Welcome to the new online version of the EU-Japan Newsletter.
SCROLL DOWN to access all the chapters.
HORIZONTAL SWIPE in chapters to access all the pages.

Click here to read the newsletter

SME internationalisation and digitalisation

Dr. Philippe de Taxis du Poët
Dr. Philippe de Taxis du Poët

The covid-19 pandemic is a powerful trigger and accelerator of the digitalisation of business support services towards the internationalisation of SMEs, for example:

  • The digitalisation of business matchmaking services enables increased outreach to many more SMEs as compared to physical matchmaking. It also opens the door to a new profile of SMEs which would have never participated in physical business missions outside the EU (covid-19 or not) by lack of time, money and staff. Hence reaching out a hidden part of the SMEs world with big potential.
  • Virtual business matchmaking has become a crucial asset for SMEs to survive these economic difficult times without dropping their internationalisation strategy. It enables them to continue building international partnership as it reduces the transaction costs and save resources.
  • Digitalisation also enables SMEs to evaluate more quickly and more regularly new markets and business opportunities They are then able to react more quickly to opportunities and threats with respect to changing market attractiveness. They can internationalise early, flexibly and fast, with fewer travel costs and less time.
  • Although the negative impact of the coronavirus crisis on businesses is a serious problem, it has also triggered a surge of new start-ups being set up in Europe, Japan and the US. As mentioned in a recent FT article, 10,000 new businesses were registered in September 2020 in Japan, 14% more than in the same month last year. France registered 84,000 new businesses in October 2020, up 20% on the same month last year and the highest ever recorded.
  • Given the major trend for EU-Japan business cooperation in third markets, digitalisation facilitates tri-lateral business matchmaking between the EU, Japan and third countries. They can more easily go beyond bilateral cooperation between the EU and Japan, and hence project EU-Japan business partnership to third countries, e.g., Asia or Africa.


Digitalisation and internationalisation go hand in hand to provide opportunities to many more SMEs, for internationalising in a cheaper, faster, greener, more global and flexible ways, and delivering higher productivity compared to the ‘usual’ physical practice. It is dramatically changing patterns of entrepreneurial opportunity pursuit, value creation, innovation in the economy, and internationalisation. The 4th ‘industrial revolution’ is upon us.

Does it mean that the above digitalisation assets for building international business partnership will make obsolete the regular physical journey? Probably not, as no matter how easy and effective it is to talk digitally, there is something else that face-to-face communication brings. Business is about building relationships and trust. It has an emotional dimension that a real-word event can – for the moment – enable more easily than a virtual one.

The key challenge is likely to be how best to articulate the assets of digitalisation with the ones of the physical way. Perhaps via a double step approach, with first a large digital business matchmaking, followed by a much smaller physical one for finetuning.  

Table of Content

Centre's News

From EU

From Japan

EU-Japan News

The Network News

The Network offers & requests

Calendar

for PDF version click here

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.

https://www.eu-japan.eu/

Centre's News

“The EU & Japan – A New Way Forward” webinar, podcast and virtual trade fair

What are the opportunities and challenges EU SMEs can encounter when doing business with Japan? On the fringes of the EU Industry Days conference, the EU-Japan Centre offers some insights into how the EU and Japan can find, “A new way forward”

“The EU & Japan – A New Way Forward” webinar, podcast and virtual trade fair

What are the opportunities and challenges EU SMEs can encounter when doing business with Japan? On the fringes of the EU Industry Days conference, the EU-Japan Centre offers some insights into how the EU and Japan can find, “A new way forward”

New EU members <br>EU-Japan Business Round Table

DHL and Rakuten France join the BRT

Logistics and e-services companies join the EU-Japan BRT
The EU-Japan Business Round Table (or “BRT”) brings together business leaders from the EU and Japan to foster communication, discuss issues of common concern, submit recommendations to the EU and Japanese Authorities to help develop trade, investment, industrial cooperation and other EU-Japan ties. Philippe Wahl, the BRT’s EU-side Chairman (and Chairman and CEO of Le Groupe La Poste) is delighted to welcome two new companies to the BRT’s EU-side. The new members will feed into the BRT’s work and discussions in the areas of logist...

New EU members <br>EU-Japan Business Round Table

DHL and Rakuten France join the BRT

Logistics and e-services companies join the EU-Japan BRT
The EU-Japan Business Round Table (or “BRT”) brings together business leaders from the EU and Japan to foster communication, discuss issues of common concern, submit recommendations to the EU and Japanese Authorities to help develop trade, investment, industrial cooperation and other EU-Japan ties. Philippe Wahl, the BRT’s EU-side Chairman (and Chairman and CEO of Le Groupe La Poste) is delighted to welcome two new companies to the BRT’s EU-side. The new members will feed into the BRT’s work and discussions in the areas of logist...

Japan’s 2020 space policy plan – update and opportunities for EU industries

This webinar aimed at outlining updates in the 2020 revision of Japanese National Space Policy and introducing potential opportunities for EU-Japan industrial cooperation.

Japan’s 2020 space policy plan – update and opportunities for EU industries

This webinar aimed at outlining updates in the 2020 revision of Japanese National Space Policy and introducing potential opportunities for EU-Japan industrial cooperation.

Vulcanus in Japan 2020-21 session

Even in the unprecedented situation with the coronavirus pandemic, the Vulcanus in Japan programme for 2020-21 is ongoing. 21 participants never gave up on their hopes to go to Japan.

