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Is there a potential for European companies to further expand/enter into the Japanese toy market? New date! (originally was on 22 March)In recent years, the Japanese toy market has changed significantly. In fiscal 2014 ending March 2015, Japan’s toy market witnessed a year-to-year increase by 9%, the best sales in a decade. Business integrations of major players including wholesalers have altered the market landscape. At the same time, the low birth rates as well as other factors are impacting...

What is Japan’s FDI policy and its aim in attracting European investment in Japan? Under the strong leadership of PM Shinzo Abe, Japanese government has been aggressively promoting its inward FDI to attract foreign direct investment. A variety of incentives and support services were introduced, especially for those segments which government tries to grow as the next national industry. This research provides the information on GOJ’s FDI promotion policy, incentive programs and support services...

How have Tokyo Metropolitan Government and other Tokyo 2020 Olympics related organisations organised their procurement? Opportunities related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are attracting businesses from all over the world. A variety of organisations are involved in the preparations for the Games, each with their own procurement policies and procedures. In this Webinar we will look at the current state of affairs with regard to procurement practices by organisations such as Tokyo Metropolitan...

What is the current state of the Japanese healthcare market?Through knowledge of the current state of the Japanese healthcare and welfare market combined with insights in Japanese business in general, this webinar will provide a understanding of both the past and future of the Japanese Healthcare sector. From this, participants can shape an understanding of the market’s current practices and pitfalls as well as how to deal with them. This will enable companies to plan their approach to the...

How can EU SMEs become suppliers to the Automobile and Transport Industry in Japan?Traditionally suppliers to Japan’s automobile and transport industries have been domestic companies, however, this is changing, and there are new opportunities for small and medium sized EU companies to enter this market. Since those industries are mostly located in some kind of clusters, it is important to understand the location of those clusters and what opportunities each type of cluster can provide before...

Do you know that some of Europe’s most successful companies in Japan are marketing FMCG goods, either entirely or in part, as part of their overall strategy?FMCG goods are fantastically popular in Japan. Many European companies are already successfully marketing their FMCG goods in Japan and reaping fat profits. It’s not that hard if your company has a plan and follows through on it. This presentation includes tips and techniques to help your company with its Japan FMCG strategy.The webinar was...

With what and when will the combustion engine be replaced in Japan?When will we see the first self-driving cars on the Japanese roads?How will traffic jams be reduced in big cities like Tokyo?In many countries and regions around the world, there is a high pressure to replace the traditional combustion engine with something which is more environmentally friendly. Car manufacturers world wide are trying different solutions. Japanese car manufacturers were very early focusing on hybrid cars, but...

What kind of cultural values in Japanese business etiquette should be understood in depth to conduct successful business relationships in Japan? This work is based on a broader research conducted by the author in Japan as a Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Tokyo. It has two main aims. After presenting the identified cultural values in Japanese business, the author describes some situations where misunderstandings arise and the obstacles that result from...

How do we present and market a European Arts production to Japanese audiences?This report uncovers resident Japanese perceptions of European Visual and Performing Arts events and charts their recent experiences. The structure of our report focuses on a combination of case studies and primary market research. We also conducted in-depth interviews with a number of professionals who have experience either as a producer or as an artist working with Japan. It acts as a guide and practical entry map...

Will human assistant robotics represent the solution to population ageing?When it comes to human assistant robotics Japan is known as leading contributor to its development. The advanced level of technological sophistication, a population that is said to be particularly open to the utilisation of robots for personal care, the growing demand based on societal challenges etc. make Japan a perfect market and partner. As European countries face a similar demographic development they see the same...

What are the characteristics of the Japanese artificial intelligence industry and market?The Japanese government is focusing on artificial intelligence as a key for Japan’s revival as a leading technology nation. Prime Minister Abe is calling for greater use of AI and robotics as part of Japan’s new economic growth strategy. In contrast to the U.S. market, the utilisation of deep learning in AI has not yet reached mainstream in Japan. Recently, Japanese companies have started to look overseas...

How does the tax system in Japan work with regard to consumption tax? Japan’s current consumption tax rate is 8 % and is expected to rise in the coming years, including a system of differentiated tax rates for daily necessities. In a number of aspects such as payment of consumption taxes, filing for returns and withholding of taxes the Japanese system differs from most EU countries. In this seminar, tax expert Ms. Hiroko Koido from TGN Soleil Accounting Firm in Tokyo, will give an outline of the...

How do you successfully navigate through the cultural challenges you face when trying to penetrate the Japanese market?For European companies looking to penetrate the Japanese market there are several cultural factors that can facilitate or dramatically impede your entry into the market. The objectives of this webinar is to review the different challenges you are likely to face and to provide you with tools to be more effective in your work and communication with Japanese partners or clients.The...

What are the current developments in the Japanese railways market and do EU SMEs have business opportunities there?The Japanese railway market has a reputation of being closed to foreign companies. Strong cross-links between various actors in the market, have made it difficult for foreign entrants to build up a successful business case there. In this webinar an overview is given of the market, the challenges of the market, possible opportunities for entry and current trends.The webinar is...

What is the landscape, and what are the key trends in the energy storage sector? What are the trends in the Japanese energy storage market? What does the energy storage market play in the renewable energy and clean-tech sector in Japan?In the 21st century, the future of the energy landscape throughout the industrialized world is a context defined by the rise of renewable energies, as well as the diversification and diffusion of energy generation. However, the emergence of this reality gives rise...

Will Japan succeed in creating a hydrogen-driven society? The Japanese government led by PM Abe has vowed to make Japan a “hydrogen society”. The expectations are high, but so are also the challenges. Various initiatives have been made including a roadmap to achieve this target. This presentation will highlight the current status of the transition to a hydrogen-driven society and look into potential opportunities for European SMEs. The webinar is targeted to EU companies seeking to enter the...

Why has the Drone Industry in Japan become such a hype?Japan have been using unmanned helicopters for more than 40 years in agricultural applications. Now many other applications have gained a lot of interest. The first drone laws were implemented during 2015. The Japanese government has also allocated several special zones for field trial. Large and small companies are developing and field trialling new solutions. Year 2015 is regarded as year number 1 for the drone industry.At the moment toys...

Which media should you use to gain the maximum return on your investment when advertising in Japan?When entering the Japanese market, European companies experience many differences in how business is run in Japan. Information relating to advertising in Japan is very limited in English and the advertising industry practices are very domestic, which makes it almost hard for European companies to understand and make the right decision. This webinar provides an overview on the advertising industry...

What taxes do you need to be aware of when doing business in Japan?No one can escape from taxes. As Japan is one of the high tax countries, you need to carefully prepare your business plans beforehand, so that you will not have unpleasant surprise to receive high tax bills after you make profits in the Japanese market. Having at least basic knowledge of how your business can be taxed in Japan is prerequisite for any SME planning to expand into the Japanese market. The webinar is targeted at EU...

Which opportunities does the composite materials market in Japan offer for EU companies?Japan is not only home to large chemical companies that manufacture raw materials and composite materials, but also has a large market for composites in industries such as construction, aerospace or automobile manufacturing. As in all “high-tech” sectors, another typical characteristic is the high occurrence of inter-company R&D cooperation. For these reasons, Japan can be an interesting base for the...