EBC Newsletter – May 28, 2025

21 May – Economic Forum “Austria and Japan: Composing the Future – Together”

On 21 May, the EBC attended the Economic Forum “Austria and Japan: Composing the Future – Together” in Tokyo, held as part of the official visit of Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. This event, which brought together over 300 participants, highlighted the synergies between Austria and Japan in innovation, research, and business. Discussions focused on opportunities for bilateral collaboration, particularly in the fields of startups, technology, and culture.

The EBC is pleased to see such initiatives that strengthen economic ties between Europe and Japan and remains committed to supporting European businesses in developing their presence in Japan through advocacy.

26 May – 60th General Assembly of the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA)

The EBC was honoured to be invited to the 60th General Assembly of the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA), a milestone event celebrating six decades of progress in the imported automobile industry. The event brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, reflecting JAIA’s longstanding commitment to fostering international collaboration and market growth. As a long-time partner and advocate for European industry interests in Japan, the EBC shares JAIA’s objectives of promoting open markets and regulatory alignment.

The commemorative event featured an opening speech by Go Goeltinger, Chair of JAIA, and keynote addresses from senior officials of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Their speeches highlighted the evolving role of imported vehicles in Japan’s mobility landscape and emphasized the importance of sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation.

The EBC welcomed these messages, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to enhance mutual understanding and regulatory transparency between Japan and the EU.

26 May – German Asparagus Dinner Tokyo 2025

The German Asparagus Dinner Tokyo 2025, hosted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan), once again proved to be a key fixture in the business calendar. The event brought together a wide array of business leaders and professionals from the German and Japanese communities.

Far more than a culinary evening, the dinner served as a high-level networking platform where meaningful connections were made and business relationships deepened. With its unique blend of tradition and professionalism, the evening created the ideal setting for strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new opportunities within Japan’s international business environment.

The European Business Council (EBC) warmly thanks AHK Japan for the kind invitation. For the EBC, the event provided enhanced visibility and engagement through networking and a shared commitment to advancing the presence of European business in Japan.

27 May – EBC Briefing: Tariffs in the Spotlight – What You Need to Know

Robert Olson, Chair of the EBC Logistics Committee, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the status and implications of the tariffs imposed by the US administration. He outlined both the tariffs that remain in effect and those that were announced but have not yet been implemented. Details were also provided on what is included in the tariffs for each country, e.g. general 10% base tariff, reciprocal tariff, fentanyl tariff, “trading with Venezuela” tariff, etc.

To help businesses adapt, a series of mitigation strategies categorised into short-, medium-, and long-term actions was showcased. In the short term, companies were advised to re-evaluate sourcing options and optimise shipping routes to reduce costs. Medium-term strategies included negotiating revised contracts with suppliers and exploring alternative markets less affected by tariffs. Long-term strategies involve structural changes such as relocating manufacturing bases, investing in regional trade partnerships, and enhancing supply chain resilience through digitalisation and risk diversification.These strategies aim to reduce exposure to geopolitical shifts while maintaining competitiveness in an evolving trade environment.

The EBC thanks Robert for his insightful and practical briefing, which provided valuable guidance to EBC members navigating the challenges posed by evolving trade policies.

Upcoming Events – Belgium Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (BLCCJ)

The BLCCJ is organising two events in June. Both are open to members and non-members, with participation available at a very reasonable cost:

1.    Meet the Boss: Dirk Ostijn, CEO of MetLife Japan
📅 Thursday, 5 June | 🕣 8:30–10:00 | 📍 MetLife Office
🔗 Event Details

2.    Delighting Customers 2025
With presentations by the CEOs of Chanel Japan and Pierre Fabre Laboratories Japan
📅 Wednesday, 18 June | 🕡 18:30–21:00 | 📍 L’espace CCIFJ
🔗 Event Details

Valerie Moschetti
EBC COO

• Japan looks to ease language requirements for foreign bus and taxi drivers entering the country via its specified skilled worker program, lowering what some observers argue has been a barrier to alleviating the industry’s labor shortage. The program, introduced in 2019, generally requires workers to have Japanese language skills equivalent to N4 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, which indicates basic understanding. For bus and taxi drivers, the requirement is a step higher at N3, to ensure they can provide information to customers and handle accidents. (Nikkei Asia)
• The Japanese government will introduce an online travel authorization system for foreigners, akin to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, as it seeks to strengthen checks on foreigners entering the country amid a tourism boom. Dubbed JESTA, travelers from 71 countries and regions exempt from short-term visas will need to provide, before they travel, information such as their occupation, purpose of travel, and where they will stay. (Nikkei Asia)
• Japan’s government on Tuesday proposed 17 industries for inclusion in a new program to replace the foreign trainee scheme, such as agriculture, food services and construction, which are struggling with labor shortages amid a graying population. The government also recommended adding three more sectors to the separate Specified Skilled Worker visa framework as many shift from the technical trainee system, often criticized for labor rights violations including long hours and low wages. (The Mainichi)

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