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is a joint venture co-financed by the European Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Its aim is to foster the development of industrial cooperation between companies from both regions through training programmes for businesspeople, for EU and Japanese students and researchers, and through information services and an industrial dialogue. This quarterly newsletter is produced by the EU-based office of the EU-Japan Centre, and is primarily intended to provide EU/Japan-related news.

Centre's News

The EU-Japan Centre shares its warmest wishes for the end of the year

As we close out the year, we would like to take a moment to thank you for being part of the EU-Japan Centre’s community.

The Vulcanus Programme

On 7 November 2025, we were honoured to co-organise the first-ever official EU-Japan Vulcanus Networking Event with Ambassador Kazutoshi Aikawa and the Mission of Japan to the European Union.

Towards a New Dimension of EU-Japan Digital Partnership

The EU-Japan Centre co-hosted a hybrid seminar titled Towards a New Dimension of EU-Japan Digital Partnership with Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

The EU-Japan Centre shares its warmest wishes for the end of the year

As we close out the year, we would like to take a moment to thank you for being part of the EU-Japan Centre’s community.

The Vulcanus Programme

On 7 November 2025, we were honoured to co-organise the first-ever official EU-Japan Vulcanus Networking Event with Ambassador Kazutoshi Aikawa and the Mission of Japan to the European Union.

Towards a New Dimension of EU-Japan Digital Partnership

The EU-Japan Centre co-hosted a hybrid seminar titled Towards a New Dimension of EU-Japan Digital Partnership with Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

Digital Solutions Business Mission to Japan

Accelerating Europe–Japan Digital Partnerships

Government Services Business Mission to Japan – May 2026

Call for Expressions of Interest to participate

Biotech Business Mission to Japan 2025

Highlights from the 12th Edition of the EU-Japan Biotech Business Mission!

Get Ready for Japan Autumn 2025

The 10th Get Ready for Japan (GRFJ) programme successfully wrapped up on Friday, 14 November.

Get Ready for Japan: Applications Now Open for the 11th Edition in 2026!

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is preparing the 11th edition of its cross-cultural training: “Get Ready for Japan”. Application deadline: 12 March 2026.

Online Market Access Workshops support EU SMEs entering Japan

The EU-Japan Centre guides EU SMEs toward the Japanese market through thematic workshops.

Latest reports and forthcoming webinars by the EU Business in Japan support

Sauna and skincare markets in Japan.

Case Study: Akko Café

Read our newest case study based on an interview with Jane Rebille, founder of Akko Café in Brussels, Belgium.

From EU-Japan authorities

From business community

Genopole and CEBR organized “Kobe Bootcamp” to boost EU–Japan biotech ties

European clusters and companies were invited to “Kobe bootcamp” ahead of Osaka partnering event and BioJapan fair.

Bavarian & Japanese biotech clusters connect at leading life science events

Bavaria and Japan’s biotech ecosystems strengthen global ties at leading international life science events.

A new Chapter for Piedmont-Japan collaboration in life sciences

Piedmont-Japan: strategic dialogue between Piedmont and Japan for medical and biotechnological innovation

The Hauts-de-France Japan Club: stronger ties between the Region and Japan

On 4 November 2025, the Opéra de Lille hosted the third edition of the Hauts-de-France Japan Club, a now essential event for Franco-Japanese economic dialogue.

Lombardy Excellence for Sustainable Development Showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka

A workshop showcased Lombardy’s sustainable innovation, EU projects, and international collaboration at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Subsidy for Financial Companies to Establish a Base in Osaka

Osaka's Subsidy Program offers a helping hand to FinTech-related businesses that are considering establishing their base in Osaka. The primary goal is to encourage the growth of innovative financial services that leverage IT, including technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.

Southern Sweden Expands Game Ties with Japan

Southern Sweden strengthens ties and showcases creativity in Japan at Expo 2025 and Tokyo Game Show.

Japanese entrepreneur takes on the challenge of starting a company in Finland

The article interviews a Japanese entrepreneur about Finland’s work-life balance and business scene.

Innovation, research, and agri-food at the heart of Franco-Japanese cooperation!

Dijon Bourgogne Week in Kumamoto, held on 22-29 October, celebrated the excellence of Dijon’s gastronomy, culture, research, and innovation.

Innovation, research, and agri-food at the heart of Franco-Japanese cooperation!

Dijon Bourgogne Week in Kumamoto, held on 22-29 October, celebrated the excellence of Dijon’s gastronomy, culture, research, and innovation.

The NIC Award second edition: Italy's new fashion scene captivates Tokyo

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ICCJ) successfully concluded the second edition of The NIC (New Italian Cool) Award on 14 November 2025, in Tokyo.

