EU-JAPAN NEWS DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EUROPEAN OFFICE Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the European office of the EU-Japan Centre! To celebrate this milestone, we have some presents for you!

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR MARKET REPORTS Let’s start with the opportunity to receive -for free- an industrial sector market report on the topic of your choice. If there is any particular topic which you are interested in (but is not yet covered by our website http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/), please send your suggestions to [email protected]. 3 topics will be selected and transformed into in-depth analytical reports.

LEAN PUBLICATIONS Also we are happy to offer you a free copy of “THE FIVE RINGS OF LEAN BUSINESS EXCELLENCE” by Richard Keegan, specialist in the areas of Lean/World Class Business and Benchmarking, and the Centre’s WCM Advisor. If you are interested in receiving a copy, please send a message to [email protected], specifying whether you would prefer a paper version or electronic version.

These offers are limited to EU Small and Medium sized Enterprises.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016! It has been a rewarding experience for us working with you all! We wish to thank you for all the cooperation and hope to continue it for a long time to come.

We wish you a cheerful and happy New Year!!!

IN THIS ISSUE (Among others)

> CENTRE’S NEWS ...... 1-91-8 日欧産業協力センターでは、季刊英文ニュース ABOUTEU NEWS JAPAN ...... 9-1110 レター「EU-Japan News」を通じて、さまざま > な日・ＥＵ関係の情報を発信しています。 > EUJAPAN NEWS NEWS ...... 12-1311-14 欧州連合日本政府代表部/欧州委員会より > JAPANEU-JAPAN NEWS NEWS ...... 15-2214-17 • News from Japan...... 14-1711-14 • News from the EU...... 12-1310 > EU-JAPANIN BRIEF...... NEWS ...... 18-2723 • 日・ＥＵ関係イベント案内...... 15-2218-27 > INENTERPRISE BRIEF...... EUROPE NETWORK ...... 24-2628-29

日・ＥＵ中小企業間のパートナーシップ促進支 > ENTERPRISECALENDAR...... EUROPE NETWORK ...... 30-3227 援エンタープライズ・ヨーロッパ・ネットワーク より > CALENDAR...... 33 • ビジネスパートナー募集情報、他...... 30-3224-26 CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 2

WCM TRAINING MISSIONS IN JAPAN ABOUT WCM MISSION CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ALGIS GEZEVICIUS Technical Manager at Training dates: 27 June – 1 July 2016 AQ Wiring Systems, Application deadline: Thursday, 24 March 2016 The 5-day World Class Manufacturing training mission (WCM) provides an in- depth analysis of Japanese manufacturing methodology and is aimed exclusively WCM MISSION 2014 at EU executives and managers with knowledge of WCM and an engineering The main reason for my company to background. participate in WCM was to get a chance to look at the way Japanese companies run The training mission in Japan provides participants with: their production processes. • In-depth analysis of Japanese manufacturing methodology Our company started implementing LEAN • Lectures, seminars and panel discussions, presented by experts from Japanese industry manufacturing methods a while ago and, • Company and factory floor (Gemba) visits since LEAN was developed in Japan, it was • Preparation and post-visit reviews interesting for me to see how Japanese companies work and what the difference is with our company. Why is it sometimes so No tuition fee for SMEs and the grants €600 difficult to put into practice the principles scholarships to participants from SMEs. we learn in books? I learned that part of it is the people and  http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-business-programmes/WCM the cultural differences between Japan and Europe, but another main element is communication. KAIZEN WEBINARS SERIES In Japanese companies, there is lot of communication between the management 2015 - 2016 and the production operators – a lot more than in our company. That is probably the Following the successful webinar series co-organised in 2014 with the Kaizen main difference I saw: the operators are the Institute Gmbh (http:www.de.kaizen.com), the EU-Japan Centre is launching a new ones bringing up ideas for improvement, series of KAIZEN webinars. whereas we tend to have top-down This new series will cover a full range of methods at basic level, offering decisions. attendees the key success factors for introducing and implementing LEAN Even though it has only been a couple of within their company. months since I returned from WCM, we are already seeing some results. We have about 500 employees in our company here Schedule of the Kaizen webinars: in Lithuania, so it is impossible to organise • IT Basics (Flow Basics) Friday 18 December 14:30-15:30 a training for everyone at once. Instead, • TPM Basics Friday 15 January 14:30-15:30 we are now having training sessions in • Quality (SSP / FMEA Tools) Friday 22 January 14:30-15:30 smaller groups, almost every week. This • Workplace organization 5S and ergonomics Friday 26 February 14:30-15:30 is not just formal training where everyone • Lean Admin basics Friday 4 March 14:30-15:30 spends an hour sitting and listening. The • Motivation (Worker) Friday 11 March 14:30-15:30 main purpose of the training is for everyone to understand that, without their help and involvement, nothing will change. Each session will encompass a presentation by an expert from Kaizen Institute We used to have no input at all from GmbH, followed by a Q&A session to develop personal cases. the operators, but now we are having To register, please fill out the form athttp://www.eu-japan.eu/wcm-webinar-series much more interaction across all levels (It is possible to subscribe to several webinars, either by submitting the form in of our organisation. We give much more one shot or several times) responsibility to every person including Contact: Margherita Rosada, tel: +32 2 2823715, email: [email protected] team leaders and operators. They are no longer just doing their job, but they think actively about what we can do differently and how they can make a change. At the moment, we have only implemented LEAN IN EUROPE – VISIT TO DHL what we learned through WCM in our factory in Lithuania. It is not up to me to On 26 November, 17 participants attended the LEAN in Europe visit to DHL expand it to other companies in our group, Supply Chain in Nijmege, the . but I am hopeful that in the future, they will come to us to see how we do things. The next LEAN in Europe visits, to see world-class principles in action, will be to: Mondelez International in , 17 - 18 February 2016 Deadline for Application: 17 January 2016  http://www.eu-japan.eu/lean-europe-driving-competitiveness-visit-mondelez-international

Rottapharm, Meda in , 09 - 10 March 2016 Deadline for Application: 07 February 2016  http://www.eu-japan.eu/lean-europe-driving-competitiveness-visit-rottapharm CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 3

「ヴルカヌス・イン・ジャパン2016プログ ラム」 受入れ企業様募集のお知らせ ヴルカヌス・イン・ジャパンは、日欧産 業協力センターが主催する、EU加 盟国籍の理工系大学生・大学院生 を対象とした日本に おける1年間の 企業研修プログラムです。実施期間 は毎年9月から翌年8月末、4ヶ月間 の語学研修・セミナーと8ヶ月間の企 業イ ンターンシップから成り立ってい ます。現在、当センターでは2016年 度プログラム（企業研修期間は2016 年1月～8月）への参加 企業様を募 集しております。

欧州からの優秀な学生の受入れにご興味・ご関心のある企業の皆様 は、ぜひこの機会にプログラムへの参加をご検討ください。 プログラ ムの詳細および募集要項は以下ホームページよりご覧になれます。

 http://www.eu-japan.eu/ja/vulcanus-japan

ご質問やご不明な点は、下記プログラム担当者までお 問い合わせください。ご応募をお待ち申し上げておりま す。 E-mail: [email protected], phone: +81-(0)3-6408-0281 RECRUITMENT OF HOST COMPANIES IN JAPAN FOR THE “VULCANUS IN JAPAN” PROGRAMME 2016-17 “Vulcanus in Japan” is a 1-year internship programme for European engineers and science-major students, managed by the EU-Japan Centre. Every year, 45-50 skilled and highly motivated Vulcanus participants are selected to undertake industrial internships in Japan for 8 months, following an intensive 4 months of Japanese language courses and seminars.