They decided to remain in the programme and have been motivating themselves by greatly adapting to the new normal. They enthusiastically started the Japanese language course remotely from September 2020, in spite of the big time difference between Japan and Europe. Because of their diligent efforts, the online Japanese presentations on 10 December 2020 resulted in a huge success. Their amazing progre...

Vulcanus in Europe

Boost your R&D team through hosting a Japanese student in engineering
Every year, the EU-Japan Centre offers companies and research centres the possibility to host Japanese trainees for an 8-month internship in the EU (from August to March). The trainees come from leading Japanese universities and are students in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemistry, digital technologies or other technical disciplines… Following a 4-month intensive language course, the trainees will be able to communicate in the EU language requested by the company. By welcoming a trainee, the main benefits fo...

Vulcanus in Japan 2020-21 session

Even in the unprecedented situation with the coronavirus pandemic, the Vulcanus in Japan programme for 2020-21 is ongoing. 21 participants never gave up on their hopes to go to Japan.

They decided to remain in the programme and have been motivating themselves by greatly adapting to the new normal. They enthusiastically started the Japanese language course remotely from September 2020, in spite of the big time difference between Japan and Europe. Because of their diligent efforts, the online Japanese presentations on 10 December 2020 resulted in a huge success. Their amazing progre...

Vulcanus in Europe

Boost your R&D team through hosting a Japanese student in engineering
Every year, the EU-Japan Centre offers companies and research centres the possibility to host Japanese trainees for an 8-month internship in the EU (from August to March). The trainees come from leading Japanese universities and are students in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemistry, digital technologies or other technical disciplines… Following a 4-month intensive language course, the trainees will be able to communicate in the EU language requested by the company. By welcoming a trainee, the main benefits fo...

Apply for the Next Biotech Mission for EU SME & Clusters

In autumn 2021, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial cooperation will again organise a Mission to Japan in the fields of pharma, biotechnologies and life sciences.

Mission dates: 13-15 October 2021Application deadline: 27 May 2021

The Mission will consist of an orientation webinar, participation in a partnering event co-organised with a local Japanese Cluster and a joint fair participation in BioJapan with integrated Partnering from 13-15 October 2021. This Mission is an excellent opportunity to get into contact with Japanese pharma and life science companies, which are looking for R&...

Call for Applications - Get Ready for Japan

The EU-Japan Centre launched the 4th edition of its 2-week programme “Get Ready for Japan” drawn from the 4-week long Human Resources Training Programme.

The "Get Ready for Japan" programme provides EU businessmen with a professional Japan-related expertise. It is focused on business management and consists of a combination of lectures, case studies, role plays and company visits. Due to the current health situation, the programme will continue to be held online.

Preferred profile: “ideally” suited for executives of EU SMEs who need a quick and practical preparation to maxi...

Apply for the Next Biotech Mission for EU SME & Clusters

In autumn 2021, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial cooperation will again organise a Mission to Japan in the fields of pharma, biotechnologies and life sciences.

Mission dates: 13-15 October 2021Application deadline: 27 May 2021

The Mission will consist of an orientation webinar, participation in a partnering event co-organised with a local Japanese Cluster and a joint fair participation in BioJapan with integrated Partnering from 13-15 October 2021. This Mission is an excellent opportunity to get into contact with Japanese pharma and life science companies, which are looking for R&...

Call for Applications - Get Ready for Japan

The EU-Japan Centre launched the 4th edition of its 2-week programme “Get Ready for Japan” drawn from the 4-week long Human Resources Training Programme.

The "Get Ready for Japan" programme provides EU businessmen with a professional Japan-related expertise. It is focused on business management and consists of a combination of lectures, case studies, role plays and company visits. Due to the current health situation, the programme will continue to be held online.

Preferred profile: “ideally” suited for executives of EU SMEs who need a quick and practical preparation to maxi...

The first online WCM Training course

The first online WCM Training course was held on 16-20 November 2020.

Prior to the online mission, the Centre has selected 17 European participants from 14 different countries. The EU delegation had the opportunity to learn more about the Toyota Production System (TPS), Total plant maintenance (TPM), Toyota Motor Corporation supplier system and Kaizen process. During this 5-day online training, 4 plants' visits were organised including 2 suppliers for Toyota Motor Corporation-Chiyoda Industries and Mifune Corporation, Shin Niho Kogyo-DENSO supplier and Avex Inc. The latter, presented ...

Is Lean being made too confusing?

A discussion: “Lean is being made too confusing for its own good!”

18 February 2021 – In a change of format, the EU-Japan Centre’s Lean Café featured a discussion between Kevin Robinson, Managing Director of Opex Performance Solutions Ltd and Prof. Richard Keegan, the EU-Japan Centre's Lean Advisor and Adjunct Professor of Lean Operational Excellence, Trinity Business School. The topic of the discussion was, “Lean is being made too confusing for its own good!”.
During the wide-ranging discussion, Kevin reflected on his three decades of hands-on leadership experience in manufactu...

The first online WCM Training course

The first online WCM Training course was held on 16-20 November 2020.

Prior to the online mission, the Centre has selected 17 European participants from 14 different countries. The EU delegation had the opportunity to learn more about the Toyota Production System (TPS), Total plant maintenance (TPM), Toyota Motor Corporation supplier system and Kaizen process. During this 5-day online training, 4 plants' visits were organised including 2 suppliers for Toyota Motor Corporation-Chiyoda Industries and Mifune Corporation, Shin Niho Kogyo-DENSO supplier and Avex Inc. The latter, presented ...