Sardinian startups connect with Japan’s tech ecosystem

Sardinian startups explore new opportunities in Japan’s innovation ecosystem.

IVS 2025 - Reshape Japan with Global Minds

The largest startup conference in Japan is already looking forward to the 2026 edition.

France Japan Foundation Young Leaders First Cohort Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Young Leaders from France and Japan unite to strengthen cultural, political, and economic ties.

France Japan Foundation Young Leaders First Cohort Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Young Leaders from France and Japan unite to strengthen cultural, political, and economic ties.

French-Japanese Foundation Events for 2026

Various events to strengthen ties between EU and Japan for research and industrial purposes

JDZB’s Alumni Reunion “Building International Bridges! Alumni in Dialogue for Sustainable Exchange”

Alumni of five different exchange programs gathered on the occasion of the Japanese-German Center Berlin’s (JDZB) 40th anniversary.

Yokohama City Leads with Launch of Asian Circular Cities Declaration

The Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) 2025 was held in Yokohama, Japan, from 25 to 27 November, bringing together representatives from cities around the world to discuss the realization of sustainable urban development that balances economic growth with a livable urban environment.

1st German-Japanese Leadership Dialogue

On 3 November 2025, senior executives from Japan and Germany met in Frankfurt am Main to discuss about economic security and the importance of deepening German-Japanese business relations.

JDZB’s Alumni Reunion “Building International Bridges! Alumni in Dialogue for Sustainable Exchange”

Alumni of five different exchange programs gathered on the occasion of the Japanese-German Center Berlin’s (JDZB) 40th anniversary.

Yokohama City Leads with Launch of Asian Circular Cities Declaration

The Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) 2025 was held in Yokohama, Japan, from 25 to 27 November, bringing together representatives from cities around the world to discuss the realization of sustainable urban development that balances economic growth with a livable urban environment.

The Network News

EU-Japan Green Transition 2025-2026

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is relaunching its successful online B2B matching event targeting entities active in green transition sectors.

EU-Japan Green Transition 2025-2026

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is relaunching its successful online B2B matching event targeting entities active in green transition sectors.

The Network offers & requests

LICENSING OFFER: medical devices

A Japanese firm offers a patented mechanism for peristaltic pumps under a licensing agreement 

TOJP20241011003

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: beverages

A Japanese alcohol beverage distribution firm specialized in traditional sake and fruit liqueurs

BOJP20241105002

SERVICES OFFERED: beverages, design

A Japanese distributor of sake offers OEM services for product development and packaging design to partners in the EU under a commercial agreement

BOJP20241105003

LICENSING OFFER: renewable energies

Japanese company seeks licensing partners for its micro hydropower unit

TOJP20241001002

LICENSING OFFER: medical devices

A Japanese firm offers a patented mechanism for peristaltic pumps under a licensing agreement 

TOJP20241011003

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: beverages

A Japanese alcohol beverage distribution firm specialized in traditional sake and fruit liqueurs

BOJP20241105002

SERVICES OFFERED: beverages, design

A Japanese distributor of sake offers OEM services for product development and packaging design to partners in the EU under a commercial agreement

BOJP20241105003

LICENSING OFFER: renewable energies

Japanese company seeks licensing partners for its micro hydropower unit

TOJP20241001002

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
13
Jan
2026
Online
'About Japan' webinar series 261: Consumption tax in Japan – an overview
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
20
Jan
2026
23
Jan
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
20
Jan
2026
Online
'About Japan’ webinar series 262: Dermatology Skin Care Market in Japan
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Jan
2026
30
Jan
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Space Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Jan
2026
Online
'About Japan’ webinar series 263: Food Distribution Channels in Japan
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
03
Feb
2026
Online
'About Japan’ webinar series 264: Winning Presentation Strategies for Japanese Business Settings
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
10
Feb
2026
Online
'About Japan’ webinar series 265: Opening Pop-Up Stores and Setting up a franchise in Japan
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
16
Feb
2026
20
Feb
2026
Japan
Nagoya
World Class Manufacturing
TRAINING MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
17
Feb
2026
Online
'About Japan' webinar series 266: Advancing EU-Japan CCS Cooperation - Innovation and Policy Alignment
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
24
Feb
2026
Online
'About Japan' webinar series 267: Solar Power Industry Market in Japan
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
03
Mar
2026
Online
'About Japan' webinar series 268: Understanding 'the why' behind Japanese business behaviours - the keys for relationship management
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
10
Mar
2026
Online
'About Japan' webinar series 269: Batteries and Storage Technologies Market in Japan
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
16
Mar
2026
19
Mar
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Green Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
18
May
2026
12
Jun
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Get Ready for Japan - first session 2026
TRAINING MISSION
18-22 May 2026, Online
8-12 June, Tokyo, Japan
Application deadline: 19 March 2026
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url