Typical internship projects include Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, ICT, Chemistry, Biotechnology and Life Sciences, , etc.

The 2016-2017 Vulcanus programme will start from September 2016 with an intensive Japanese language class, and industrial internship from January to August 2017. Companies based in Japan interested in hosting Vulcanus interns may contact EU-Japan Centre in Tokyo: E-mail: [email protected], phone: +81-(0)3-6408-0281

Additional programme details and application forms for host companies can be found at:  http://www.eu-japan.eu/host-european-trainee-japan

MINERVA FELLOWSHIP CALL FOR APPLICATIONS The “MINERVA” EU-Japan Fellowship is a 6 month in-house fellowship scheme in Japan, targeting EU and Japanese academics, trade / economic analysts and civil servants. The scheme is designed to support the Centre’s policy analysis of EU-Japan economic and industrial issues. DANA NEUMANN Fellows are expected to produce a policy report on topics that are relevant for Visiting Fellow the EU-Japan Centre, as well as to support the daily analytical activities of the The MINERVA Fellowship programme Centre. offered me the opportunity to use my academic and professional background in a THE CENTRE IS NOW LAUNCHING THE 1ST 2016 SLOT meaningful way.

(1 APRIL-30 SEPTEMBER) By conducting research on human Deadline to apply: 15 January 2016 assistant robotics in Japan and the related Fellowship: €1700 / month - Location: Tokyo, Japan challenges and opportunities for European companies, I now have the chance to work on a subject that not only is of high interest [email protected] For more information contact or visit our website. to me personally, but also and more importantly holds a strong potential for  http://www.eu-japan.eu/other-activities/minerva-fellowship future solutions to the social issues of an ageing population European countries and the Japanese nation have to deal with. CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 4

HRTP TRAINING PROGRAMME IN JAPAN FOR EU MANAGERS JOSE MANUEL HRTP 52 training dates: 09 May – 3/10 June 2016 BAENA Application deadline: Thursday, 25 February 2016 Manager Customer Service & Quality The “Human Resources Training Programme - Japan Industry Insight” (HRTP) lasts BRECA HEALTH four to five weeks and offers EU executives with a unique opportunity to experience CARE, and understand both the cultural and economic elements which HRTP 2014 define and explain Japan’s business After the 4-week programme we have and technological achievements. gained a very complete view of Japanese The HRTP programme was designed environment. We learned peculiarities to improve, on a constant basis, of the market, and the importance of the latest expectations about the understanding Japanese culture to do business situation in Japan, as well business with them. Japan is, as we as providing a professional Japan thought, a very interesting place for R&D related expertise to EU businessmen. collaboration in our area of expertise. We have fulfilled our expectations and goals to understand the Japanese economy The training mission in Japan will be composed of: and obtain the information needed to make • Orientation session a decision of the convenience of Japan, as • Japanese Language and Culture Courses a strategic market for our company and • Thematic Lectures the way of landing there. Now we have the • Joint Working Session with Japanese Business People information needed and the contacts in • Field trips (Sogo Shosha and Regional trip) order to better define and proceed with our plan. • Individual company visits (optional) Our future plans are focused on finding a R&D partner, to start working with them No tuition fee for SMEs and they can benefit from a European Commission’s in collaborative R&D funding programmes grant up to €3000. and move together towards the mid-long term introduction of our products in Japan.  http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-business-programmes/HRTP SEMINARS JAPAN - THE LAND OF THE RISING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 13 November 2015, London, UK

Japan is the UK’s 7th largest export market accounting for £9.4bn in 2012 and covering both goods and services and is a major investor in the UK. With the EU and Japan negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA), business opportunities are set to increase.

This EU-Japan Centre seminar examined the likely impacts the FTA will have on key business sectors, heard success stories from companies that have succeeded in Japan or help other companies to do so, and looked at what support is available to help companies work with and in Japan. The seminar was held during the UK Trade & Investment “Export Week”.

 http://www.eu-japan.eu/japan-land-rising-business-opportunities 18TH JAPAN-EU CONFERENCE 16 November 2015, Brussels,

The 18th Japan-EU Conference was entitled, “Standards, Governance and the Rule of Law - Opportunities for EU-Japan Cooperation”.

Its 4 main sessions addressed: Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Relief Cooperation and Development Assistance after the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai; Enhancing the Rule of Law at Sea; Progress Made on the EPA/FTA and SPA Negotiations; and Regulatory Cooperation and the Impact on Industry.

 http://www.eu-japan.eu/18th-japan-eu-conference CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 5

JEUPISTE/OSAKA UNIVERSITY WBG-i SYMPOSIUM ON POWER ELECTRONICS 15-16 December 2015, Tokyo, Japan

Power semiconductors have been providing one solution for the global energy crisis through excellent energy efficiency in industry, as well as in consumer appliances. Power Electronics research is an area where the EU and Japan can widen their cooperation in order to tackle common challenges. This symposium aimed to foster EU-Japan cooperation on components technologies and gave attention to the EU-Japan cooperation potential in relation to Horizon 2020, the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over seven years (2014-2020) and open to participation from all over the world. This two- day event focused on the European and Japanese Power Electronics technology research & development and showed the latest advancement and the required key technologies.

 http://jeupiste.eu/events/powerelectronics2015_en

HORIZON 2020 INFO DAY 2015 HELD IN TOKYO

On 14 October 2015, the JEUPISTE (Japan-EU Partnership in Innovation, Science and Technology) project organised the Horizon 2020 Info Day in Tokyo at the occasion of the publication of the new Work Programme 2016-2017 in Horizon 2020. 175 people attended this seminar hosted at the EU Delegation in Tokyo.

This event highlighted the opportunities for Japanese In the second part of the seminar, the Japanese government, participation in Horizon 2020 by presenting the new Work represented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, Programme 2016-2017 in light of cooperation with Japan. the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Ministry It further featured examples of Japanese participation by of Internal Affairs & Communications, detailed their efforts introducing the CD-LINKS and SAFARI Project, in addition on cooperating with Europe. Finally, support services for to providing information on Japan-EU projects in Energy Horizon 2020 in Japan such as JEUPISTE, National Contact and Intensity Frontier Research. Point Japan and EURAXESS Links Japan were introduced in the concluding part.

