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

Message from the new President of the EU-Japan Centre

“First, I sincerely thank all of you who kindly support our activities.
Today's world is undergoing a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Escalating great-power rivalry, fractured supply chains, and the growing use of trade and technology as tools of coercion are testing the resilience of the rules-based international order that has underpinned prosperity for decades. In such turbulent times, Japan-EU collaboration has never been more essential. As two of the world's leading advocates for open markets, democratic values and multilateral cooperation, Japan and the EU carry a shared responsibility to safeguard economic security and ensure that emerging technologies serve the good of society. Deepening our partnership is a strategic imperative for preserving stability in a fragmented world.
In this context, the EU-Japan Business Round Table continues to demonstrate its enduring value. Year after year, the BRT convenes annual meetings, bringing together business leaders from both regions to exchange candid views, identify shared challenges, and explore practical solutions. It has become a trusted platform through which the private sector delivers concrete, actionable recommendations to our respective governments. This continuity is itself a testament to the strength of the Japan-EU relationship.
I am also delighted that Japan has become an associated country of Horizon Europe. This landmark step will accelerate the quality and speed of joint research and development, and enable Japan and the EU, through our bilateral partnership, to contribute together to the development of international standards. I look forward with great anticipation to the innovations this new chapter of cooperation will bring.
Through these platforms, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation will continue to foster bilateral economic cooperation, contributing to stable and sustainable global development, including in the Global South, and wider prosperity.

Finally, thank you again for your valued participation and continued support for the Centre”.
 
Nobuhiro Endo
President, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Dr. Nobuhiro Endo is Executive Advisor of NEC Corporation, after serving as President from 2010 and as Chairman of the Board from 2016 to 2022. Joining NEC in 1981, he built a No. 1 global share business in microwave communications systems, bringing broad international perspective. He has been co-chair of the Japan side of the Japan-EU Business Round Table since November 2022.

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

The EU-Japan Centre at CEATEC

The EU-Japan Centre will lead a delegation of 16 innovative European companies from 11 EU Member States to CEATEC 2026, which will take place from 13 to 16 October at Makuhari Messe, Japan.
 
The participating companies are: FACIL’iti, GReD, Axelera AI, Durance AI, Druid Software, Scriptide, NATIXAR, Neuralio, Spinnistart, Sparsity Technologies, InnoviGuard, Think Ahead Technologies, RIoT Secure, Softech, Apeiron Intelligence, and Cynteract.
Together, they will showcase a diverse range of European technologies and solutions across sectors...

Vulcanus in Japan 2027–2028: host company applications

Vulcanus in Japan 2027–2028: host company applications to open on 15 October

The EU-Japan Centre at CEATEC

The EU-Japan Centre will lead a delegation of 16 innovative European companies from 11 EU Member States to CEATEC 2026, which will take place from 13 to 16 October at Makuhari Messe, Japan.
 
The participating companies are: FACIL’iti, GReD, Axelera AI, Durance AI, Druid Software, Scriptide, NATIXAR, Neuralio, Spinnistart, Sparsity Technologies, InnoviGuard, Think Ahead Technologies, RIoT Secure, Softech, Apeiron Intelligence, and Cynteract.
Together, they will showcase a diverse range of European technologies and solutions across sectors...

Vulcanus in Japan 2027–2028: host company applications

Vulcanus in Japan 2027–2028: host company applications to open on 15 October

Applications Open for Smart Factory & Robotics Mission 2027

EU companies can apply for a February 2027 business mission to Japan’s Smart Factory Expo.

Join our 2nd Defence Mission and present yourself at DSEI 2027 Japan

Japanese defense and its industry are undergoing fundamental changes and are seeking new ties with Europe.

WCM Mission set to Welcome its 56th cohort in Nagoya as applications for Spring 2027 are open

The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to announce that the 56th edition of the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) mission will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from 19 to 23 October 2026.