Is Lean being made too confusing?

A discussion: “Lean is being made too confusing for its own good!”

18 February 2021 – In a change of format, the EU-Japan Centre’s Lean Café featured a discussion between Kevin Robinson, Managing Director of Opex Performance Solutions Ltd and Prof. Richard Keegan, the EU-Japan Centre's Lean Advisor and Adjunct Professor of Lean Operational Excellence, Trinity Business School. The topic of the discussion was, “Lean is being made too confusing for its own good!”.
During the wide-ranging discussion, Kevin reflected on his three decades of hands-on leadership experience in manufactu...

Export Support Workshops in the EU - Call for Expressions of Interest

In the last couple of years, the EU-Japan Centre has been successfully co-organising half-day cross-cultural and export support workshops at various locations throughout the EU, with the support and guidance of local member organisations of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

Last year, in the context of a global pandemic, health concerns and travel restrictions, the EU-Japan Centre shifted to online workshops to be able to continue to help European companies access the Japanese market and provide more relevant and up-to-date information and support.  Since June 2020, the Centr...

Export Support Workshops in the EU - Call for Expressions of Interest

In the last couple of years, the EU-Japan Centre has been successfully co-organising half-day cross-cultural and export support workshops at various locations throughout the EU, with the support and guidance of local member organisations of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

Last year, in the context of a global pandemic, health concerns and travel restrictions, the EU-Japan Centre shifted to online workshops to be able to continue to help European companies access the Japanese market and provide more relevant and up-to-date information and support.  Since June 2020, the Centr...

Upcoming Webinars “About Japan”

Webinar 167: Olive Oil Market in Japan
23 March 2021, 10:30 - 11:30 AM CET
The webinar is targeted to EU small- and mid-sized olive oil producers, bottling companies and exporters seeking to enter the Japanese olive oil market, or further strengthen current positions in Japan.

Webinar 168: EU-Japan.AI project (H2020)
25 March 2021, 10:30 - 11:30 AM CET
The webinar is targeted to enterprises, universities, solution providers, experts and professionals dealing with AI for manufacturing from EU and Japan seeking to engage in an open and informed dialogue about ...

Next EPA Webinars

These webinars are a part of the EU-Japan EPA Helpdesk. Each webinar will address a different topic or sector and will look at the changes the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will make and the opportunities it will create.

EPA Helpdesk Webinar 32: Processed Agricultural Products
16 March 21 - 10:30 - 11:30 AM CET
The EPA offers important market access opportunities for EU PAPs exporters to Japan. Duties have been eliminated at the entry into force of the Agreement for some important products, while for other PAPs, duties will be eliminated over periods between ...

Latest Reports Released "About Japan"

New reports have been published by the Centre. They focus on the Japanese consumers’ behaviour and the opportunities in Convenience and Drugstores in Japan, give insights on the Smart Farming, Biogas and Olive Oil markets and much more.

Japanese Consumers' Behavior (by age and gender)Japanese Convenience Stores and Drugstores: Opportunities for European Snack and Beverage Products under CoronaSmart Farming Technology in Japan and Opportunities for EU CompaniesThe Market for Biogas Plants in Japan and Opportunities for EU Companies


More reports available on the website...

Upcoming Webinars “About Japan”

Webinar 167: Olive Oil Market in Japan
23 March 2021, 10:30 - 11:30 AM CET
The webinar is targeted to EU small- and mid-sized olive oil producers, bottling companies and exporters seeking to enter the Japanese olive oil market, or further strengthen current positions in Japan.

Webinar 168: EU-Japan.AI project (H2020)
25 March 2021, 10:30 - 11:30 AM CET
The webinar is targeted to enterprises, universities, solution providers, experts and professionals dealing with AI for manufacturing from EU and Japan seeking to engage in an open and informed dialogue about ...

Next EPA Webinars

These webinars are a part of the EU-Japan EPA Helpdesk. Each webinar will address a different topic or sector and will look at the changes the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will make and the opportunities it will create.

EPA Helpdesk Webinar 32: Processed Agricultural Products
16 March 21 - 10:30 - 11:30 AM CET
The EPA offers important market access opportunities for EU PAPs exporters to Japan. Duties have been eliminated at the entry into force of the Agreement for some important products, while for other PAPs, duties will be eliminated over periods between ...

Latest Reports Released "About Japan"

New reports have been published by the Centre. They focus on the Japanese consumers’ behaviour and the opportunities in Convenience and Drugstores in Japan, give insights on the Smart Farming, Biogas and Olive Oil markets and much more.

Japanese Consumers' Behavior (by age and gender)Japanese Convenience Stores and Drugstores: Opportunities for European Snack and Beverage Products under CoronaSmart Farming Technology in Japan and Opportunities for EU CompaniesThe Market for Biogas Plants in Japan and Opportunities for EU Companies


More reports available on the website...

From EU

The European External Action Service turns 10

A decade of EU diplomacy

The launch of the EEAS on 1 January 2011 was a major step in the European integration process and in developing a common foreign policy.
In the decade that has followed, the EEAS – with all Delegations, missions and operations – has become an appreciated and acclaimed partner to all our interlocutors around the globe. We are the face of the EU in the world, working towards peace and security in a true team spirit. The past years have seen major and unprecedented shifts in international politics and the EEAS more than ever needs to prove its added val...