A detailed list of calls in the Horizon 2020 Work Programme 2016-2017 (mentioning Japan) can be downloaded from the JEUPISTE website: http://jeupiste.eu/calls20162017

 http://www.jeupiste.eu/events/h2020-infoday-2015_en

STEP IN JAPAN – FREE OFFICE FACILITIES IN JAPAN For EU SMEs entering into or expanding within Japan, the EU-Japan Centre offers FREE logistical support and business assistance in its Tokyo office, for up to one month. The support measures include:

• a “hot desk” in Tokyo on the Centre’s • a help desk for all information Any SME wishing to benefit from premises including an internet inquiries on business in Japan; this support is free to contact: connection and telephone • assistance with using the Enterprise [email protected] • full access to meeting and seminar Europe Network service while in facilities within the Centre’s premises; Japan.  http://www.eu-japan.eu/other-activities/step-in-japan CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 6

JAPANESE INDUSTRY AND POLICY NEWS The November issue of the Centre’s industry and policy newsletter is online.

This month topics: • Whitepaper Urges More Childrearing Support • Japan’s Job Availability improves to its Best Level in 23 Years • Moderate Increase of Starting Salary • Kansai Airport Sees Record Number of International Passengers • Japan Registers 1st Trade Surplus in 7 months in October • Japan’s 1st Passenger Jet Plane Makes Maiden Flight • H-IIA Rocket Successfully Puts Commercial Satellite into Orbit • Sharp’s Air Purifying Technology Found Effective against Bird Flu • GPS Shoes to Help Track Elderly People with Dementia

 http://www.eu-japan.eu/november-2015-japanese-industry-and-policy-news

NEWS FROM PUBLIC PROCUREMENT HELPDESK FIRST LARGE TENDERS PUBLISHED FOR TOKYO 2020 GAMES VENUES Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) published its first large tenders https://www.e-procurement.metro.tokyo.jp/( documents/con201510162384bdcf2383.pdf) for the construction of sports venues used during the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Artist image Sea Forest Waterway (Source: Bureau of Artist image Ariake Stadium (Source: Bureau of Tokyo Artist image Olympic Aquatics Centre (Source: Bureau of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Preparation) 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Preparation) Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Preparation)

On October 16, tender notices for The contracts combine both detailed The deadlines to apply for the Aquatics Centre (swimming design and construction. Usually, participation in the tender procedures events), Ariake Stadium (Volleyball) these are tendered separately in were set at 26-27 November. Hearings and Sea Forest Waterway (rowing/ Japan. However, the problems regarding the technical proposals kayaking) were published on the TMG surrounding the tender for the were conducted on 9-10 December procurement website (https://www.e- Olympic Stadium earlier this year, and final selection of the winning procurement.metro.tokyo.jp/indexPbi.jsp). where public discussions about tender is expected on 13 January, the feasibility of the design within 2016. The costs for the three venues the allotted budget resulted in the For European companies with combined are an estimated €840 scrapping of the original design, might ambitions to offer their products and mln. All tenders are conducted in be behind the decision to go for services for the construction of these accordance with the WTO Agreement Design-Build contracts instead. (http:// projects, it is presently difficult to on Government Procurement asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy- find out which party to approach. It is framework and TMGs own Politics/Japan-dragged-feet-on-stadium- expected that parts of the projects will procurement system. It is however costs-until-it-couldn-t) be subcontracted to third companies, not expected that foreign companies once the winning proposal has been will take the lead in the bidding. The basic design for the three venues selected. Insiders predict that joint ventures was done by Yamashita Sekkei Inc (JV), led by the large Japanese (Aquatics Centre) (http://www. JTPP Helpdesk will continue to general contractors (zenekon), will yamashitasekkei.co.jp/en), Kume monitor developments and keep compete among each other to win the Sekkei Co. Ltd (Ariake Stadium) (http:// you informed on the http://www. contracts. www.kumesekkei.co.jp/en/) and Pacific eubusinessinjapan.eu portal and the Consultants Co. Ltd. (Sea Forest JTPPHELPDESK Twitter account Waterway) (https://www.pacific.co.jp/e/). (https://twitter.com/JTPPHELPDESK). CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 7

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON JAPAN With the aim of giving EU companies wishing to do business in Japan the opportunity to get access to a lot of practical information on how to do business with Japan, the EU-Japan Centre publishes on the website http://www. eubusinessinjapan.eu a wide variety of webpages, expert reports and e-learning resources, and regularly organises webinars covering Japan-related operational matters, industrial sectors and cultural aspects to assist EU companies in seizing business opportunities in the Japanese market. THE WEBSITE NEXT WEBINARS To have full access to the information contained on the • Japan Tax and Public Procurement Helpdesk on 19/01/2016 website as well as to the side activities EU companies will • Online Language-Learning Market in Japan on 16/02/2016 have to be a member (free membership). To be eligible as • Cross cultural Issues on 23/02/2016 a member registrants must work either for an EU company • The non-life insurance sector in Japan on 01/03/2015 wishing to work with/in Japan and must be the end-user of • Cross cultural Issues on 15/03/2016 the information/services made available; or work for an EU • The non-life insurance sector in Japan on 22/03/2016 non-profit organisation aiming at directly supporting EU • Alternative Vehicle Technologies in Japan on 29/03/2016 companies in their internationalisation process with Japan. • White Biotech on 05/04/2016 • Japan as a hub for the Asian market for European Companies “ABOUT JAPAN” WEBINARS on 12/04/2016 • Japan Tax and Public Procurement Helpdesk on 19/04/2016 Targeting EU companies and support organisations, the • Cultural approach to dealing with Japanese business in webinars are designed to improve your knowledge of Japan: differences between SMEs and Large Companies conducting “business in Japan”. During the webinars, on 26/04/2016 participants will have the opportunity to listen to selected experts who have agreed to share their knowledge and expertise. Members can register to the webinars at:  http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/events Feel free to apply for membership at:  http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/user/register

FIRST APPROVAL OF A ROBOTIC SUIT AS A MEDICAL DEVICE On 10 November 2015 the Medical Equipment and External Diagnosis Subcommittee of the MHLW’s Pharmaceutical Affairs and Food Sanitation Council approved a robotic exoskeleton developed by the company Cyberdyne to assist physically challenged people. It was mainly developed as a new medical device for orphan neural-muscular diseases. After being designated as orphan medical device by the MHLW in December 2014, thus becoming subject to priority review for marketing authorization and officially applying for it in March 2015, the Council’s subcommittee finally gave its authorisation. More information on:

 http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/first-approval-robotic-suit-medical-device

HALLOWEEN IN JAPAN MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME DECORATION Halloween was introduced in Japan by Tokyo Disneyland for the first time in 1997. Since then the Japanese interest for this celebration grew gradually, currently reaching an estimated average of around ¥122 billion (~930 mil.€), which is 10 times bigger than in 2009. As Halloween celebration becomes more and more popular, this fact sheet suggests that the Halloween market in Japan has a high potential of growth and might be of interest for European companies looking for potential partners in this sector.

http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/fact-sheet-halloween-japan-market- opportunities-home-decoration ©Aduldej / Shutterstock.com CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 8

CASE STUDY IRISH SME: PR EUROCHEM - SEARCH FOR PARTNERS IN JAPAN PR euroCHEM - Founded in 1998 in Ireland, PR euroCHEM is dedicated to the provision of R&D and organic synthesis services to the Fine Chemicals and Pharmachem Industries.