Applications Open for Smart Factory & Robotics Mission 2027

EU companies can apply for a February 2027 business mission to Japan’s Smart Factory Expo.

Join our 2nd Defence Mission and present yourself at DSEI 2027 Japan

Japanese defense and its industry are undergoing fundamental changes and are seeking new ties with Europe.

WCM Mission set to Welcome its 56th cohort in Nagoya as applications for Spring 2027 are open

The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to announce that the 56th edition of the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) mission will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from 19 to 23 October 2026.

Invest in EU Hub Launches new monthly newsletter

A new monthly publication in Japanese and English offering Japanese companies practical updates on EU industrial policies, investment support schemes, Japanese investment activities in Europe and relevant events.

Upcoming “About Japan” webinars: Discover the Japanese Market

Are you an EU company or support organization that wants to discover more about the Japanese market?

Report: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies in Japan

Capture and Storage Technologies in Japan

Invest in EU Hub Launches new monthly newsletter

A new monthly publication in Japanese and English offering Japanese companies practical updates on EU industrial policies, investment support schemes, Japanese investment activities in Europe and relevant events.

Upcoming “About Japan” webinars: Discover the Japanese Market

Are you an EU company or support organization that wants to discover more about the Japanese market?

Report: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies in Japan

Capture and Storage Technologies in Japan

From EU-Japan authorities

Signing of the Agreement for the Association of the Government of Japan to Horizon Europe

On 30 July 2026, Mr. Takashi Hamada, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Mission of Japan to the European Union, and Ms. Maria Cristina Russo, Deputy Director-General for Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, signed the Agreement for the association of the Government of Japan to Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, in Brussels, Belgium.
It is expected that this association will promote the participation of Japanese companies, un...

Japan officially joins Horizon Europe

As of 30 July 2026, Japan is officially associated to Horizon Europe. Home to 123 million people, Japan is the most populous country associated to the programme, adding one of the world's most advanced research and innovation ecosystems to Europe's network of scientific cooperation.
The agreement allows Japanese researchers and organisations to take part in Horizon Europe on equal terms with those from EU Member States and other associated countries. They will be able to join and lead international research consortia, receive EU funding, and work alongside ...

Signing of the Agreement for the Association of the Government of Japan to Horizon Europe

On 30 July 2026, Mr. Takashi Hamada, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Mission of Japan to the European Union, and Ms. Maria Cristina Russo, Deputy Director-General for Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, signed the Agreement for the association of the Government of Japan to Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, in Brussels, Belgium.
It is expected that this association will promote the participation of Japanese companies, un...

Japan officially joins Horizon Europe

As of 30 July 2026, Japan is officially associated to Horizon Europe. Home to 123 million people, Japan is the most populous country associated to the programme, adding one of the world's most advanced research and innovation ecosystems to Europe's network of scientific cooperation.
The agreement allows Japanese researchers and organisations to take part in Horizon Europe on equal terms with those from EU Member States and other associated countries. They will be able to join and lead international research consortia, receive EU funding, and work alongside ...

From business community

Visit of Belgian Defence Minister reinforces security cooperation with Japan

From 31 August till 2 September, Theo Francken, Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade of Belgium, visited Japan. He was the first Belgian Defence Minister to do so, sending a clear signal that Belgium is ready to strengthen cooperation with Japan in the security field. 
First of all, Minister Francken opened a new post of Defence Attaché at the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo. The move aims to significantly improve the capacity to collaborate with Japan.
Another important aspect of the visit was industrial cooperation. Japanese defence industry is open...

Europe supports Yokohama’s efforts to spread circular economy in Asia

Frankfurt participated in Yokohama’s APCC Forum as representative of EU’s Circular Cities Declaration

Visit of Belgian Defence Minister reinforces security cooperation with Japan

From 31 August till 2 September, Theo Francken, Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade of Belgium, visited Japan. He was the first Belgian Defence Minister to do so, sending a clear signal that Belgium is ready to strengthen cooperation with Japan in the security field. 
First of all, Minister Francken opened a new post of Defence Attaché at the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo. The move aims to significantly improve the capacity to collaborate with Japan.
Another important aspect of the visit was industrial cooperation. Japanese defence industry is open...