The EU and Japan trade deal celebrates second anniversary by further strengthening ties

The 1st of February marks the second anniversary of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Joint Committee established under the Agreement, co-chaired by Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi, celebrates this anniversary by agreeing important improvements to the Agreement. Each side will see 28 additional Geographical Indications (GIs) protected and wine and vehicle trade between the two sides will become even easier than before.

The list of protected Geographical Indications (GIs) from EU countries ...

EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): Business Survey Year 2 (Feb 2020 - Jan 2021)

The purpose of this Survey is for the EU to collect feedback on the impact of the EPA on EU businesses as well as to gather information on existing market access challenges that EU companies face when entering the Japanese market. The EU will use the results of this survey to improve the business climate for EU companies operating in Japan.

The survey can be found at this link. SURVEY DEADLINE: 30 April 2021

On twitter: EN tweet and JP tweet
FB post in both EN and JP
Delegation’s website: EN EPA page and JP EPA page

The European External Action Service turns 10

A decade of EU diplomacy

The launch of the EEAS on 1 January 2011 was a major step in the European integration process and in developing a common foreign policy.
In the decade that has followed, the EEAS – with all Delegations, missions and operations – has become an appreciated and acclaimed partner to all our interlocutors around the globe. We are the face of the EU in the world, working towards peace and security in a true team spirit. The past years have seen major and unprecedented shifts in international politics and the EEAS more than ever needs to prove its added val...

The EU and Japan trade deal celebrates second anniversary by further strengthening ties

The 1st of February marks the second anniversary of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Joint Committee established under the Agreement, co-chaired by Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi, celebrates this anniversary by agreeing important improvements to the Agreement. Each side will see 28 additional Geographical Indications (GIs) protected and wine and vehicle trade between the two sides will become even easier than before.

The list of protected Geographical Indications (GIs) from EU countries ...

EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): Business Survey Year 2 (Feb 2020 - Jan 2021)

The purpose of this Survey is for the EU to collect feedback on the impact of the EPA on EU businesses as well as to gather information on existing market access challenges that EU companies face when entering the Japanese market. The EU will use the results of this survey to improve the business climate for EU companies operating in Japan.

The survey can be found at this link. SURVEY DEADLINE: 30 April 2021

On twitter: EN tweet and JP tweet
FB post in both EN and JP
Delegation’s website: EN EPA page and JP EPA page

EU-Japan: Annual Joint Committee meeting reviews growing strategic partnership

Senior officials from the EU and Japan convened the third meeting of the EU-Japan Committee on 26 February 2021, which coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Agreement. The meeting was held online. The EU and Japan reviewed the implementation of the agreement and identified the next steps for further strengthening their relationship. The meeting has helped to prepare the ground for a future bilateral summit meeting in Tokyo when conditions allow.
The Joint Committee meeting demonstrated the breadth of the Strategic Partnership, which has already significantly deepe...

Climate change, global response to COVID-19 discussed at 7th EU-Japan Development Dialogue

The seventh European Union (EU) – Japan Development Dialogue was held online on 5 February 2021, hosted by Japan.
The dialogue covered a wide range of global and regional issues, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, biodiversity loss, connectivity, and international cooperation in Africa and ASEAN. The participants also identified other areas for possible future cooperation.
The main participants from European Commission were the Directors-General Koen Doens (International Partnerships) and Raffaele Mauro Petriccione (Climate Action), while the Direct...

New Organic food legislation in the EU

New organic legislation is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2022, further to the Commission’s proposal to postpone its implementation for a year. The rules will reflect the changing nature of this rapidly growing sector. The new regulation is designed to ensure fair competition for farmers whilst preventing fraud and maintaining consumer trust through the following:

production rules will be simplified through the phasing out of a number of exceptions and opt outs;the control system will be strengthened thanks to tighter precautionary measures and robust checks along the entire s...

EU-Japan: Annual Joint Committee meeting reviews growing strategic partnership

Senior officials from the EU and Japan convened the third meeting of the EU-Japan Committee on 26 February 2021, which coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Agreement. The meeting was held online. The EU and Japan reviewed the implementation of the agreement and identified the next steps for further strengthening their relationship. The meeting has helped to prepare the ground for a future bilateral summit meeting in Tokyo when conditions allow.
The Joint Committee meeting demonstrated the breadth of the Strategic Partnership, which has already significantly deepe...

Climate change, global response to COVID-19 discussed at 7th EU-Japan Development Dialogue

The seventh European Union (EU) – Japan Development Dialogue was held online on 5 February 2021, hosted by Japan.
The dialogue covered a wide range of global and regional issues, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, biodiversity loss, connectivity, and international cooperation in Africa and ASEAN. The participants also identified other areas for possible future cooperation.
The main participants from European Commission were the Directors-General Koen Doens (International Partnerships) and Raffaele Mauro Petriccione (Climate Action), while the Direct...

New Organic food legislation in the EU

New organic legislation is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2022, further to the Commission’s proposal to postpone its implementation for a year. The rules will reflect the changing nature of this rapidly growing sector. The new regulation is designed to ensure fair competition for farmers whilst preventing fraud and maintaining consumer trust through the following:

production rules will be simplified through the phasing out of a number of exceptions and opt outs;the control system will be strengthened thanks to tighter precautionary measures and robust checks along the entire s...

European Research & Innovation Days

23
Jun
2021
24
Jun
2021
Online

European Research and Innovation Days is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.
The event will take place online on 23 and 24 June 2021, allowing everyone to get involved from anywhere.
This year marks the start of Horizon Europe, our most ambitious EU research and innovation programme ever and will be a decisive moment to strengthen our European Research Area. Cooperation in research and innovat...