With its location at Ballyvolane Business Park, Cork, Ireland, the PR euroCHEM laboratories are situated in the heart of the burgeoning Irish pharmaceutical and chemical sector. • Field of Activity: Full range of services to the According to customer specifications and needs, the company fine chemicals and pharmachem industries; manufactures a wide variety of chemicals ranging in scale isolation and synthesis of products, including from milligrams to up to 5 kilos. The company maintains pharmaceutical intermediates, prostaglandins state-of-the-art facilities, staffed by highly-qualified and intermediates, iophenoxic acid derivatives and enthusiastic personnel, and has access to sophisticated metabolites. analytical instrumentations such as GC-Ms, LC-MS, NMR, IR. PR euroCHEM emphasises the safe handling of hazardous and • Interests in Japan: Consolidate the company’s potentially environmentally damaging reactions by focusing presence, market increase, technology exchange. on novel and innovative methods of chemical synthesis.  http://www.preurochem.com Each project is preceded by a full hazard analysis, and where necessary, dedicated facilities are constructed to meet customers’ requirements.

WHY JAPAN? CHALLENGES CURRENT STATUS – NEXT STEPS The demand for active pharmaceutical It is not easy to understand the Mr. Jaouhari has kept in touch with intermediates is huge in Japan’s Japanese culture from a distance. With multiple Japanese contacts which he medicinal sector. The expertise and a European company, you will know met during the 2013 mission, mainly know-how that PR euroCHEM can offer almost immediately whether it is a through their European partners, for is unique, as the supply of prostaglandin viable potential client or not; they are example in the Netherlands and . intermediates or diagnostic products very straightforward in the way they belongs to the highly specialized field of approach you. In Japan however, it takes Furthermore, he has a good rapport complex chemical synthesis. Especially much more time to seek out contacts with the top executive of his first big in this area we could offer impressive and build relationships. Moreover, in Japanese client company, with whom synergy to potential Japanese partners. Europe you can also frequently deal he will be exchanging visits in early with the ‘boss’ directly, and a deal can 2015. As a matter of fact, the Japanese STEPS TAKEN be closed in a very short time. In Japan, executive will personally be collecting In 2003, PR euroCHEM already had however, you have to go from A to Z, the materials instead of having them some contacts with a chemical trading and cover every step in between. You delivered to Japan, which again shows company in Japan, supplying active have to deal with the whole hierarchy, the importance of personal relationships. ingredients. However, this contact was and it takes time before you get to the Because of Mr. Jaouhari’s good very limited, and PR euroCHEM kept actual decision makers. Both hierarchy experience with the EU-Japan Centre, he looking for ways to establish itself and relationships are evidently much has again decided to take advantage of on the Japanese market. In 2013, an more important in Japan. the centre’s support services, this time opportunity presented itself in the form “It is definiely very important that through the Human Resources Training of the EU-Japan Cluster Support Mission, European companies get used to the Programme (HRTP). He will most likely organised by the EU-Japan Centre for way Japanese do business, because be participating in the Centre’s May Industrial Cooperation. there are many opportunities for 2015 HRTP mission. The 4/5-week HRTP cooperation and market increase.” mission, designed to help participants During this mission, PR euroCHEM’s Rabih-Gabriel Jaouhari. become thoroughly informed about the General Manager Dr. Rabih-Gabriel actual conditions of Japanese business, Jaouhari met many potential customers, Another challenge lies in communic- includes basic Japanese lessons, which including his first big Japanese client, ating with Japanese contacts. Mr. Jaouhari considers to be essential for with the contract scheduled to be Misunderstandings can be common, so it business ventures in Japan. completed in November 2014. This is crucial to deal with Japanese contacts client, based in the city of Osaka, is in a direct and frank fashion. Japanese Finally, there are some embryonic a pharmaceutical company dealing businessmen often think in Japanese, plans to set-up a PR euroCHEM trading with peptides. The contract stipulates even though they are communicating in branch in Japan, together with contacts the synthesis and delivery of a English. This is why they can appear rude established within the EU-Japan Centre pharmaceutical active ingredient to be or even aggressive in communications with whom Mr. Jaouhari has stayed in used as a building block for a future (especially e-mails), but it is important to touch after the 2013 mission. product. The importance of this first big put it in the right perspective and remain contract transcends the pure business friendly and calm.Finally, Japanese deal, since it constitutes the first step companies often seem to prefer Chinese For more case studies please look at: towards achieving a lasting presence on partners, perhaps because of their http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/ the Japanese market. competitive prices. It is thus important library/publications to show them which comparative advantages you are able to offer in terms of quality, know-how and/or service. CENTRE’S NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 9

EXPERT REPORTS RECENTLY RELEASED

Waste Management and Recycling E-Commerce in Japan in Japan Opportunities for European Companies (SMEs focus) This report covers some basic information on import and specific This report gives an overview of e-commerce regulations including tax the Japanese waste management matters. The main part of the report is and recycling market. It covers legal dedicated to the market analysis which framework, specific waste streams gives a comprehensive overview of the and concrete examples of waste main issues of the market. management in Japan. It is primarily intended for EU Small and Medium http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/ Enterprises (SMEs) that consider publication/report-e-commerce-in-japan approaching the Japanese waste market and is meant to give them Petrochemicals and Polymeric Importing Japanese Food into the EU an overview of this sector, as well as Materials in Japan recommendations to take advantage The EU has a high per capita demand of the business opportunities it offers. This report gives an overview of Japan’s and is the world’s largest fish consumer, chemical industry. Firstly, it looks hence this paper suggests that Europe http://www.eu-japan.eu/sites/eu-japan.eu/ into the overall regulation for exports could be a prospective market for a files/wast_management_recycling_japan. and sales of chemicals and chemical wide range of Japanese food products. pdf products in Japan. Furthermore, it For European companies to seize gives a brief market analysis and this business opportunity, this report Brief Guide for European Companies suggests current trends on chemicals examines key questions, such as on Importers and Wholesale in the Japanese market. why and what kind of Japanese food Distributors in Japan (food and wine; products could be imported to the ICT; medical devices) http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/ EU? What are key characteristics of publication/report-petrochemicals-and- Japanese cuisine and its ingredients? This report provides a useful summary polymeric-materials-in-japan And lastly, where to find relevant food on distribution networks in Japan producers in Japan? in food and wine, ICT and medical Japanese ICT Clusters devices sectors. It also identifies most http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/report- commonly used import routes for EU This report analyses Japan’s ICT importing-japanese-food-eu products and services and provides Industry. Its main objective is to provide a number of recommendations from an overview of the ICT Industry in Alcoholic Beverage Market in Japan interviewed Japanese and European Japan, including market analysis, key managers on key factors to succeed in trends, prospects, cluster mapping and The Japanese wine market is a good Japan. case studies. example of how a non-traditional alcoholic beverage can become a http://www.eu-japan.eu/sites/eu-japan.eu/ http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/ popular drink. The red wine boom files/brief_guide_importers_distributors_ publication/report-japanese-ict-clusters started at the end of 1997 and had a injapan.pdf significant surge in 2010. In general, the Mapping of EU R&D Centres in Japan alcoholic beverage market in Japan is Packaging for the food market in mature and very competitive. Hence, Japan This report gives an overview of EU EU companies who want to enter companies with R&D centres in Japan the market should have an attractive Importing and distributing food and and suggests several reasons for their product with a suitable marketing food packaging is highly regulated in establishment. It looks into different strategy. This report gives a brief Japan. Especially in retail, packaging is incentive programs for setting up overview of the alcoholic beverage an indispensable part of the product, a R&D Centre and provides several industry in Japan, looks into some not only for protection, but also to examples of already existing European regulation and legislation procedures provide advertising and information companies with R&D activities in and indicates various sales outlets and for the consumer. Hence, this report Japan. distribution channels. examines conditions for exporting food packaging to Japan, whether as http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/ http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/ part of a food shipment or for selling to publication/report-Mapping-of-EU-R-and- publication/report-alcoholic-beverage- food manufacturers in Japan. D-Centres-in-Japan market-in-japan http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/report- packaging-food-market-japan New reports are regularly released in concomitance with the experts’ webinars (see page 7). All reports are availabe online on:

 http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publications EU NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 10

EU COMMERCIAL COUNSELLORS’ TRIP TO HYOGO/KOBE The Trade and Economic Section of only because Kobe is one of the largest the Delegation of the cities in Japan, located in a very good to Japan organised a trip to Hyogo geographic position being a part of prefecture and Kobe City on 8th and the gigantic Kansai Metropolitan area 9th October, for an industrial tour, with along with Osaka and Kyoto, but also Commercial Counsellors at EU Member it provides a great opportunity for the States Embassies (participants include EU companies in the future, as shown 8 Member States; Belgium, France, by the important investment already , , , the Netherlands, made in the area. and ). The purpose was to get better knowledge of, During this two-day trip, the group and learn more about the business and met with a wide range of stakeholders, EU Counsellors assembling at investment environment through direct representing local administrations Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Kobe contacts with stakeholders in the regions, (METI Kansai Bureau, Hyogo and to raise awareness and to enhance Prefectural Government and Kobe City Discussions were animated especially the visibility of the European Union, as Government), local bodies engaged in on the advantages which Kobe/Hyogo well as its Member States in the region, investment and trade (JETRO Kobe, could offer to foreign companies, as with a view to further strengthening the Kobe Enterprise Promotion Bureau a region for investment, with a great cooperation and collaboration in various and Hyogo Economic Development talent pool of high-tech expertise and business sectors. Centre), as well as both Japanese excellent international human resources and European companies which are in various sectors. Following a success This was indeed the very first visit successfully conducting business of this trip, it is planned to organize of its kind to the region, and the (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Airbus another one to a region in the next year. destination of Hyogo Prefecture and Helicopters Japan, and Boehringer Kobe City was chosen carefully, not Ingelheim). Source: Delegation of the European Union to Japan

TRADE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (SIA) IN SUPPORT OF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE EU AND JAPAN REPORT On 20 November a meeting was organised to present and The consultants carrying it out were LSE Enterprise discuss the final report on “Trade Sustainability Impact (http://www.tsia-eujapantrade.com). The draft final Assessment (SIA) in support of negotiations between the report is available on: http://www.tsia-eujapantrade.com/ EU and Japan. uploads/4/0/4/6/40469485/japantsia_final.pdf

This report was commissioned and financed by the Source: The European Commission European Commission and launched in September 2014.  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/civilsoc/meetdetails.cfm?meet=11459

ETP PROGRAMME IN JAPAN TAPIO KALLONEN, Obelux Oy Tapio is the Head of Marketing and Sales After 11 months of linguistic and business training, 21 ETP for a Finnish firm that manufactures participants attended the graduation ceremony of the aviation obstacle lights. In 2014, the 30th cycle of ETP which took place in Tokyo on the 5th year prior to Tapio’s participation in of November. Here are two participants who explain their ETP, the Japan market constituted 1% experience being in the ETP programme in Japan. of his company’s sales. In 2015, Japan  http://www.euetp.eu is responsible for 20% of his company’s annual turnover. According to Tapio, this impressive result would never FELIX OSTEN, eZono Ag have been possible without ETP.

Felix works in the medical devices sector. Tapio had already been speaking to Japanese companies He is part of a small German company interested in buying his product for over 2 years before of 30 employees that is specialised joining the programme. However, the ETP experience in ultrasound products and services. has enabled Tapio to consolidate commercial relations Unlike most ETP participants, Felix spent in Japan to such an extent that Japan will be Obelux his ETP internship at two Japanese Oy’s biggest market globally. Japan’s high standards in companies. He reasoned that the first company provided the aviation sector make Tapio’s niche product especially him with important insights in to the business practices interesting to the Japanese. Tapio’s experience however is of a traditional Japanese company; the second internship that doing business in Japan can be rather time consuming allowed him to work with eZono’s key Japanese partner. as the Japanese are keen to know all possible details Felix is now preparing a €250 000 contract and it adamant about a given product. The very close attention to detail, that had not participated in ETP and without continued a typical characteristic of Japan’s business culture which presence in the country, it would have taken him at least can constitute an important barrier for small European a dozen trips to Japan and possibly longer than the ten companies, was overcome through Tapo’s participation in months duration of the ETP programme to get a foothold ETP. As such, Obelux Oy is now able to offer its cutting- in the Japanese market. edge technical solutions to Japanese buyers. JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 11

CONFERRAL OF THE GRAND CORDON OF THE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN UPON MR VAN ROMPUY On November 3rd 2015, the Japanese government This award not only recognises these political and economic announced the conferral of the Grand Cordon of the Order of accomplishments, but also his cultural accomplishments: the Rising Sun on Mr Herman Van Rompuy, former President A renowned haiku poetry enthusiast, Mr Van Rompuy of the European Council, in recognition of his achievements consistently used haiku on many occasions over the course in promoting relations and mutual understanding between of his distinguished career. In recognition of his services to Japan and Europe. Japanese culture, Mr Van Rompuy was recently appointed “Haiku Ambassador for Japan-EU Friendship” by the Over the course of his two terms as President of the European Japanese foreign ministry. Upon assuming this office, Mr Council, Mr Van Rompuy demonstrated an unwavering Van Rompuy pledged to do his part to enhance Japan-EU commitment to advancing the Japan-EU strategic and relations both as a haiku poet and as a friend of Japan. economic agendas. Through his active participation in many fruitful Japan-EU summit meetings as well as numerous Source: Mission of Japan to the European Union other meetings with Japanese and EU leaders, Mr Van Rompuy has played an indispensable role in lifting the Japan-EU relationship to a higher level.  http://www.eu.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000059.html JAPAN-EU FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING On November 4th, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Fumio Kishida met with his EU counterpart, Ms Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Minister Kishida and High Representative Mogherini discussed several mutually important topics over dinner, including; recent developments in East Asia, Syria, Iran and Ukraine; and the current status of Japan-EU relations. Source: Mission of Japan to the European Union

