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— Latest update: May 2025 — There is no precise definition of creative industries in Japan. In fact, terms such as creative industries and creative economy did not exist in Japan before the 1990s. Instead, they relate to industries linked to lifestyle and culture such as design, artisan products, fashion, art, tourism, advertising and food. Creative Industries are an important part of the Japanese economy and as a result, the government is highly involved in a process of marketing these overseas...

Cooperation between the Japan Bioindustry Association and the EU-Japan Centre to help EU SMEs find partners in JapanThis year, at BIO-Europe in Copenhagen, the EU-Japan Centre will have a joint-booth (#44-45) with the Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA). The Centre’s objective for this cooperation is to support EU SMEs find potential partners among Japanese biotech, pharmaceutical companies and academia. The EU-Japan Centre will display on its booth over 30 Japanese companies and organisations...

Japan is the third largest market in the world for cosmetics and personal care products. Even though the global pandemic resulted in a significant drop in consumer traffic and inbound tourism, the domestic market continues to grow.

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. To help you in this task, the EU-Japan Centre organises Cross Cultural Webinar Series on yearly basis. Topics span from "first encounters" to "closing the deal" without forgetting the "building the trust" step. The recorded webinars' videos, as well as specific e-learning videos, can be found in the dedicated pages: > About Business Culture > E-learning...

Cross-cultural IssuesIn this section you can find some of the latest information on cross-cultural issues on our website. To find out more, please click on the links below:Webinars:Webinar 61: Cross Cultural IssuesVideos:Japanese Business RealitiesCommunicating with the JapaneseBusiness Negotiations in JapanEffective Collaboration with the Japaneseand much moreMore info:Culture - Societal ValuesBusiness CultureDo's & Dont'sCool Japan

There are countless cross-cultural issues to be aware of when doing business in Japan. This section provides a very brief overview of certain important issues that you will come across. Elsewhere on this site, you will find in-depth reports covering important topics such as societal values, business culture, communication, do’s and don’ts, etc. No matter where you start, we wish you a pleasant journey discovering the ins and outs of Japanese culture. Table of ContentsSmall...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on First Encounters with Japanese partners. Information on the related webinar is available below:Webinar: Cross-cultural Issues: A first encounterA first encounter with Japanese business partners can be quite challenging. Having a realistic view of what can be achieved at all and what pitfalls are to be...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on Business communication & styles comparison between Japan and Europe . Information on the related webinar is available below:Webinar: Cross Cultural Issues: Business communication & styles comparison between Japan and EuropeSpecifically, the webinar focuses on styles of business communication commonly used...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on Following up and sustaining the relationship with Japanese partners. Information on the related webinar is available below:Webinar: Cross-cultural Issues: A first encounterFirst visits are essential to get to know your potential business partners in person and lay the basis for a mutually beneficial...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on Getting in touch with Japanese Partners. Information on the related webinar is available below:Webinar: Cross-cultural Issues: Getting in touchMany products and services that are successful in Europe will undoubtedly also be appreciated in Japan. Just how to find and approach potential partners in the land...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on Negotiations and closing the deal with Japanese partners. Information on the related webinar is available below:Webinar: Cross-cultural Issues: Negotiations and closing the dealMeetings with Japanese partners follow a different agenda than the one we are used to in Europe. They require a more meticulous...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on Organising a business trip to Japan. Information on the related webinar is available below:Webinar: Cross Cultural Issues: Organising a business trip to Japan: getting noticedIncreasing numbers of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe are looking to make initial investments in Japanese...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on Overcoming mutual perceptions of distance and difference with Japanese partners. Information on the related webinar is available below:Webinar: Cross-cultural Issues: Negotiations and closing the dealIn contexts for international business and management, perceptions of ‘distance’ and ‘difference’ can...

Understanding the Japanese people represents one of the single biggest obstacles for European SMEs wishing to break into the Japanese market. This month in "Cross Cultural Issues", we focus on Working as an Expatriate in Japan. By sending expatriates to Japan, the headquarters will have a better understanding of the Japanese market and improve communication with the local employeesPart 1: Practical Guidance towards Achieving Assignment SuccessThis first report and its related webinar offer...

Do you want to accelerate the transparency, quality and smoothness of communication with Japanese partners?

Do you want to understand and influence decision-making processes in Japanese organisations?

Do you want to accelerate the transparency, quality and smoothness of trust and relationship building with Japanese partners?

Do you want to accelerate the transparency, quality and smoothness of strategic planning with Japanese partners?

Do you want to accelerate the transparency, quality and smoothness of virtual communication with Japanese partners?

Do you want to accelerate the transparency, quality and smoothness of (virtual) communication, relationship building, and strategic planning with Japanese partners? Do you want to understand and influence decision-making processes in Japanese organisations? The EU-Japan Centre regularly organises Cross Cultural Webinar Series. These webinars target EU companies seeking to create, develop or improve their businesses with Japan. This series was released in cooperation with the expert Mr. Martin...