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Vulcanus in Europe – host a Japanese intern and broaden your horizons in research and development!

The EU-Japan Centre is excited to announce the opening of the recruitment campaign for the next 'Vulcanus in Europe' session, which will take place in 2026. 

Next year, the Vulcanus programme will bring to Europe 15 graduate and postgraduate students in science, technology, or engineering from all across Japan. With its world-renowned engineering and high-tech industries, Japan has some of the best universities in this field. Thanks to Vulcanus, some of the brightest students from these universities will collaborate in person with your research and development team. 

Don't miss the chance to host a Vulcanus intern. You will benefit from a different culture and see problems from a new perspective. This is your chance to start building a solid bridge to the Japanese working culture and business market! 

It is your company that will choose the student: the EU-Japan Centre will help you throughout the process by providing a shortlist of candidates, suitable for your offer. The shortlist will be based on the students' academic scores, personal background, and the recommendations of their mentors. Furthermore, before the traineeship, students will undergo an intensive language course in your company's working language to facilitate immediate integration with your team.

Don't miss this chance! Visit our website at the link below or email us at vulcanus@eu-japan.eu

The traineeship will last for 6 months, from mid-September 2026 to mid-March 2027. The application deadline is: 20 September 2025 (for new companies) and 30 September (for former host companies).

We have also released in this issue two interviews with recent participants to our Vulcanus in Europe programme and its equivalent for EU students - the Vulcanus in Japan programme.

Table of Content

Centre's News

From EU-Japan authorities

From business community

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

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“Invest in EU Hub” webinar – Driving Japanese investment opportunities In the EU’s automotive and other sectors

From NZIA to the EU’s Automotive Action Plan, the ‘Invest in EU Hub’ promotes investment opportunities linked to EU policies, programmes, and initiatives.

EJRC Webinar - Discover the Start-up Environment in Fukuoka City, Japan 20 June 2025

Explore how Fukuoka City supports international start-ups and business expansion.

EU-Japan Business Cooperation in African Infrastructure Development

The EU-Japan Centre promoted EU-Japan business cooperation in Africa and presented existing joint projects in the infrastructure sector.

Minerva Policy Reports: Dual-Use and Advanced AI Systems in Japan

The EU-Japan Centre has recently published two reports under the Minerva Policy Report project. The topics are on Dual-Use and Advanced AI Systems.

10th edition of the "Get Ready for Japan" Programme

The new edition of the "Get Ready for Japan" Programme is approaching, applications are now open!

Apply now for the second edition of our Smart Factory and Robotics Business mission!

Applications open: visit Japanese companies that are pioneers in robotic solutions, connect with potential Japanese partners and clients, showcase your innovative products and technologies, and gain valuable insights into the Japanese market.

Market access workshops on the rise

The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to report the successful conclusion of four more online workshops since our December issue. This year, due to the many Member States’ delegations, both at a national and regional level, planned to benefit from the World Expo 2025 held in Osaka, the demand for the Centre’s Market Access Workshops is high.

First defence business mission to Japan starting new alliances for EU SMEs

The EU-Japan Centre organized its first business mission in the Defence business sector in Japan with 12 EU SMEs showing their wares at DSEI Japan 2025.

Green Business Mission to Japan completed

Earlier this year, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation welcomed 10 innovative European startups and SMEs to Tokyo during our Green Business Mission.

Vulcanus in Europe alumnus and host company interview

The EU-Japan Centre is excited to share an interview with Koki Ito, a student at Tohoku University, who recently completed an internship at Astellas Pharma Ireland as part of the Vulcanus in Europe programme, session 2024/25, and with his supervisor, Martin Mulready.

Vulcanus in Europe 2024 session

On 24 March 2025, the Centre hosted a debriefing session for the Japanese science and engineering students who participated in the Vulcanus in Europe 2024 programme.

Interviews with Vulcanus in Japan alumnus and his host company, NTT Corporation

Interviews with Carlos André Rodrigues Cunha, a 2022/23 alumnus of the Vulcanus in Japan programme, originally from Portugal, and his supervisor at NTT Basic Research Laboratories, Dr. Makoto Kawano.