 http://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/ep/page1e_000060.html MISSION OF JAPAN: AUTUMN EVENTS The Mission of Japan to the EU participated in the following panel discussions and symposiums in Brussels throughout the autumn. The other new events will be updated: • Wednesday September 30th: • November 4-6: • Monday November 16th: “The EU and Japan: A New Chapter “Japan Week 2015” “18th Japan-EU Conference: in Civilian Power Cooperation?” Standards, Governance and the Rule During this biannual event organised of Law - Opportunities for EU-Japan During this seminar organised by the by the Kansai University Japan- Cooperation” European Institute for Asian Studies EU Research Center at KU Leuven, (EIAS), Ambassador Katakami gave an Ambassador Katakami delivered some Ambassador Katakami gave a opening address which was followed opening remarks in which he praised keynote speech at this event, which by a panel discussion on the EU and the success of this joint initiative was followed by a series of panel Japan’s contributions toward future between Kansai University and KU discussions on the current status of global governance. Leuven. Ambassador Katakami also Japan-EU cooperation across a wide took the opportunity to congratulate range of policy areas. This event • Tuesday October 20th: Mr Van Rompuy on his receipt of the was co-organised by the Mission of “The 6th Kobe University Brussels Grand Cordon of the Order of the Japan to the EU, the EU-Japan Centre European Centre Symposium” Rising Sun. for Industrial Cooperation and the European Institute for Asian Studies Ambassador Katakami gave an opening • Tuesday November 10th: (EIAS) and others. speech at this event organised by Kobe “The Asian Paradox– Rising wealth, University, during which he discussed lingering tensions” recent developments in Japanese science and technology policy, as well The Mission of Japan to the EU has More information on all of these events as the importance of continued Japan- supported the flagship seminarcan be found on the Mission’s website. EU cooperation in this field. organized by Friends of Europe. The Participants, including Mr. Ohara of Source: Mission of Japan to the European Union • Thursday October 22nd: The Tokyo Foundation, Ms Hara of http://www.eu.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ “Forum on Natural Disaster the University of Waterloo debated en/00_000044.html Resilience and Response in Asia” the paradox of rising living standards and economic growth contrasted with Ambassador Katakami delivered an unresolved tensions and territorial opening address during which he disputes in the Asia-Pacific region. discussed recent progress in Japanese disaster resilience and response policy. This event was organized by EIAS. JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 12

RMIT FOSTERS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE DEVELOPMENT IN JAPAN The Regenerative Medicine Industrialization Task Force (RMIT) was established in April, 2015 as a task force under the Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine (FIRM)*.

As many have already recognised, assistance to entities—both domestic medicine and cell therapy, e.g., Japan has established one of and overseas— keen to exploit the connecting clients with relevant FIRM the world’s most advanced legal regulatory advantage by developing member companies to encourage and regulatory environment for businesses in and around the fields of collaboration in resolving issues. The industrialisation of regenerative regenerative medicine and cell therapy services provided by the support medicine and cell therapy following in Japan. The service focuses on a team are principally free of charge, for the two progressive legislative wide spectrum of organisations, from the time being. We will be exhibiting measures enacted in autumn 2014. established mega pharmaceutical our activities at “Regenerative RMIT was founded to execute companies to emerging venture Medicine Japan 2016” that will be held business-oriented tasks to help businesses to thriving academic concurrently with BioJapan2016 in advance regenerative medicine and institutions helping to resolve various Yokohama, Japan. cell therapy industrialisation in Japan. bottlenecks that hinder prompt RMIT has launched a service providing industrialisation of regenerative

*FIRM is one of the largest and the most influential industrial associations in Japan, which is dedicated to industrialisation of regenerative medicine and cell therapy. Its ever expanding membership counts more than 170 companies currently.  http://firm.or.jp/en

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE JAPAN 2016 TO BE CONCURRENTLY HELD IN OCTOBER 2016 WITH BIOJAPAN! Dates: 12 - 14 October 2016 - Venue: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall B, C & D Organisers: Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine (FIRM), Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA), ICS Convention Design, Inc.

Since the introduction of laws and regulations regarding regenerative medicine in November, 2014, an increasing number of companies have entered the field of regenerative medicine, activating their commitments to research and practical applications.

However, many problems are still to be solved. With the In view of these situations, the organisers consider that it is support provided by the remarkable development of the time to launch full-fledged commitments to solving this technology, however, many research fields have reached issue and have decided to hold this event “Regenerative the stage of clinical application and the achievement of Medicine JAPAN”. positive results is highly expected. With the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or The event will be held not only to display the latest Medicine to Professor Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University research, results, products and technologies, but also to in 2012, global interests in and entry into the development disseminate the significance of “Regenerative Medicine” of regenerative medicine in Japan is growing. to the world through many international seminars and business negotiations using a unique matching system. Although the research and development market where Sectors targeted: regenerative medicine technology is advanced has been • Cell production /culture technology/products established some time ago, fewer products have been • Culture medium/reagents launched in Japan than in the US, Europe and South Korea. • Drug discovery This is another challenge requiring an immediate solution. • Analysis/System and Tools • Equipment, etc.

 http://saiseiexpo.jp/ JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 13

LYON SMART COMMUNITY PROJECT, A MODEL FRANCE-JAPAN COOPERATION FOR FUTURE SMART AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES

four pillars of the Lyon Smart Community (LSC) project that NEDO has been implementing in Lyon, France, in cooperation with the urban community of Greater Lyon and a large eco-system of French and Japanese partners since 2012. LSC is NEDO’s first Smart Community demonstration project in Europe and the largest one to be implemented out of Japan; in addition to HIKARI, it also integrates the deployment of a fleet of electric vehicles recharged by clean energies, an energy-use visualisation system for households, and a district-scale energy management system.