Europe supports Yokohama’s efforts to spread circular economy in Asia

Frankfurt participated in Yokohama’s APCC Forum as representative of EU’s Circular Cities Declaration

Building the Bridge: EU-Japan Semiconductor Partnership at SEMICON Japan

Strengthening Europe and Japan's semiconductor partnership, JASMINE drives joint innovation, enhances supply chain resilience, and advances sustainable technologies for the next generation of microelectronics.

Three years on: the Unitary Patent continues to grow

Once the European Patent Office (EPO) has granted a European patent, one request gives patent owners one patent covering 18 EU Member States, a market of 350 million consumers and around 80% of the EU's economy (see map of territory covered). Over 100 000 registrations since June 2023 confirm growing trust: in the first half of 2026, around 30% of European patents granted and 11% of those of Japanese proprietors became Unitary Patents, up from nearly 10% in 2025.
With the Unitary Patent, the EPO remains a one-stop shop for the patent's life. One annual rene...

Building the Bridge: EU-Japan Semiconductor Partnership at SEMICON Japan

Strengthening Europe and Japan's semiconductor partnership, JASMINE drives joint innovation, enhances supply chain resilience, and advances sustainable technologies for the next generation of microelectronics.

Three years on: the Unitary Patent continues to grow

Once the European Patent Office (EPO) has granted a European patent, one request gives patent owners one patent covering 18 EU Member States, a market of 350 million consumers and around 80% of the EU's economy (see map of territory covered). Over 100 000 registrations since June 2023 confirm growing trust: in the first half of 2026, around 30% of European patents granted and 11% of those of Japanese proprietors became Unitary Patents, up from nearly 10% in 2025.
With the Unitary Patent, the EPO remains a one-stop shop for the patent's life. One annual rene...

Kyoto City Makes First Appearance at gamescom 2026

In August, Kyoto City took part in gamescom, the world's largest event for computer and video games, for the first time. This marked an important first step toward building networks with stakeholders in Europe’s gaming and creative industries and promoting Kyoto’s business environment.
On the opening day, Kyoto City attended the official reception hosted by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the City of Cologne, and KölnBusiness. The reception took place aboard a vessel on the Rhine River, with Cologne Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, p...

Eleven Italian Studios Joined Tokyo Game Show 2026

Eleven Italian studios showcased their games and met Japanese partners at Tokyo Game Show 2026.

Kyoto City Makes First Appearance at gamescom 2026

In August, Kyoto City took part in gamescom, the world's largest event for computer and video games, for the first time. This marked an important first step toward building networks with stakeholders in Europe’s gaming and creative industries and promoting Kyoto’s business environment.
On the opening day, Kyoto City attended the official reception hosted by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the City of Cologne, and KölnBusiness. The reception took place aboard a vessel on the Rhine River, with Cologne Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, p...

Eleven Italian Studios Joined Tokyo Game Show 2026

Eleven Italian studios showcased their games and met Japanese partners at Tokyo Game Show 2026.

JEAP 2026 Opens applications for regenerative medicine companies

Applications open to JEAP 2026 to accelerate regenerative medicine companies’ growth in Japan

TechBIZKON X: Meet High-Potential LifeTech Startups from Europe and Japan

European and Japanese LifeTech startups meet corporates, institutions and investors in Tokyo for pitches and matchmaking.

MeDiet Japan 2026: How Italy and Japan Rethink Longevity

World-leading experts gather in Tokyo to explore what makes a longer, healthier life.

