Japanese Business Culture Workshops in the EU

In its yearly efforts to provide information on Japanese business culture to European SMEs, the EU-Japan Centre is calling for proposals from experts on this topic.

The Centre organises between 15 and 20 workshops each year at various locations throughout Europe. The workshops are aimed at SMEs in the EU that are interested in doing business in Japan or are already doing so.
During these workshops, information/knowledge should be provided from the European SME point of view in the Japanese business context on the following topics:

• Communication with Japanese business people
• Preparation for the first visit in Japan (introductions, purpose of the meeting, meeting structure, presentation of company's products and/or services, etiquette, gifts)
• Follow-up after the meeting (information exchange over e-mail and/or phone)
• Welcoming a Japanese delegation (seniority system, decision-making process in Japan, preparation, socialising)
• Negotiation process in Japan (contract signing, documentation and related requirements, quality, claims and customer service).

Costs/Duration 

The workshop itself would take about ½ day (including introductions and breaks) for an expected audience of maximum 30 people. Depending on the travel schedule, the total duration of the trip could differ. Sometimes traveling can be done on the same day, but in other cases an overnight stay would be necessary. A staff from the Centre would be accompagnying the expert. Transport, such as flights or trains, as well as hotel costs (if applicable) will be covered. Meal costs could be reimbursed up to a certain limit.

Submission

Your proposal should be sent by email to Eivilte Kandrataviciute: eiva@eu-japan.eu at the latest on Monday, 2 July 2018.

Selection

Selection criteria will include the expert's background, professional experience in Japan, the quality of the content and the proposed fee for one individual workshop (for an approximate 4-hour presentation). In addition, proposals for presentations which could contain interactive elements (i.e. case studies, group exercises, role play etc.) may be favourably considered by the selection committee. More technical specifications will be sent to successful candidates after the selection. 

Best of luck and we look forward to receiving your proposals!