Hikari buildings The future developments of the project and its long-term The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development inclusion in the smart city policy of the Greater Lyon are Organisation (NEDO), Japan’s governmental organisation already assured, as September 2015 was also marked by responsible for promoting innovation and demonstration in the decision of the European Commission to fund the new energies, environmental and industrial technologies, has “Smarter Together” project that will partly build upon inaugurated in September 2015 “HIKARI”, a positive-energy LSC, in cooperation with the cities of Munich and Vienna. group of buildings that, thanks to the combination of an This recognition of LSC’s remarkable achievements also ambitious architectural engineering with various advanced highlights its value as a model path for an ambitious energy Japanese technologies in ICT and energy efficiency mainly transition at French, European and international levels. provided by the TOSHIBA group, will be able to produce Contact : [email protected] more energy than it consumes. HIKARI is one of the  http://www.nedo.go.jp/english EESC AND EUIJ KYUSHU CO-ORGANISED A SYMPOSIUM ON THE EU –JAPAN FTA/EPA A symposium on “The EU-Japan FTA/ The European participants, Differences in the range of roles EPA: Source for Growth and Jobs” representing the labour unions, lobby of “civil society” between Europe took place in Fukuoka, Japan on 29 groups and employers association, and Japan revealed through the September, 2015. It was the first explained each one’s institutional discussion: more institutionalised event that the European Economic approach and importance of and publicly recognised in Europe, and Social Committee (EESC) and democratic procedures, as well as the while advisory works on invitation by the EUIJ Kyushu organised jointly. The possible impacts of the FTA to each authority are more common in Japan. participants were Ms Batut, Mr Pater sector. The Japanese participants and Ms Päärendson from Europe with coming from media and an NGO The topic appealed to a wide the counter part of Mr Mimura and Mr working on the urban innovation variety of people in Fukuoka such as Okahashi from Japan. The discussants explored their expectation and academics, NPO workers, students exchanged views on the on-going EU- experiences regarding the roles of civil and the retired! Japan FTA negotiations with special society.  http://www.euij-kyushu.com focus on the role of civil society. WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY PARK 2016 – INTERNATIONAL DAY 25-27 MAY 2016, TOKYO, JAPAN Sector: wireless communications

Wireless Technology Park (WTP) is the biggest event, consisting of seminars and exhibition, focused on the latest research and development of wireless communications technology in Japan. The event, simultaneously held with Wireless Japan and Transport System Expo, attracts 45,000 visitors and more than 230 exhibitors in the field. After 10 years since its first exhibition, WTP sets off for the globalisation under the main theme of “World leading wireless technologies toward 2020.” The International Day on 26th May 2016, the second day of the event, will be a good opportunity for visitors from overseas to join the event and to seek for technology seeds and needs in Japan for their new businesses. On this day, explanations at the booths will be available in English. Moreover, “International Session” will be held in order for participants to present products/services related to the technologies such as; 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System), IoT & M2M, Wireless power transfer, Positioning, Wireless application for disaster prevention/reduction, etc. To meet the needs of the visitors from overseas, e.g., B2B, collaborative R&D, the organisers will exert their utmost efforts. For any inquiry, please contact: [email protected]  http://www.yrp.co.jp/en/event/files/WTP2016E_Flyerv2.pdf JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 14

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION SIGNED WITH NETHERLANDS ENTERPRISE AGENCY During the visit of Prime Minister of The Netherlands has also established Director of the Tokyo Organising the Netherlands Mark Rutte to Japan, a world-leading position in the field Committee of the Olympic and JETRO concluded a memorandum of agricultural technology such as for Paralympic Games. Prior to the of cooperation (MOC) with the plant factories. JETRO will collaborate seminar, JETRO also gave an Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) with RVO to hold seminars and introduction to 16 Dutch companies to enhance the partnership of the provide information focusing on this of the mission concerning the two parties toward further expansion field. advantages of the Japanese market of bilateral trade and investment On November 11, as the first event and JETRO’s support menu for inward between the Netherlands and Japan. conducted in accordance with the investment into Japan. On 10 November, with the presence MOC since its conclusion, JETRO In tandem with the seminar, JETRO of Prime Minister Rutte and Minister and the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo also co-hosted another seminar of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp, an hosted a seminar and business to introduce the investment MOC exchange ceremony was held matching event to help the mission environment of the Netherlands to at the residence of the Netherlands led by Prime Minister Rutte, who Japanese companies together with Ambassador to Japan. wishes to participate in projects the Netherlands Foreign Investment The Netherlands is one of the most related to the Tokyo Olympic and Agency, an organisation belonging prominent investor countries into Paralympic Games in 2020, explore to RVO, as well as the Bank of Tokyo- Japan. This MOC includes cooperation business opportunities with Japanese Mitsubishi UFJ. The seminar had in organizing seminars and business companies. In the seminar which approximately 140 entries mainly from missions to promote two-way attracted approximately 180 attendees Japanese companies interested in investment as well as in introducing from Dutch and Japanese firms, business with the Netherlands. the other party’s support menu speeches were made by Minister of Source: Japan External Trade Organization to companies of each party’s own Economic Affairs Kamp; Mayor of country. Amsterdam Eberhard van der Laan;  https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/jetro/ and Prof. Koji Murofushi, Sports topics/2015/1511_topics1.html MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION SIGNED WITH BUSINESS FRANCE Enhancing partnership toward countries from the perspective of in the company of PM Valls, to its investment exchange, third-country promoting France-Japan collaboration headquarters in Tokyo and provided cooperation and interaction between in Africa, where France has historically them with a brief introduction about regional industrial clusters maintained a strong presence in the the advantages of the Japanese business field, as well as collaboration market and JETRO’s support On October 5, during the visit in interaction of industrial clusters, programs related to investment into of French Prime Minister Manuel which will contribute to rejuvenation in Japan. Valls to Japan, JETRO concluded local regions of both countries. a memorandum of cooperation The MOC documents were exchanged With the conclusion of this MOC, (MOC) with Business France, a new between Chief Executive Officer JETRO will enhance support for organization created through the Muriel Pénicaud of Business France two-way business exchange between integration of the Invest in France and JETRO President Yasushi France and Japan, help strengthen Agency (AFII) and Ubifrance in Akahoshi in the presence of the Prime the industrial competitiveness of January this year, toward enhancing Ministers of both countries following Japan, including local regions, and partnership in promoting trade and their summit meeting. As the first contribute to the growth strategy of investment between France and joint project of the two organizations the Japanese Government. Japan. In addition to promotion of after concluding the MOC, JETRO Source: Japan External Trade Organization two-way direct investment, this MOC invited executives of approximately 40 also includes cooperation in third French companies, who visited Japan  https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/jetro/top- ics/2015/1510_topics1.html NANO TECH 2016 15TH ANNIVERSARY 27-29 January 2016, Yokohama, Japan Sector: nanotechnology

After a successful nano tech 2015, the event heads toward its 15th anniversary edition, nano tech in Japan is one of the worlds most established events for nanotechnologies and one that has proven its success in bringing new technology to the market.  http://www.nanotechexpo.jp EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 15

BIOTURKU® AND TEAM HEALTH IN JAPAN BioTurku – Finnish largest bio-cluster to attain new contacts with Japanese Even though BioJapan was a – organised a company delegation companies. The service markets for drug national event with much of the to Japan in co-operation and with development companies are opening program language in Japanese the the support of Team Finland Health. in Japan and this creates many new exhibition and partnering were clearly 14 Finnish companies attended a VIP opportunities for high level research international and gave a broad surface event with 60 Japanese decision and development service companies for Finnish companies to operate with. makers from bio-companies at the in Finland with long experience and Many delegates believe this could Finnish Embassy in Tokyo with the kind high quality. Finnair´s straight flights become a repeated good practice. help of Ambassador Manu Virtamo. The between Finland and Japan make  http://www.turkusciencepark.com companies included drug development, the distance shrink. Also here many diagnostics, genetic health companies new contacts were taken and even and clinical research organizations. preliminary agreements were signed. The event was warmly welcomed and in the casual atmosphere discussions During the week a delegate from were done to bring business and co- BioTurku® also attended the EU-Japan operations forward. Finland´s first Biotech Cluster and SME Mission clinical biobank Auria Biobank was (http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-business- presented to the audience. programmes/BIOTECH-Cluster-SME- Mission). “This mission was a good Additionally, the Finnish companies introduction to Japanese culture and attended the three day BioJapan 2015 bio-business. Now I can recommend event in Yokohama under a common the future Missions to all Finnish Team Finland Health booth. This event companies” replied Senior Adviser Delegates of Team Finland Health was a good opportunity for the Finns Tero Karhi from BioTurku®. companies at BioJapan exhibition booth