JEAP 2026 Opens applications for regenerative medicine companies

Applications open to JEAP 2026 to accelerate regenerative medicine companies’ growth in Japan

TechBIZKON X: Meet High-Potential LifeTech Startups from Europe and Japan

European and Japanese LifeTech startups meet corporates, institutions and investors in Tokyo for pitches and matchmaking.

MeDiet Japan 2026: How Italy and Japan Rethink Longevity

World-leading experts gather in Tokyo to explore what makes a longer, healthier life.

Helsinki Innovation Forum: Strengthening Japan-Finland Collaboration

Connecting Japanese Companies with Helsinki’s innovation, research, and startup ecosystem

Connecting Japan and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region

Connecting Japan and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region

JFR 2026: 30th Francophone Research Days

Sciencescope, the association of French-speaking students and researchers in Japan, will organize the “Journées Francophones de la Recherche” on the 11-12 December in Tokyo.
This year, the event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the JFR, an annual gathering that has become a landmark event for the French-speaking scientific community in Japan. Since 1997, the JFR has brought together French-speaking researchers and students based in Japan, spanning all disciplines and nationalities, on an annual basis.
Source : Sciencescope
https://www.sc...

Helsinki Innovation Forum: Strengthening Japan-Finland Collaboration

Connecting Japanese Companies with Helsinki’s innovation, research, and startup ecosystem

Connecting Japan and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region

Connecting Japan and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region

JFR 2026: 30th Francophone Research Days

Sciencescope, the association of French-speaking students and researchers in Japan, will organize the “Journées Francophones de la Recherche” on the 11-12 December in Tokyo.
This year, the event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the JFR, an annual gathering that has become a landmark event for the French-speaking scientific community in Japan. Since 1997, the JFR has brought together French-speaking researchers and students based in Japan, spanning all disciplines and nationalities, on an annual basis.
Source : Sciencescope
https://www.sc...

Feel the Yarn - Workshop Filati Tokyo: where the latest Italian yarn collections are showcased

Feel the Yarn - Workshop Filati Tokyo: The premier yarn sourcing event. Discover the latest Italian yarn collections, all under one roof.

Italian Wine promotion in Japan – Borsa Vini 2026

The workshop, organized every year by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) – Tokyo Office, is aimed to promote Italian wines in Japan.

Greek national pavilion at Tourism Expo Japan 2026

Greece participated at Tourism Expo Japan 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight 24-27 September 2026, with a National Pavilion. The Greek National Pavilion was organized by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the official tourism promotion agency under the Ministry of Tourism, responsible for promoting Greece as a leading international travel destination. As in previous editions of Tourism Expo Japan, the Greek National Pavilion once again brought together a range of co-exhibitors, from Greek travel agencies — Amphitryon Japan, La Greca Travel Service, Siva Travel ...

Feel the Yarn - Workshop Filati Tokyo: where the latest Italian yarn collections are showcased

Feel the Yarn - Workshop Filati Tokyo: The premier yarn sourcing event. Discover the latest Italian yarn collections, all under one roof.

Italian Wine promotion in Japan – Borsa Vini 2026

The workshop, organized every year by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) – Tokyo Office, is aimed to promote Italian wines in Japan.

Greek national pavilion at Tourism Expo Japan 2026

Greece participated at Tourism Expo Japan 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight 24-27 September 2026, with a National Pavilion. The Greek National Pavilion was organized by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the official tourism promotion agency under the Ministry of Tourism, responsible for promoting Greece as a leading international travel destination. As in previous editions of Tourism Expo Japan, the Greek National Pavilion once again brought together a range of co-exhibitors, from Greek travel agencies — Amphitryon Japan, La Greca Travel Service, Siva Travel ...