European Research & Innovation Days

23
Jun
2021
24
Jun
2021
Online

European Research and Innovation Days is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.
The event will take place online on 23 and 24 June 2021, allowing everyone to get involved from anywhere.
This year marks the start of Horizon Europe, our most ambitious EU research and innovation programme ever and will be a decisive moment to strengthen our European Research Area. Cooperation in research and innovat...

More doors opened up in Japan with EU Gateway | Business Avenues

Japan and the EU are long-standing economic partners. To mirror this bond, the EU Gateway | Business Avenues programme has targeted Japan for nearly 30 years. Since the launch in 1990, approximately 100 missions supported more than 3400 European companies to develop new business in Japan.
Between 2017 and 2020, the Programme rolled out a new batch of market scoping missions to the Land of the Rising Sun. 407 companies from 25 of the EU Member States joined one or more of the 11 EU-funded market scoping missions organised in key sectors.
Once again, the Programme supported particip...

PIMAP+, the European Strategic Cluster Partnership dedicated to SMEs internationalisation in Japan has been launched

Gathering six European clusters, ALPHA-RLH (coordinator, France), Produtech (Portugal), AFIL (Italy), Moravian Aerospace Cluster (Czech Republic), Triple Steelix (Sweden) and Business Joensuu (Finland), the European project PIMAP+ aims to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation in the fields of photonics, advanced manufacturing, metalworking and aerospace industry.
The project focus on accelerating access to international markets for European SMEs in four markets: the US, Canada, China and Japan.
The six clusters have had solid relations with Japanese counterparts for years and int...

New ECCP website

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform launched its new website. ECCP mission is to be the European online hub for cluster stakeholders (cluster organisations, policymakers and other related stakeholders from the cluster ecosystem) and the reference one-stop-shop for stakeholders in third countries aiming to set up partnerships with European counterparts.

More doors opened up in Japan with EU Gateway | Business Avenues

Japan and the EU are long-standing economic partners. To mirror this bond, the EU Gateway | Business Avenues programme has targeted Japan for nearly 30 years. Since the launch in 1990, approximately 100 missions supported more than 3400 European companies to develop new business in Japan.
Between 2017 and 2020, the Programme rolled out a new batch of market scoping missions to the Land of the Rising Sun. 407 companies from 25 of the EU Member States joined one or more of the 11 EU-funded market scoping missions organised in key sectors.
Once again, the Programme supported particip...

PIMAP+, the European Strategic Cluster Partnership dedicated to SMEs internationalisation in Japan has been launched

Gathering six European clusters, ALPHA-RLH (coordinator, France), Produtech (Portugal), AFIL (Italy), Moravian Aerospace Cluster (Czech Republic), Triple Steelix (Sweden) and Business Joensuu (Finland), the European project PIMAP+ aims to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation in the fields of photonics, advanced manufacturing, metalworking and aerospace industry.
The project focus on accelerating access to international markets for European SMEs in four markets: the US, Canada, China and Japan.
The six clusters have had solid relations with Japanese counterparts for years and int...

New ECCP website

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform launched its new website. ECCP mission is to be the European online hub for cluster stakeholders (cluster organisations, policymakers and other related stakeholders from the cluster ecosystem) and the reference one-stop-shop for stakeholders in third countries aiming to set up partnerships with European counterparts.

European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and Japan's Financial Services Agency seek to cooperate in the area of insurance regulation and supervision

On February 26, 2021, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) exchanged letters with the Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) on co-operation in the area of insurance regulation and supervision. The exchange of letters aims to promote mutual understanding, exchange of information and technical assistance between the two authorities. The FSA and EIOPA will continue to engage in a dialogue to seek to identify areas for cooperation and share information on regulatory developments of mutual interest, including the development of international standards.
More i...

European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and Japan's Financial Services Agency seek to cooperate in the area of insurance regulation and supervision

On February 26, 2021, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) exchanged letters with the Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) on co-operation in the area of insurance regulation and supervision. The exchange of letters aims to promote mutual understanding, exchange of information and technical assistance between the two authorities. The FSA and EIOPA will continue to engage in a dialogue to seek to identify areas for cooperation and share information on regulatory developments of mutual interest, including the development of international standards.
More i...

From Japan

Japan-EU Development Cooperation Factsheet

On the occasion of the seventh Japan-EU High-level Policy Dialogue on Development Cooperation, a factsheet was released. This factsheet illustrates Japan-EU synergies and complementarity between their respective cooperation on sustainable connectivity and quality infrastructure.

Source: Mission of Japan to the European Union
 

Summary of the Second Meeting of the Japan-EU EPA Joint Committee

The second meeting of the Japan-EU EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) Joint Committee was held by video conference on 1 February 2021 co-chaired by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi from Japan side and Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for an Economy that Works for People and European Commissioner for Trade from the EU side.
The decisions made and discussion between the two Parties focused on the following areas and points of interests:
 Adoption of Amendments of ANNEXES 14-A and 14-B (addition of 28 new names to be protected as GI...

Japan-EU Development Cooperation Factsheet

On the occasion of the seventh Japan-EU High-level Policy Dialogue on Development Cooperation, a factsheet was released. This factsheet illustrates Japan-EU synergies and complementarity between their respective cooperation on sustainable connectivity and quality infrastructure.

