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| Dear Friends of the EBC,
As we look toward 2026, the EBC is pleased to present its 2025 White Paper, “Reinforcing Partnerships in a Changing World”. This publication remains one of our key tools for engaging with the Japanese government and advocating for a more open, transparent, and predictable business environment for European companies in Japan. We encourage all members to explore its insights and recommendations, which shape much of our policy work throughout the year.
In this newsletter, you will find highlights from our recent Government Relations Committee event with Professor Kazuto Suzuki, a presentation of our Materials Committee, chaired by Eduard Gabric, and an invitation to the inaugural meeting of our new Digital Committee. These activities illustrate the scope of the EBC’s work and how members can actively engage in shaping important policy discussions.
We are also delighted to announce the TICAD 9 Partner Project: Unlocking Africa’s Potential hybrid seminar, organized by key partner organizations. The session will explore EU-Japan initiatives in Africa and new business opportunities. |
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| EBC White Paper 2025: Reinforcing Partnerships in a Changing World
We are pleased to release the EBC 2025 White Paper, “Reinforcing Partnerships in a Changing World.” This edition explores how Europe-Japan economic relations are evolving in key areas such as digital transformation, sustainability and trade frameworks. It also highlights the critical importance of stable and predictable regulatory environments to support business growth.
We invite all members and partners to download the full report and engage with our recommendations for a resilient and forward-looking European business presence in Japan. |
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| Insights from Professor Kazuto Suzuki at the Government Relations Committee
On 17 November, we were honoured to welcome Professor Kazuto Suzuki, Director of the Institute of Geoeconomics and Professor of Science & Technology Policy at the University of Tokyo, at our EBC Government Relations Committee event.
Professor Suzuki offered incisive analysis of Japan’s evolving political landscape, spotlighting the new LDP-Ishin no Kai coalition and the wider geopolitical tensions involving China and Taiwan. His remarks sparked a lively discussion on topics ranging from the possibility of a parliamentary dissolution to constitutional reform and the Bank of Japan’s future interest rate strategy.
A warm thank you to Professor Suzuki for sharing his valuable insights, to the Government Relations Committee Chair and all participants for making the session so engaging.
If you are interested in joining these important conversations, we encourage you to take part in our Government Relations Committee! Feel free to contact the EBC to learn more. |
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| EBC Materials Committee
Chaired by Eduard Gabric, the EBC Materials Committee plays a central role in advocating for fair access to Japan’s materials market. Focusing on chemical regulation, circular-economy solutions, and the development of advanced and sustainable materials, the committee works closely with authorities to improve transparency and strengthen the sector’s long-term competitiveness.
For members of the French Chamber, a Café-Croissant meeting will be held on 26 November, during which Eduard will introduce the committee and its activities.
Read the article and watch the video to learn more about the committee’s priorities and recent work.
We would also like to thank our interns, Noah Guilherme Plattner (article) and Mizue Takasato (video), for their very useful contributions in supporting the committee’s communication. |
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| EBC Digital Committee: Inaugural Meeting Invitation – 25 November
We are delighted to announce the launch of the EBC Digital Committee this November. We believe this initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as digital transformation continues to shape business and policy in both Japan and Europe.
This new forum will enable members to discuss and collaborate on key digital policy issues such as data governance, innovation, and the evolving regulatory landscape. The inaugural meeting will set the Committee’s direction and priorities for the coming year.
If your company operates in the digital or AI sectors, or if you have colleagues working in this field, we warmly invite you to join us on Tuesday, 25 November at 12:00, at the EBC Office, Tokyo
Please confirm your attendance by replying to [email protected]. |
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| Upcoming Hybrid Seminar: TICAD 9 Partner Project: Unlocking Africa’s Potential – Opportunities for EU-Japan Business Cooperation – Thursday, 11 December | 17:00 – 18:30 (JST) | Tokyo & Online (Zoom)
Organised by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Delegation of the EU to Japan and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), this hybrid seminar will offer a unique opportunity to explore how EU-Japan joint initiatives in Africa can drive mutually beneficial development, strengthen value chains, and unlock new opportunities across the African continent.
On-site registration here
Online registration here |
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| The EBC remains committed to representing the voice of European business in Japan through active dialogue, policy engagement, and the dedicated work of our committees. Whether through the White Paper, our advocacy efforts, or new initiatives like the Digital Committee, we continue to work toward a more open, competitive, and predictable business environment for all our members.
Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will kick off talks this week aiming to lower certain taxes to stimulate investment and consumption while raising others and eliminating breaks to fill the fiscal hole. Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party will begin full-fledged discussions on tax reforms for the next fiscal year. The LDP’s coalition partner, Japan Innovation Party, will also convene a meeting this week on the topic. (Nikkei Asia)
- One in four major companies in Japan have had cases where they failed to reasonably accommodate employees with disabilities, a Mainichi Shimbun survey has shown. In the Mainichi survey on the employment of workers with disabilities, 23 out of 92 major firms that responded reported failures. (The Mainichi)
- The Japanese government plans to establish a new organization possibly later November that will take the lead in efforts to deal with the country’s population decline, a government source said Thursday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will head the body, which will be joined by other relevant ministers and coordinate a wide range of policies, such as measures to address the declining birthrate, support for child-rearing, and regional revitalization. (The Mainichi)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| November 25 (Tuesday) |
Digital |
EBC
1200~ |
| November 27 (Thursday) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| November 28 (Friday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| December 3 (Wednesday) |
Liquor |
Hybrid
0830~ |
| December 9 (Tuesday) |
Sustainability & Social Responsibility |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| December 9 (Tuesday) |
Energy |
Hybrid
1330~ |
| December 11 (Thursday) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
0900~ |
| December 11 (Thursday) |
Telecommunications Equipment |
Hybrid
1000~ |
| December 11 (Thursday) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| December 17 (Wednesday) |
Materials |
Hybrid
1730~ |
| December 19 (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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