The Network News

DEICy 2026

3-10 November 2026, hybrid, Warsaw, Poland Sectors: ICT, digital Registration deadline: 10 November 2026

MEDICA Healthcare Brokerage Event 2026

16-29 November 2026, hybrid, Dusseldorf, Germany Sectors: Healthcare, medical devices Registration deadline: 29 November 2026

DEICy 2026

3-10 November 2026, hybrid, Warsaw, Poland Sectors: ICT, digital Registration deadline: 10 November 2026

MEDICA Healthcare Brokerage Event 2026

16-29 November 2026, hybrid, Dusseldorf, Germany Sectors: Healthcare, medical devices Registration deadline: 29 November 2026

The Network offers & requests

BOJP20260617003 - healthcare - distributor

A Japanese SME is looking for partners to introduce its 360° cylindrical toothbrush in the EU

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-360-toothbrush

BOJP20260906001 - optical instruments - distributor or sales agent

A Japanese manufacturer of optical measuring instruments is looking for EU partners

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-optical-measuring-instruments

BOJP20250613002 - laboratory equipment - distributor

100 years old Japanese SME is looking for EU distributors for high-tech optical instruments and microscopes

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-optical-microscopes

BOJP20250725008 - art and crafts - distributor

A Japanese company offers premium handcrafted stationery products

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-premium-stationery

BOJP20260904004 - aerospace - services offered

A Japanese company offers international project opportunities to EU companies in space operations and ground segment infrastructure

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-space-services

BOJP20260914001 - media - services offered

A Japanese creative media agency is offering its services to EU importers and distributors selling Japanese goods in Europe

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-creative-media

BOJP20250618001 - AI - licensing offer

Japanese company with generative AI technology to support customer satisfaction is looking for partners in the EU

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-ai-technology

BOJP20260617003 - healthcare - distributor

A Japanese SME is looking for partners to introduce its 360° cylindrical toothbrush in the EU

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-360-toothbrush

BOJP20260906001 - optical instruments - distributor or sales agent

A Japanese manufacturer of optical measuring instruments is looking for EU partners

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-optical-measuring-instruments

BOJP20250613002 - laboratory equipment - distributor

100 years old Japanese SME is looking for EU distributors for high-tech optical instruments and microscopes

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-optical-microscopes

BOJP20250725008 - art and crafts - distributor

A Japanese company offers premium handcrafted stationery products

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-premium-stationery

BOJP20260904004 - aerospace - services offered

A Japanese company offers international project opportunities to EU companies in space operations and ground segment infrastructure

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-space-services

BOJP20260914001 - media - services offered

A Japanese creative media agency is offering its services to EU importers and distributors selling Japanese goods in Europe

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-creative-media

BOJP20250618001 - AI - licensing offer

Japanese company with generative AI technology to support customer satisfaction is looking for partners in the EU

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-ai-technology

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
13
Oct
2026
'About Japan' webinar series 272: First Meetings and Sales - Building Trust and Presenting Your Business
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
19
Oct
2026
23
Oct
2026
Japan
Nagoya
World Class Manufacturing I
TRAINING MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Oct
2026
'About Japan' webinar series 273: Cybersecurity Market in Japan
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
17
Nov
2026
'About Japan' webinar series 274: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
24
Nov
2026
'About Japan' webinar series 275: Negotiation and Closing - From Agreement to Long-term Partnership
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
01
Dec
2026
'About Japan' webinar series 276: Waste Management in Japan, opportunities for EU SMEs
WEBINAR
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
14
Dec
2026
18
Dec
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Nanotech Business Mission
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
16
Feb
2027
19
Feb
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission Application deadline: 3 November 2026
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
01
Mar
2027
05
Mar
2027
Japan
Nagoya
World Class Manufacturing II Application deadline: 8 December 2026
TRAINING MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
17
Mar
2027
19
Mar
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Space Business Mission Application deadline: 4 December 2026
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
23
Mar
2027
26
Mar
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Green Business Mission Application deadline: 8 December 2026
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Apr
2027
30
Apr
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Defence Business Mission Application deadline: 18 December 2026
BUSINESS MISSION
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.