| Dear Friends of the EBC,
Over the past week, we’ve had meaningful discussions and productive interactions focused on enhancing connections between European and Japanese businesses. Here’s a look back at some of our recent activities. |
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| EBC Engages with Gunma Prefecture on Foreign Investment Opportunities
On 26 February, the EBC had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from Gunma Prefecture to discuss its policies and initiatives — including the exciting Tsutsumigaoka project, aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Gunma has already secured significant European investments, particularly in the automotive and dairy sectors, further strengthening its position as a key business hub in Japan. The EBC looks forward to fostering deeper collaboration with Gunma Prefecture. |
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| EBC Food and Agriculture Committee Visits the Consumer Affairs Agency
On 27 February, the EBC Food and Agriculture Committee had the opportunity to visit the Food Labelling Division of the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA). The primary purpose of the visit was to introduce the committee to the CAA and kick off discussions on best-before date regulations and digital tools.
Key discussion points included:
– Best-before date formats:
One of the key challenges discussed was the differing formats used in the EU and Japan. The EU requires DDMMYYYY format, Japan mandates the reverse order.
Currently, neither jurisdiction allows exceptions to these rules, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and potential harmonisation efforts.
– Public consultation on food labelling guidelines:
The CAA is currently accepting public comments on proposed revisions to the guidelines for food expiration labelling. However, the date format itself is not part of this review.
– Digital tools and QR codes:
The conversation also covered the growing interest in QR codes for food labelling. At present, QR code use is not regulated in either Europe or Japan, though authorities in both regions are closely studying the issue. The CAA has established a study group on digital labelling and welcomed the EBC’s input on this important topic.
The EBC looks forward to continuing this constructive dialogue with the CAA and contributing to the development of modern, consumer-friendly food labelling policies that support both businesses and consumers. The EBC Food and Agriculture Committee invites all European companies in the agri-food sector or Japanese importers of European products to join us if they are facing non-tariff barriers in Japan. Through collective action, we can work with the Japanese authorities to address these challenges and improve market conditions. |
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| EU-Japan Digital Week
31 March – 7 April, 2025; Tokyo Japan – The EU-Japan Digital Week, organised as part of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership, will bring together stakeholders from the EU and Japan to focus on key priority areas for both regions: 6G, Data Spaces, Smart Connectivity and Computing, Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more. With a diverse programme of workshops and discussions, the event will contribute to a more connected, innovative, and sustainable future. |
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Since the beginning of the year, the EBC has had the pleasure of welcoming several European companies as new members, further enriching our committees.
This week, we are pleased to introduce two of them: |
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LIFE LAB
With 20 years of experience in Japan’s agriculture sector, Life Lab has supported thousands of farmers through HR services. Building on this foundation, the company has launched us. sustainable Ag, a new initiative focused on reducing supply chain risks through regenerative agriculture and science-based insights. Its unique advantage lies in a satellite-powered dashboard that enables food companies and farmers to monitor farm performance, biodiversity, and carbon impact, enhancing supply chain resilience. Supported by an international team of scientists and agribusiness experts, the initiative has secured key partnerships and is now expanding across Asia. |
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GR JAPAN
GR Japan is the leading and largest government relations and public affairs consultancy in Japan. GR Japan offers a full range of government relations and related services, including policy and issue monitoring, stakeholder mapping, in-depth intelligence, political due diligence, strategic outreach, advocacy, public affairs campaigns, and strategic support for public tenders/public-sector sales. Politically neutral, the GR Japan team has an unrivalled network of contacts spanning the National Diet, ministries, political parties and local government, as well as in the media and academia.
GR Japan is a proud part of The GR Company, with offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, London, and Washington D.C.. The GR company offers global advisory services backed by top-tier affiliates, centered around our regional hubs in Singapore, London, and Washington D.C. Our team of over 100 policy and industry specialists helps clients navigate political complexities, engage key stakeholders, and deliver positive societal impact. |
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| We appreciate your continued support and engagement with the EBC’s advocacy efforts. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to collaborate!
Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer |
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- The government on Friday approved a bill allowing the state to assess cases of misuse of artificial intelligence and advise firms on the issue, in what would be Japan’s first legislation dedicated to the rapidly spreading technology. The government hopes to reassure companies and the public about utilizing generative AI amid concerns about how abuses could lead to the spread of disinformation and privacy violations. (Kyodo News+)
- Japanese companies that emit 100,000 tons or more of carbon dioxide annually will be required to participate in the carbon emissions trading system under a bill approved by the Cabinet on Feb. 25. The bill to revise the law on promoting green transformation will be submitted to the current Diet session, with the aim of requiring companies that exceed the quotas to begin trading in fiscal 2027. (The Asahi Shimbun)
- Japan is considering tightening regulations on crypto asset transactions by classifying them as financial products akin to stocks, a government source said Tuesday. The Financial Services Agency is seeking to tighten oversight of crypto asset issuers to protect users amid a rise in fraudulent investment solicitations and rapid market expansion in recent years, according to the source. (Japan Today)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| March 5 (Wednesday) |
Liquor |
Hybrid
0830~ |
| March11 (Tuesday) |
Sustainability & Social Responsibility |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| March 11 (Tuesday) |
Energy |
Hybrid
1330~ |
| March 12 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
| March 18 (Tuesday) |
Government Relations |
Hybrid
1230~ |
| March 21 (Friday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Online
1430~ |
| March 27 (Thursday) |
Insurance |
Hybrid
0800~ |
| March 27 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| March 27 (Thursday) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| March 28 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| April 3 (Thursday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
| April 17 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| April 24 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| April 25 (Friday) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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