EBC Newsletter – September 16, 2026

EBC Newsletter – September 16, 2026

 

From the EBC

Dear Friends of the EBC,

As the autumn business season gets underway, the EBC continues to strengthen dialogue with European and Japanese stakeholders across key strategic sectors. This week, our activities focused on defence cooperation and regional collaboration among European business organisations in Asia.

EBC Meets Swedish Defence Research Agency

On 10 September, the EBC met with Tobias Junerfält and Ann Lundberg of the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI). Sweden’s Defence Attaché to Japan, Lt. Col. Mika Ihalainen, also joined the meeting.

The discussion focused on defence, with particular attention to opportunities and challenges for industrial defence cooperation. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the EBC to share the views of European industry in Japan, while also gaining insights from FOI on developments in the defence sector and the scope for closer cooperation.

The meeting also touched on the evolving defence relationship between Europe and Japan, including the potential for greater cooperation between European and Japanese companies in defence-related areas. The exchange highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between industry, research institutions and government stakeholders in identifying practical opportunities for cooperation.

The meeting is part of the EBC’s continued efforts to strengthen European-Japanese cooperation in defence and to ensure that the perspectives of European industry are reflected in these discussions.

Strengthening European Business Cooperation Across Asia

On 10 September, the EBC was pleased to welcome a delegation from our colleagues at the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) for a morning of exchange and peer learning.

The EBC and ECCT are both members of the European Business Organisations Worldwide Network, which brings together European business organisations from around the world. The network meets in person in Brussels each June, with the support of the European Commission’s DG GROW, providing an important platform to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation among European business organisations.

Our meeting in Tokyo provided an excellent opportunity to continue this exchange at regional level and compare experiences on the opportunities and challenges facing European companies in Japan and Taiwan.

We were particularly pleased to hear from three EBC Committee Chairs, who shared insights from their respective sectors:

– Chris Seidel for the Automotive Components Committee
– Tobias Schiebe for the Human Resources Committee
– Yasuko Ogawa for the Insurance Committee

The discussions covered their committees’ work, the Japanese market and key issues affecting European businesses, followed by an open exchange with our Taiwanese colleagues.

On 11 September, the ECCT delegation continued its programme with a visit to our EBC member SAP (thank you Daniel Gruener!), where discussions focused on skills and people strategy. This gave rise to a long and substantive discussion on various HR policies, as well as the broader challenges facing European companies operating in Japan, as well as in Taiwan.

Many thanks to our ECCT colleagues for visiting Tokyo and for such a constructive and engaging exchange!

Regional exchanges such as this are an important way to strengthen cooperation among European business organisations in Asia and share practical insights that can benefit our members.

 

 

Partner Event: Gifu Industrial Tour 2026 is now open

EBC members interested in Japan’s manufacturing and technology sectors may also wish to take part in the upcoming Gifu Industrial Tour 2026.

The tour will include visits to a company manufacturing vehicles for Toyota Motor Corporation and a world-leading semiconductor package substrate manufacturer, as well as other industry-related sites.

Participants will have the opportunity to gain insights into Gifu Prefecture’s advanced manufacturing industry and cutting-edge technologies.

Tour Overview:
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Meeting Point: Outside the ticket gates of Gifu-Hashima Station
Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m.
Tour End Point: Gifu-Hashima Station
End Time: 5:30 p.m.
Participation Fee: Free of charge
Tour Registration: Application Form for “Gifu Industrial Tour 2026”

From defence and economic security to regional business cooperation, the EBC continues to provide platforms for European companies to engage with Japanese and regional stakeholders. We look forward to building on these exchanges and creating further opportunities for our members in the weeks ahead.

Stay connected with the EBC for our latest activities, policy engagement and upcoming events!

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan

What’s in the Media

  • The Japanese government on Friday decided to provide up to 98 billion yen ($635 million) to support five more capital investment plans by shipbuilding companies as part of its efforts to revive the industry and ensure national security.  The subsidies will be provided between fiscal 2026 and 2034 and drawn from the government’s shipbuilding revival fund, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said. The funding is aimed at boosting production capacity and promoting technological development. (The Mainichi)
  • The Foreign Ministry is pursuing its efforts on creating a business-friendly environment in Africa, hoping to make it easier for Japanese companies to expand and invest within the continent. While China and Middle Eastern countries are strengthening their engagement in Africa through massive investments, Japanese companies have been sluggish in doing the same. (The Japan News)
  • The Japanese government on Wednesday proposed adding the aviation sector to its new foreign-worker training and employment program set to start in April 2027, as the country seeks to secure labor in industries facing severe worker shortages. The planned expansion, presented to a panel of experts, would bring the number of industries covered by the program to 18, already including nursing care, agriculture and accommodation. The government hopes to approve the framework at a Cabinet meeting in December. (Kyodo News)

Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings

DateCommitteeTime / Location
September 17 (Thursday)Telecommunications EquipmentHybrid
1000~
September 24 (Thursday)Food & AgricultureHybrid
0930~
September 24 (Thursday)Medical Equipment & IVDHybrid
1430~
September 28 (Monday)Asset ManagementHybrid
0900
September 29 (Tuesday)MaterialsHybrid
1730~
October 1 (Thursday)Government RelationsHybrid
1300
October 6 (Tuesday)DigitalHybrid
0800~
October 6 (Tuesday)RailwaysHybrid
1600~
October 22 (Thursday)Medical Equipment & IVDHybrid
1430~
October 29 (Thursday)InsuranceHybrid
0800~
November 5 (Thursday)Human ResourcesHybrid
0930~
November 9 (Monday)RailwaysHybrid
1600~
November 10 (Tuesday)DigitalHybrid
0800~
November 10 (Tuesday)Government RelationsHybrid
1230~
November 12 (Thursday)LiquorHybrid
0830~

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/