Source: Mission of Japan to the European Union
 

Summary of the Second Meeting of the Japan-EU EPA Joint Committee

The second meeting of the Japan-EU EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) Joint Committee was held by video conference on 1 February 2021 co-chaired by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi from Japan side and Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for an Economy that Works for People and European Commissioner for Trade from the EU side.
The decisions made and discussion between the two Parties focused on the following areas and points of interests:
 Adoption of Amendments of ANNEXES 14-A and 14-B (addition of 28 new names to be protected as GI...

Japanese products on 6 virtual marketplaces

JETRO unveils its Japan Pavilion on VitualExpo marketplaces
JETRO has concluded a partnership with VirtualExpo
In order to support the development of sales channels for Japanese products in Europe and around the world, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has opened a Japan Pavilion on VirtualExpo marketplaces.
VirtualExpo, whose headquarter is located in Marseilles (France), is Europe’s largest BtoB online platform, with approximately 9.5 million visitors per month accessing outstanding products from around the world.
Thanks to the support of JETRO, 76 Japanese c...

BioJapan offered new hybrid style partnering event and welcomed over 1,300 representatives

Even the uncertainties of the COVID-19, BioJapan introduced new hybrid style partnering event on 14-16 October 2020 and closed successfully. The event welcomed about 800 companies, over 1,350 representatives from 23 countries and 9,000+ virtual and face to face meetings took places.
Along with this new partnering opportunities, they introduced new exhibition, healthTECH JAPAN to expand the possibilities to meet wider range of key decision makers including Digital Health, Digital Medicines, Digital Therapeutics (DTx), Digital Bio and other health care industry players.
This year's ...

Japanese products on 6 virtual marketplaces

JETRO unveils its Japan Pavilion on VitualExpo marketplaces
JETRO has concluded a partnership with VirtualExpo
In order to support the development of sales channels for Japanese products in Europe and around the world, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has opened a Japan Pavilion on VirtualExpo marketplaces.
VirtualExpo, whose headquarter is located in Marseilles (France), is Europe’s largest BtoB online platform, with approximately 9.5 million visitors per month accessing outstanding products from around the world.
Thanks to the support of JETRO, 76 Japanese c...

BioJapan offered new hybrid style partnering event and welcomed over 1,300 representatives

Even the uncertainties of the COVID-19, BioJapan introduced new hybrid style partnering event on 14-16 October 2020 and closed successfully. The event welcomed about 800 companies, over 1,350 representatives from 23 countries and 9,000+ virtual and face to face meetings took places.
Along with this new partnering opportunities, they introduced new exhibition, healthTECH JAPAN to expand the possibilities to meet wider range of key decision makers including Digital Health, Digital Medicines, Digital Therapeutics (DTx), Digital Bio and other health care industry players.
This year's ...

Full renewal of "Invest Japan" website

Strengthening information dissemination to support investment by foreign companies in Japan during Covid-19 crisis
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) fully renewed its "Invest Japan" website 28 January 2021, with the aim of strengthening its ability to provide and disseminate information amid the limitations, due to the pandemic, on support activities for foreign and foreign-affiliated companies considering expanding into Japan.

Source: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

Full renewal of "Invest Japan" website

Strengthening information dissemination to support investment by foreign companies in Japan during Covid-19 crisis
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) fully renewed its "Invest Japan" website 28 January 2021, with the aim of strengthening its ability to provide and disseminate information amid the limitations, due to the pandemic, on support activities for foreign and foreign-affiliated companies considering expanding into Japan.

Source: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

EU-Japan News

EU-Japan AI for manufacturing H2020 funded project – Webinar presentation

25
Mar
2021
Online
The main aim of the EU-Japan.AI project is to establish and stimulate a long-term cooperation between EU and Japan in areas relevant for AI-driven innovation in manufacturing and digital industry, by implementing a platform-based approach to connect all relevant stakeholders.

EU-Japan AI for manufacturing H2020 funded project – Webinar presentation

25
Mar
2021
Online
The main aim of the EU-Japan.AI project is to establish and stimulate a long-term cooperation between EU and Japan in areas relevant for AI-driven innovation in manufacturing and digital industry, by implementing a platform-based approach to connect all relevant stakeholders.

Over 450 Japanese participants registered for Dutch Digital Economy Mission

The Netherlands organised a virtual economic mission on Digital Economy to Japan from 3-5 February with the support of partners such as Keidanren and JETRO.
Enterprise Europe Network partners – the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) - worked together to provide support for companies and organisations participating through the virtual b2match platform. A total of 455 Japanese and 80 Dutch participants tuned into webinars by industry experts and pitches from Dutch mission companies about various topics related to smart agriculture, services, ...

Enabling New Opportunities for the Global Inspection & Maintenance Robotics Industry [Asia-Pacific edition]

The webinar organised by SPRINT Robotics aimed at providing insights to industry professionals to engage with the existing Inspection & Maintenance Robotics ecosystem and explore how to collaboratively develop this community by highlighting use cases from Japan and overseas.

TechBIZKON IV- held as a hybrid Event

On 2 December 2020, TechBIZKON IV, a startup/investor pitching and conference event jointly organised by Advantage Austria Tokyo, Business Finland and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) took place at Venture Café Tokyo and via livestream under the title: “Connected Industries - Time to Scale up”.
The event consisted of high-level panel discussions and a startup pitching with voting competition featuring twelve startups three each from Austria, Finland, Germany and Japan. Some of the speakers where in Tokyo while others attended via live video conferencing...

