EBC Newsletter – January 25, 2023

EBC Newsletter – January 25, 2023

 

 

From the EBC

Dear Friends of the EBC,

The EBC committees are made of European companies. They monitor the Japanese market, work on non-tariff barriers to produce the EBC White Paper, meet with ministries and various organizations and set up events. This article  provides you with a better understanding of the Energy Committee’s activities. If you want to join, please contact us!

I would like to share with you a few events organised by the EBC, its stakeholders or close partner organisations:

  • On 30 January (4:00pm, EBC office), the EBC will hold a hybrid conference on “The Japanese Economy: Strategies to Cope with a Shrinking and Ageing Population” with Dr. Randall S. Jones, former Head of Japan/Korea Desk, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The EBC has a long history with Dr. Jones, as he was responsible for the Economic Survey of Japan and where the EBC was also able to give its input on the economic and trade policies of Japan from the European industry perspective.
    Registration at [email protected] (Please mention if you will attend in person or online. Do note seats are limited).
  • On 1 February 2023 (5:30pm, EU Delegation), the EBC Legal Service Committee will organise an in-person briefing on “The Role of the Legal Profession in Addressing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Issues in an Ever-Shifting World”. Registration at [email protected]
  • On 17 February (4:00-5:30pm, EU Delegation to Japan & online) UNIDO ITPO Tokyo and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation will organise the Sustainable Technology Day to connect EU and Japanese companies interested in sustainable projects in Japan, Europe or emerging markets (e.g. Africa). The event will showcase innovative Japanese companies developing sustainable technologies in energy, environment and agribusiness and will be followed by a networking reception until 6:30pm.
    On-site registration (limited seats) here.
    Online registration (Zoom) here.
  • On 27-28 February, City-Tech.Tokyo”, first global event for start-ups led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will be held at Tokyo International Forum. World-renowned figures of innovation in infrastructure, environment and other themes will take the stage to talk about how to solve the challenges faced by the large cities in the world, including Tokyo and how to create the future.
    To get a promotional code for tickets, please contact Ms. TSUJI Chihiro

We are looking forward to seeing you soon at one of these events!

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

What’s in the Media

  • To improve the environment for domestic production of storage batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), the government will ease storage regulations for related materials and products and expand support for new factory construction in Japan as early as fiscal 2023, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
    The move is aimed at ensuring a stable supply of storage batteries and enhancing the international competitiveness of the domestic storage battery industry by strengthening the manufacturing base in Japan. (The Japan News)
  • A crucial issue cropped up at Japan’s regular Diet session that convened Monday — whether Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will look to hike the politically unpopular consumption tax to cover the child policies he is trying to advance.
    Kishida has pledged to focus on child policies in 2023 in an apparent attempt to buoy the sagging popularity of his Cabinet by appealing to young parents, ahead of a string of local elections in the spring. (Kyodo News+)
  • Japanese government and central bank officials are expected to step up discussions on the handling of a 2013 joint statement that commits the two sides into working together to overcome deflation.
    Some are calling for revising the statement as the Bank of Japan has not yet achieved its 2% inflation target, a goal spelled out in the document. (The Japan News)

Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings

Date Committee Time / Location
Jan 26(Thu) Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Off-site
1430~
Feb 1 (Wed) Energy hybrid
1330~
Feb 7 (Tue) Cosmetics & Quasi-Drugs EBC
09:00~
Feb 10 (Fri) Railways hybrid
1600~
Feb 10 (Fri) Automotive Components & Aftermarket hybrid
1630~
Feb 21 (Tue) Sustainability & Social Responsibility Hybrid
0930~
Feb 24 (Fri) Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Off-site
1430~
Mar 10 (Fri) Liquor hybrid
0830~
Mar 13 (Mon) Materials hybrid
1730~
Mar 17 (Fri) Railways hybrid
1600~
Mar 22 (Wed) Food & Agriculture hybrid
17:30~
Mar 23 (Thu) Telecommunications Equipment Web
1000~
Mar 23 (Thu) Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Off-site
1430~
Mar 31 ((Fri) Automotive Components & Aftermarket hybrid
1600~

If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place.

Stakeholders of the EBC:

European Business Council JAPAN
Toranomon Hills Business Tower 15F, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6415
105-6415 東京都港区虎ノ門1-17-1 虎ノ門ヒルズビジネスタワー15階
www.ebc-jp.com/