1st German-Japanese Leadership Dialogue

Strengthening Bilateral Collaboration and Economic Ties
On 3 November 2025, the 1st German-Japanese Leadership Dialogue brought together around 100 senior executives, policymakers and thought leaders to explore how trusted partnerships between Germany and Japan can create stability and opportunity in an increasingly fragmented global environment. 
Under the guiding theme "Trusted Alliance in a Fragmented World – Strategic Perspectives on German-Japanese Economic Cooperation", discussions focused on economic security, the strategic role and the importance of deepening German-Japanese business relations in an era of global uncertainty. 
Hosted by German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) and OAV - German Asia-Pacific Business Association, the dialogue served as a reminder of how German-Japanese cooperation continues to thrive through open exchange and shared strategic ambition.

After the opening by the organisers, Marcus Schürmann and Almut Roessner, H.E. Mitsuko Shino, Ambassador of Japan to Germany, emphasised the importance of trust, dialogue, and long-term partnership as key pillars of German-Japanese economic cooperation.
In the panel on Japan’s strategic role in business development, Michael Illies chaired a discussion on Japan’s rising strategic importance as a hub for innovation, technology, and regional integration across the Indo-Pacific.
In the CEO talk moderated by Nicole Bastian, Karl Anton Deppen underscored the rationale behind the upcoming merger between Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Hino. Questions from the audience touched upon vocational training as a pillar in Mitsubishi Fuso’s endeavour to develop qualified staff.
In the second part of the event, Andreas Glunz shed light on Japan’s responses to its current structural and geopolitical challenges. Subsequently, Dr. Shogo Akagawa moderated a panel on economic security. All speakers agreed that reducing dependencies is a long and difficult process – but decisive action and close cooperation are key to achieving progress.

Source: AHK Japan - German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan 
Cover picture: Copyright AHK Japan