Over 450 Japanese participants registered for Dutch Digital Economy Mission

The Netherlands organised a virtual economic mission on Digital Economy to Japan from 3-5 February with the support of partners such as Keidanren and JETRO.
Enterprise Europe Network partners – the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) - worked together to provide support for companies and organisations participating through the virtual b2match platform. A total of 455 Japanese and 80 Dutch participants tuned into webinars by industry experts and pitches from Dutch mission companies about various topics related to smart agriculture, services, ...

Enabling New Opportunities for the Global Inspection & Maintenance Robotics Industry [Asia-Pacific edition]

The webinar organised by SPRINT Robotics aimed at providing insights to industry professionals to engage with the existing Inspection & Maintenance Robotics ecosystem and explore how to collaboratively develop this community by highlighting use cases from Japan and overseas.

TechBIZKON IV- held as a hybrid Event

On 2 December 2020, TechBIZKON IV, a startup/investor pitching and conference event jointly organised by Advantage Austria Tokyo, Business Finland and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) took place at Venture Café Tokyo and via livestream under the title: “Connected Industries - Time to Scale up”.
The event consisted of high-level panel discussions and a startup pitching with voting competition featuring twelve startups three each from Austria, Finland, Germany and Japan. Some of the speakers where in Tokyo while others attended via live video conferencing...

Digital Business Meetings: automotive French booster Japan - South Korea

Thanks to a partnership with Business France, seven NextMove members were able to participate in a digital mission to Japan and South Korea at the end of 2020 and therefore meet at a distance with major players in the automotive industry in these two markets.

Call for Applications: 2022 FFJ Fellowships

The Fondation France-Japon de l’EHESS is presently calling for applications for three thematic fellowships by its partners (Air Liquide, Banque de France, Michelin Foundation).

Digital Business Meetings: automotive French booster Japan - South Korea

Thanks to a partnership with Business France, seven NextMove members were able to participate in a digital mission to Japan and South Korea at the end of 2020 and therefore meet at a distance with major players in the automotive industry in these two markets.

Call for Applications: 2022 FFJ Fellowships

The Fondation France-Japon de l’EHESS is presently calling for applications for three thematic fellowships by its partners (Air Liquide, Banque de France, Michelin Foundation).

Innovative Piedmontese life sciences companies showcase themselves to Japan

bioPmed, the Innovation Cluster on Life Sciences and Healthcare of the Piedmont Region, managed by Bioindustry Park Silvano Fumero has prepared a catalogue of the most innovative products and services developed within the Cluster.
These are, for the most part, solutions from small or medium-sized companies, young, highly specialised and representing some of our best examples of high technology applied to Health.
These innovative companies and organisations are interested in scientific and industrial collaborations and partnerships with global players, and Japan is one of the count...

M-Sec EU and Japanese citizens and stakeholders’ consultation

M-Sec has just launched its e-consultation survey to the IoT community. Help the project by filling in the survey and provide them your feedback.

Innovative Piedmontese life sciences companies showcase themselves to Japan

bioPmed, the Innovation Cluster on Life Sciences and Healthcare of the Piedmont Region, managed by Bioindustry Park Silvano Fumero has prepared a catalogue of the most innovative products and services developed within the Cluster.
These are, for the most part, solutions from small or medium-sized companies, young, highly specialised and representing some of our best examples of high technology applied to Health.
These innovative companies and organisations are interested in scientific and industrial collaborations and partnerships with global players, and Japan is one of the count...

M-Sec EU and Japanese citizens and stakeholders’ consultation

M-Sec has just launched its e-consultation survey to the IoT community. Help the project by filling in the survey and provide them your feedback.

Moda Italia & Shoes from Italy and Italian Pavilion at Foodex Japan 2021

The Trade Promotion Section of the Embassy of Italy has organised the participation of almost 300 Italian companies to two food and fashion important events.

Novesta is now the most popular Slovak product in Japan

The company Novesta a.s. itself is a successor of a long tradition of a shoe production dating back to 1939. During several decades, the factory produced footwear for military or work, such as rubber boots and running shoes. The company also supplied products and semi-products for major brands as an OEM supplier.
Novesta's story in Japan started in September 2013 when Yusuke Koishi from the company Kleinstein (a Japanese design consulting company), which is now in charge of Novesta's in-Japan distribution and creative strategy, addressed Novesta team. At that time, Koishi was a staff ...

Italian graduates and young entrepreneurs are the protagonists of JIYO project

JIYO (Japan Italy Youth Opportunities), developed by the Business Development & Innovation Section of Mondo Internazionale Hub, aims at fostering the relationships between young Italian graduates and entrepreneurs and their Japanese counterparts involving Universities, Institutions and companies in both countries.

Moda Italia & Shoes from Italy and Italian Pavilion at Foodex Japan 2021

The Trade Promotion Section of the Embassy of Italy has organised the participation of almost 300 Italian companies to two food and fashion important events.

Novesta is now the most popular Slovak product in Japan

The company Novesta a.s. itself is a successor of a long tradition of a shoe production dating back to 1939. During several decades, the factory produced footwear for military or work, such as rubber boots and running shoes. The company also supplied products and semi-products for major brands as an OEM supplier.
Novesta's story in Japan started in September 2013 when Yusuke Koishi from the company Kleinstein (a Japanese design consulting company), which is now in charge of Novesta's in-Japan distribution and creative strategy, addressed Novesta team. At that time, Koishi was a staff ...