Vulcanus in Japan 2024/25 Completion Ceremony and Alumni Get Together

On 14 March, the Vulcanus in Japan 2024/25 Completion Ceremony and Alumni Get Together events were held at Europe House in Tokyo.

EU Business in Japan webinars – 250 milestone

The EU-Japan Centre has recently hosted its 250th “About Japan” webinar!

Case study - Cynteract

Cynteract is a Germany-based startup born from a personal encounter with the challenges of rehabilitation. Learn about their business journey with Japan.

Success story – Cilcare

Cilcare is a French biotech SME that focuses on the early detection and treatment of hearing disorders. Learn about its journey to the Japanese market.

From EU-Japan authorities

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EU and Japan reaffirm close cooperation on trade and economic security

The EU and Japan reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening their cooperation on trade and economic security at their 6th High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) on 8 May 2025.

EU and Japan reinforce tech and digital partnership

On 12 May 2025, The EU and Japan held their third Digital Partnership Council in Tokyo to reinforce tech and digital cooperation between the EU and Japan.

8th EU-Japan Digital Policy Dialogue: Advancing the Digital Partnership

On 1 April 2025, the EU and Japan held their 8th Digital Policy Dialogue in Brussels to enhance cooperation in key digital areas.

2nd EU-Japan Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya held the second EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue on 4 April in Brussels.

EU and Japan partnership remains strong as World Expo 2025 opens in Osaka

As the world converges in Osaka for the 2025 World Expo, the EU presents, a cultural programme encompassing a wide range of artistic categories and forms, including both classic and contemporary expression, tradition and technology. 

From business community

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World Expo 2025 in Osaka SPECIAL

The World Expo is held in Osaka until 13 October 2025, with the participation of about 160 countries and 9 international organizations. The organizers expect to welcome over 28 million visitors, with 80% of them from Japan and the East Asian region. Read an overview of the 24 participating EU Member States’ pavilions, plus the ones from the European Union and Japan.

ICCJ: Building Italian-Japanese Bridges at Expo 2025

Connecting Italian excellence with Japanese audiences through comprehensive support at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Vitagora at the Expo 2025 Osaka

French and Japanese converge under the theme of sustainable food systems.

Co-Creating the Future: Luxembourg and Japan at Expo 2025 Osaka

Through co-creating and collaborating across borders, the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka showcases a shared spirit of innovation, blending culture, science, and design through dynamic partnerships between Luxembourg and Japan.

Futurotextiles exhibition in Osaka

During World Expo Osaka 2025, the French cultural organization lille3000 is holding an exhibition around innovative textiles and fashion with Yanmar in Nagai from 12 April until 31 July 2025.

Meet Italy in Japan

June and July will be a busy period for the Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in Japan, supporting various Italian delegations attending five local trade fairs covering lifestyle, healthcare, fashion, and food sectors.

Global One-Stop Center Supporting Finance Market Entry in Osaka

The Osaka Global Finance One-Stop Support Center is an initiative by Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City, the Financial Services Agency, and 40 public-private partners, for overseas financial institutions seeking to establish operations in Osaka.

IVS2025: Japan's Premier Global Startup Conference in Kyoto

IVS2025, one of Japan’s largest startup conferences, will take place on 2-4 July at the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall (Miyako Messe).

EU–Japan Workshop on AI’s Impact on Work and Competitiveness

Workshop: AI’s Impact on the Workplace and Employment and as a Driver for Growth and Competitiveness.

Japan-EU Collaboration to Advance Hydrogen Combustion Technologies

Based on the collaboration arrangement concluded on 3 June 2024 during the Japan-EU Hydrogen High-Level Business Forum, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (CHP) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) hosted a joint workshop focusing on hydrogen and ammonia combustion technologies.

News from the FINESTJAPAN project

FINESTJAPAN project presents Finnish and Estonian Green technology SMEs to Japan.

A Successful Collaboration between Japan and the Netherlands

Innovation and Inspiration tour, a successful exploration for partnership innovation in semicon between Japan and the Netherlands.

