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| Dear Friends of the EBC, Over the past weeks, we continued to strengthen engagement across the European and Japanese business ecosystem through high-level exchanges, institutional dialogue, and upcoming member-focused events. From regional cooperation within the European business network to discussions with policymakers and diplomatic partners, these activities reflect EBC’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and policy dialogue in Japan. |
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| EBC Meets with the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan On 25 March, the EBC met with Hideko Ikeda (General Manager, Merck Healthcare Taiwan), Director of the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan Board. Both EBC and ECCT are members of the European Business Organisation Worldwide Network. The discussion explored opportunities to deepen cooperation, with plans to welcome a delegation of business representatives from Taiwan to Japan this autumn. A key highlight was the Chamber’s Family Friendly Alliance initiative, promoting inclusive and flexible workplaces with a strong focus on work-life balance, diversity, and employee wellbeing. The initiative’s successful engagement with Taiwanese authorities demonstrated how coordinated private-sector action can support meaningful policy dialogue. The exchange further strengthened ties between European business communities across the region. |  |
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| EBC Participation in the EFPIA Japan General Assembly On 30 March 2026, the EBC attended the European Federations of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations in Japan General Assembly at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, where industry members reviewed recent activities, approved governance items, and discussed key pharmaceutical sector developments. EFPIA Japan is a long time member of the EBC and contributes to our White Paper. A highlight was a guest lecture by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, outlining government initiatives to strengthen drug discovery and pharmaceutical innovation, including faster regulatory processes, improved evaluation of innovative medicines, expanded international clinical trials, and increased use of AI and healthcare data in R&D. The event concluded with a networking reception fostering dialogue between industry stakeholders and public authorities. |  |
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| EBC Attends Seminar on Poland’s Economic Growth and Polish Japanese Cooperation On 31 March 2026, the EBC attended a commemorative seminar hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo, marking 30 years of Poland’s economic growth within the OECD and highlighting Polish Japanese cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe. Speeches were delivered by Ambassador Paweł Milewski, OECD Tokyo Office Head Naoko Ueda, and JBIC Governor Nobumitsu Hayashi, on the occasion of the opening of JBIC’s Warsaw Branch. A keynote lecture by Professor Marcin Piatkowski presented Poland’s successful economic transformation model and shared valuable perspectives on long-term economic development. The seminar provided important insights into Poland’s development trajectory and reinforced the growing importance of EU-Japan economic collaboration and international partnership. |  |
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| Meeting with the Embassy of Switzerland to Japan On 31 March, the EBC had the pleasure of meeting H.E. Roger Dubach, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, and Gabriel Spaeti, Head of the Economic & Financial Section, at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo to present EBC activities and discuss our priorities for 2026. The exchange highlighted the strength and dynamism of Switzerland-Japan economic relations, underpinned by the 2009 Free Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which continues to support trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation between the two economies. Recent milestones, notably the 2026 Joint Statement reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation and the 2025 Memorandum of Cooperation on Quantum Science and Technology, further illustrate the growing partnership in innovation, advanced technologies, and future-oriented industries. The meeting reaffirmed the strong cooperation between the EBC and European business stakeholders in Japan, including the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, and our shared commitment to strengthening Europe-Japan economic ties. |  |
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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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| Cybersecurity Conference – EBC Digital Committee (7 April) As cyber risks continue to evolve, the EBC Digital Committee will host a cybersecurity conference bringing together policymakers, industry experts, and practitioners to discuss developments in Europe and Japan. Confirmed speakers include: -Luis Miguel Vega Fidalgo, DG CONNECT, European Commission
-Satoshi Deguchi, Deputy Director, Cybersecurity Division, METI At EU Delegation in Hiroo, 16:00 – 19:00 The programme will feature policy perspectives, regulatory insights, industry case studies, and networking opportunities. Mandatory registration: [email protected] |  |
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| Through continued dialogue with European partners, Japanese authorities, and industry stakeholders, the EBC remains committed to supporting its members and strengthening the European business presence in Japan. We look forward to welcoming many of you at our upcoming events and continuing these exchanges in the weeks ahead. Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- The Japanese government said Friday it will double the minimum residency requirement for naturalization to 10 years starting April 1. The Justice Ministry said it will also extend the verification period for tax payments to five years and for social insurance premiums to two, both from one year currently. Those who have already applied will also be subject to the changes. (Kyodo News)
- As part of efforts to boost startups in cutting-edge fields like AI and nuclear fusion, the government plans to launch a new authorized corporation as early as next spring, according to sources. Through the organization — tentatively named the “agency for promoting the utilization of research results in advanced technology” — the government intends to offer integrated support for everything from research and development to commercialization. The government seeks to bolster Japan’s competitiveness in advanced industries where it lags the United States and China. (The Japan News)
- The government plans to establish international hubs for artificial intelligence robotics to promote research and development as well as cultivating human resources in an integrated manner, with a view to collaborating with overseas partners. The initiative is a key pillar of an “AI robotics strategy,” a plan to be finalized shortly by the government. The draft strategy, seen by The Yomiuri Shimbun, is aimed at accelerating the development and widespread adoption of robots that operate autonomously using AI. (The Japan News)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date | Committee | Time / Location | | April 2 (Thursday) | Food & Agriculture | Hybrid
0930~ | | April 7 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | April 7 (Tuesday) | Government Relations | Hybrid
1230~ | | 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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