Frequently asked questions
How to apply?
To apply, fill in the appropriate application form and send the required supporting documents (listed on the application form) by the deadline. Some activities allow online submissions, while others require downloading the form, completing it, and sending it via email. If you download and submit your application by email, ensure that the total size of your message and attachments does not exceed 10MB. If your attachments exceed this limit, please split them across multiple emails or use a file transfer website (such as https://www.wetransfer.com).
Please always check the individual event webpage for specific application instructions.
About the deposit for SMEs.
All participants will be requested to make a €1000 refundable deposit to secure their place. The deposit will be refunded to SMEs companies shortly after the end of the mission and the submission of a brief post-event report.
Penalties and deposit.
The deposit is refunded only after the completion of the mission. If a participant cancels unjustifiably at the last minute, the deposit will not be refunded. If a participant is absent for one or more days of the event, the deposit will be refunded only partially. For exact conditions, please refer to the programme description.
What happens if my company does not pay the deposit?
After being informed of selection, you will have a few weeks to confirm your participation and make the deposit payment. If the deposit is not paid within the deadline, your place will be offered to another applicant on the waiting list.
As an SME, do I have to pay to attend a mission or training in Japan ?
The support from the EU-Japan Centre is provided free of charge to SME companies. There are no organisational fees for selected participants.
What costs will my company have to cover?
Selected companies must cover their travel to Japan and living expenses for the participant.
Large companies will have to pay a participation fee (please refer to each mission or training for details).
I see the Centre will cover accommodation costs, can I choose the hotel or stay longer?
No, all participants will stay in a designated hotel by the Centre.
The Centre will handle reservations and cover the costs only during the period of the mission. From one day before the mission start until the last day (please refer to exact dates indicated in the mission description). Participants leaving later or arriving earlier than the mission period, will have to arrange and cover the costs of their own accommodation for those days.
If a participant prefers to stay in a different hotel than the one designed by the Centre, accommodation costs will not be refunded nor compensation provided.
Can the Centre handle hotel reservation for colleagues travelling with me?
No, the Centre will only cover accommodation costs and managing the related logistic for selected participants only. In case of accompanying colleagues, the applicant company will have to handle these aspects.
What is an SME?
An SME is a Small and Medium sized Enterprise, typically with an annual turnover of less than €50 million and fewer than 250 employees. If part of a group, the consolidated data of the group must be considered. For more details, please refer to the SME criteria as provided by the European Union here and check the SME user guide for examples here.
Can I provide an SME self-statement or turnover data?
No, any document proving your SME status must be official, such as a financial annual release.
Can I attend only a part of the mission?
No, applicants must commit to attending the entire mission to be eligible for selection
Can I apply from a EU company branch based outside the EU?
NO. You must be physically working in the EU.
Where do the courses take place?
All training sessions occur in various locations in Japan, with lectures typically held at our head office in Tokyo.
How will I be prepared before the course?
For all training courses, we provide participants with essential information, including directions to their hotel from the airport, accommodation details, meeting points, subway and city maps, telephone rental information, and the daily programme content.
Can I apply together with a colleague?
Yes, the Centre can accept more than one application per company for our missions or training in Japan, but please note that the number of places per programme is limited.
Additionally, about the WCM training programmes only candidates who have never participated in past editions will be eligible.
Each candidate must fill in a separate application form.
NB/ Your company will be asked to mention a first-choice candidate in case we cannot offer you several places.
How will my application be assessed?
A Selection Board will review candidates based on the written information provided in the application documents.
What if I made a mistake while filling out the application?
Please contact us to provide any relevant documents or corrected information. Applications lacking proper documentation will be considered ineligible.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence in my application form?
We kindly ask you to fill out this form honestly and individually. While the use of language review tools (AI tools included) is acceptable for language corrections, we strongly advise against relying on intelligent software to complete your form. Your personal input is essential to the integrity of this application process.
When will I know if I am selected?
The Selection Board meets after the application deadline. Once the places are allocated, the EU-Japan Centre's Head Office will review and confirm the decision. Final results will be communicated to applicants within seven days after the Selection Board meeting.
Can I still apply if I am not working for an industrial company?
Applicants must be employed by an entity that is a legal organisation based in an eligible country. Consulting firms can apply, but will be given lower priority during the selection.
Can I apply several times?
Please submit a separate application for each mission or training you are interested in.
For the "World Class Manufacturing" trainings, former participants are not eligible to attend again, so please share this information with your colleagues.
For Business missions to Japan, you may apply every year, even if you have been selected in the past.
Can I apply after a deadline?
Once the application period has closed, we cannot accept any further applications unless the deadline has been extended. If you would like to participate in a future mission or training, please let us know, and we will inform you when the next application period opens.
Which countries are eligible to participate in the EU-Japan Centre's activities?
Eligible applicants are those working for a legal entity based in:
- the European Union, or
- a European country associated to the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar*
- when part of a group, the group headquarter must also be based in the EU or a country associated to the Single Market Programme.
*Please check the status of your country at https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/smp/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_smp_en.pdf