JDZB’s German-Japanese Young Leaders Forum

Japanese-German Center Berlin held its German-Japanese Young Leaders Forum 2024/25 in Tokyo on “Resilient Democracy”.

The Centre Franco-Japonais de Management is dedicated to future executives

The CFJM has trained over 500 students during the past 33 years.

European Japan Experts Association Conference 2025

“How to Inspire Young People in Japan and Europe (a) to Address Science-based Solutions for Multiple Local and Global Challenges & (b) to Design Future Societies for Living in Harmony?!”

Scaling to Japan: A Practical Guide for European Innovation and Growth

The EIT Global Outreach's latest report meets the growing demand for practical tools and strategic insights to help European innovators navigate Japan’s unique ecosystem and accelerate global growth.

Canon Foundation research Fellowships

Annually, the Canon Foundation in Europe grants up to 15 Fellowships to highly qualified European and Japanese researchers.

NanoCarbon Annual Conference 2025 Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Strong International Participation

The NanoCarbon Annual Conference 2025 marked a major milestone as it celebrated its 10th edition with guests from Japan.

Testbed Helsinki: A smart city pilot project for climate tech

A case of an international startup pilot, born out of a city collaboration between Tokyo and Helsinki.

City of Lappeenranta goes to Japan

Strengthening regional RDI collaboration as part of international engagement.

Waseda Brussels Office conferences boost EU-Japan cooperation

Boosting EU-Japan cooperation in critical research areas.

Kyushu University EU Centre: JMCoE-Q3 Kick-off Seminar “e-Governance and e-Democracy in the European Union”

On 24 April 2025, the Jean Monnet CoE Kyushu, Third Stage (JMCoE-Q3) Kick-off Seminar titled “e-Governance and e-Democracy in the EU” was conducted by the Kyushu University EU Centre and supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan and the Fukuoka EU Association.

The Network News

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Farmaforum 2024 Brokerage Event

Over a decade, Farmaforum has consolidated its position as the most relevant event of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Spain.

International Forum on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy

Confindustria Piemonte is co-organising the 15th edition of IFIB - International Forum on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy, aimed at strengthening the bioeconomy network in the Euro-Mediterranean area and promoting partnerships.

SCCON 2025 International Matchmaking

As part of the Smart Country Convention, Germany's leading event for the digitalization of the public sector, the local EEN partners are organizing various events. Participants can expect different sessions and a diverse mix of delegations, pitches, and matchmaking.

The Network offers & requests

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SERVICES OFFERED: environmental

Japanese company with cloud-based software platform for the analysis of water leakage risk assessment through satellite data is looking for EU partners

BOJP20240404016

SERVICES OFFERED: life science, pharma

Japan based IT venture is offering regulatory compliance support to life sciences and pharma industries.

BOJP20250318002

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFERED: healthcare

Copper oxide coating technology from Japan against nosocomial infections.

TOJP20250303003

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR: nanotech, testing

A Japanese company offers a nano-indentation tester under a commercial agreement.

BOJP20250520003

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
20
Jun
2025
Online
Discover the Start-up Environment in Fukuoka City, Japan
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
26
Jun
2025
Online
Invest in EU Hub - Opportunities for Japanese business and investors linked to the ‘Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector’
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
24
Sep
2025
07
Oct
2025
Japan
Online
EU-Japan Biotech & Pharma Partnering Conference
MATCHMAKING EVENT
24-26 September 2025 Online
7 Oct. 2025 Osaka, Japan
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
06
Oct
2025
10
Oct
2025
Japan
Tokyo
Biotech Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION TO JAPAN
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
14
Oct
2025
17
Oct
2025
Japan
Tokyo
Digital Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION TO JAPAN
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
20
Oct
2025
14
Nov
2025
Japan
Tokyo
Get Ready for Japan - second session
TRAINING MISSION
Application deadline: 4 September 2025
20-24 October 2025, Online
10-14 November 2025, Tokyo, Japan
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
20
Jan
2026
23
Jan
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION
Application deadline: 21 September 2025
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Jan
2026
30
Jan
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Space Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION
Application deadline: TBC
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.