Italian graduates and young entrepreneurs are the protagonists of JIYO project

JIYO (Japan Italy Youth Opportunities), developed by the Business Development & Innovation Section of Mondo Internazionale Hub, aims at fostering the relationships between young Italian graduates and entrepreneurs and their Japanese counterparts involving Universities, Institutions and companies in both countries.

The Network News

Technology & Business Cooperation Days 2021

12
Apr
2021
16
Apr
2021
Online

NBank (Enterprise Europe Nework partner) is organising a virtual edition of the annual Technology & Business Cooperation Days B2B event.
The event will provide participants opportunities and competitive advantages through R&D and technological as well as business co-operations.
This year focus: Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory solutions; resource and energy efficient manufacturing technologies; Sustainable Energy & Mobility; Measurement Tools
Registration deadline: 4 April 2021

Technology & Business Cooperation Days 2021

12
Apr
2021
16
Apr
2021
Online

NBank (Enterprise Europe Nework partner) is organising a virtual edition of the annual Technology & Business Cooperation Days B2B event.
The event will provide participants opportunities and competitive advantages through R&D and technological as well as business co-operations.
This year focus: Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory solutions; resource and energy efficient manufacturing technologies; Sustainable Energy & Mobility; Measurement Tools
Registration deadline: 4 April 2021

The Network offers & requests

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Nanotechnology

Japanese company specialised in high precision photolithography is looking for partners in the EU.
 

BOJP20210115001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Industrial equipment

A Japanese manufacturer is offering its high resistant pipe fittings.
 


BOJP20201201001

LICENSING AND MANUFACTURING OFFER: Construction

Japanese plastic drainage parts manufacturer for kitchen sinks and bathrooms is seeking licensees and commission manufacturers in the EU.

BOJP20200221002

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Clothing

A Japanese manufacturer of wearable protective equipment is looking to bring their packable boots to the EU.

BOJP20191129001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Fashion

A Japanese manufacturer of modern silk made fashion products proud of its traditional craftsmanship seeks partners in Italy, France, and Germany.

BOJP20200123001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS - Sector: Toys

Japanese producer of wooden toys for babies and children is looking for distribution partners.

BOJP20200221003

REQUEST FOR TECHNOLOGY: Industrial equipment, food

Japanese company looking for food-loss prevention technologies, and to co-develop a bottle cap with measuring capabilities.

TRJP20210204001

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFERED: Medical device

Japanese patented technology for fundamental mechanism of peristaltic pumps.

TOJP20200210001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Nanotechnology

Japanese company specialised in high precision photolithography is looking for partners in the EU.
 

BOJP20210115001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Industrial equipment

A Japanese manufacturer is offering its high resistant pipe fittings.
 


BOJP20201201001

LICENSING AND MANUFACTURING OFFER: Construction

Japanese plastic drainage parts manufacturer for kitchen sinks and bathrooms is seeking licensees and commission manufacturers in the EU.

BOJP20200221002

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: Clothing

A Japanese manufacturer of wearable protective equipment is looking to bring their packable boots to the EU.

BOJP20191129001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT: Fashion

A Japanese manufacturer of modern silk made fashion products proud of its traditional craftsmanship seeks partners in Italy, France, and Germany.

BOJP20200123001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS - Sector: Toys

Japanese producer of wooden toys for babies and children is looking for distribution partners.

BOJP20200221003

REQUEST FOR TECHNOLOGY: Industrial equipment, food

Japanese company looking for food-loss prevention technologies, and to co-develop a bottle cap with measuring capabilities.

TRJP20210204001

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFERED: Medical device

Japanese patented technology for fundamental mechanism of peristaltic pumps.

TOJP20200210001

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
23
Mar
2021
Online
WEBINAR ABOUT JAPAN
Webinar 167: Olive Oil Market in Japan
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
25
Mar
2021
Online
WEBINAR ABOUT JAPAN
About Japan webinar 168: EU-Japan.AI project (H2020)
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Mar
2021
Online
WEBINAR (IT)
WEBINAR (IT): The furniture sector: synergies between Italy and Japan
Mondo Internazionale
Url
30
Mar
2021
Online
EPA WEBINAR
EPA Helpdesk Webinar 33: Tariff Rate Quotas
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
13
Apr
2021
Online
EPA WEBINAR
EPA Helpdesk Webinar 34: Fruits and Vegetables

 EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
26
Apr
2021
Online
SYMPOSIUM
DJW Symposium 2021 Online: “Yesterday’s future, tomorrow’s trends – perspectives for the Japanese-German economic relations” part I

 DJW
Url
27
Apr
2021
Online
EPA WEBINAR
EPA Helpdesk Webinar 35: Textiles

 EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
11
May
2021
Online
EPA WEBINAR
EPA Helpdesk Webinar 36: Leather and Footwear Products

 EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url

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.

Any EU-Japan-related news?

Feel free to contact us if you would like your EU-Japan-related news/event to be announced in our forthcoming newsletter : newsletter@eu-japan.eu

Head office in Japan

  • Shirokane-Takanawa Station bldg 4F
    1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku
    Tokyo 108-0072, Japan
  • T +81 3 6408 0281
  • F +81 3 6408 0283

Office in the EU

  • Rue Marie de Bourgogne 52
    B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
  • T +32 2 282 00 40
  • F +32 2 282 00 45
  • office@eu-japan.eu

https://www.eu-japan.eu/

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the METI or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor METI, nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.