930~ | | June 2 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | June 2 (Tuesday) | Energy | Hybrid
1330~ | | June 4 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | June 17 (Wednesday) | Materials | Hybrid
1730~ | | June 18 (Thursday) | Telecommunications Equipment | Hybrid
1000~ | | June 22 (Monday) | Liquor | Hybrid
0830~ | | June 23 (Tuesday) | Government Relations | Hybrid
1230~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Insurance | Hybrid
0800~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Food & Agriculture | Hybrid
0930~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | June 30 (Tuesday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | July 7 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | July 9 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | July 16 (Thursday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | July 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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