Delegates of EU-Japan Biotech Mission at the EU-Japan Centre in Tokyo

Japanese bio-company directors at Finnish embassy in Tokyo. In the front row from left Finpro Marko Salonen, Ambassador Manu Virtamo, BioTurku Director Tero Piispanen and Auria biobank professor Olli Carpen

DOING BUSINESS WITH JAPAN As part of the 50th Anniversary of A special delegation from Tokyo, Diplomatic Relations between headed by the Parliamentary Vice- and Japan, the Malta Chamber of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Miki Commerce, Enterprise and Industry in Yamada, addressed the forum while in collaboration with the Government of Malta for the celebrations marking 50 Malta hosted a forum entitled: “Doing years of diplomatic relations. The forum Business with Japan” on 20 November was also addressed by the President at Chambers’ Headquarters in Malta. of the Chamber, Mr Anton Borg, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta, The objective of the forum was to Hon. George W. Vella, the Minister During the event, the Malta Chamber inform Maltese businesses about for Economy, Investment and Small of Commerce also announced a the various opportunities of doing Businesses, Hon. Chris Cardona, and specialized committee to assist local business with Japan which included the Ambassador of Japan accredited to enterprises to tap into the Japanese presentations on the joint EU-Japan Malta, H.E. Mr Kazuyoshi Umemoto. market. This committee will meet on a funded programmes, the EU-Japan monthly basis and will also be a point FTA and its impact on Malta, the role of The event was met with a very good of contact of local enterprises with JETRO and Malta Enterprise and their turnout from various sectors which Japanese professionals and companies incentives. Of particular interest was included education, travel agencies, both in Malta and overseas. also the presentation of a success story manufacturing, automobile industry, of Konica Minolta in Malta. aquaculture, shipping and maritime Source: Malta Ministry for Foreign Affairs among others. EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 16

OSAKA AND MUNICH INTENSIFY THEIR PARTNERSHIP THE NEW AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO LIFE SCIENCES CLUSTERS SUPPORTS AND ACCELERATES BIOPHARMACEUTICAL COLLABORATIONS Within the biopharmaceutical sector, the two regions Osaka/Kansai (Japan) and Munich/Bavaria (Germany) complement each other very well. While Japan and Germany face the same social and health-related challenges through a rapidly aging population and a declining birth rate, industry and academia of the two regions have a great potential to tackle these challenges through biopharmaceutical innovation, when combining their outstanding competences.

The heart of Japan’s pharmaceutical market - the second largest in the world representing nearly 10% of the global pharma market - is located in the Kansai region with its cities Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. 150 research institutes and >300 life science companies are located From left to right: Franz Josef Pschierer, State Secretary of the there, the majority of them in Osaka and Kobe. The region Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Prof. Horst Domdey, BioM, has a lot of expertise to offer, e.g. in the fields of infectious Mayuko Nagano, Osaka Prefectural Government and Tamio Sugawara, Osaka Bio Headquarters diseases and oncology, building on the legacy of Osaka’s long pharma history.

Munich, on the other hand, is recognized for its vibrant Dr. Tadamitsu Kishimoto, President of Osaka Bio and innovative R&D industry, focusing on personalised Headquarters: “Knowledge transfer is very important, therapeutics and diagnostics. Most of the 200 Bavarian however, international collaborations are crucial for our biopharmaceutical companies are small and medium-sized regions’ success. We thus welcome the new agreement, enterprises, located in the Munich area. Overall, they have by which potential business partners will be brought even built up a clinical development pipeline of currently more closer together.” Prof. Horst Domdey, CEO of BioM adds: than 60 pharmaceutical compounds. “Considering the complex Japanese business culture, building up and maintaining personal contacts is essential. Over the last 3 years, the management organisations of We are delighted that by renewing our partnership the Osaka and Munich clusters have worked on increasing agreement, the Bavarian life science companies and the awareness in the partner region about ongoing R&D research groups obtain easier access to promising markets activities. On 2 November 2015, at BIO-Europe in Munich, and research collaborations.” a partnership agreement was signed to intensify the collaboration between Osaka Bio Headquarters and BioM  http://www.bio-m.de Biotech Cluster Development GmbH.

UK TRADE & INVESTMENT JAPANESE BUSINESS CULTURE MASTERCLASS Organised by UK Trade and Investment To create an authentic atmosphere, (UKTI) West Midlands, the half-day delegates learnt basic numbers, key masterclass introduced Japanese phrases of introduction and the names business etiquette to 15 delegates. of popular drinks and food items.

Emma Johnson, the trainer from Gerti Willis, Language & Culture Feedback from the delegates was very Enterprise Japan, shared her personal Adviser in the West Midlands, said positive and comments were made such experience of living and working that ‘although UKTI may be known as: “Thank you for a very informative in Japan. Attendees learnt what is for helping businesses to access new and energetic course”, “I have gained important in Japanese culture, such markets, an important part of our work a real understanding of culture and as trust and building long-term is teaching companies about language approach” and “A great course - could relationships. Much emphasis was given and etiquette, so they are fully prepared even have been a full day”. to learning about the psychology of for different cultures”. UKTI organised a Japanese business culture, etiquette Trade Mission to Japan in mid-November and their preferred communication and the aim of the masterclass was also style. to prepare for the visit.  http://www.ukti.gov.uk EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 17

JAPANESE DELEGATION HUNTING FOR NORDIC PACKAGING INNOVATIONS Louise Törnefalk Svanqvist showed Barrcoats biological barrier that can replace a large part of all oil- based barriers in food packages for dry foods with medium content of moisture. Their barrier is one hundred percent biodegradable and can be applied directly to the paper machine or afterwards. UMV Coating was also present with Per Emilsson. He said that they are, to their knowledge, the first in the world to succeed in coating a bio barrier without causing pores. The solution they reached is to coat in several thin A Japanese delegation of 15 people Daniel Carlsson from Cellcomb was layers. “Then we have time to dry visited the international packaging fair grateful to meet a whole delegation each layer enough. Furthermore it is in Gothenburg, on the 20-23 of businessmen and women at once. important that the barrier remains on October, hunting for exciting new His presentation of Cellcomb food the surface of the paper, rather than packaging innovations. Paper Province pad that can extend the shelf life being sucked into it”. business cluster arranged a half of chicken by up to 75% attracted day seminar together with Business interest. “This is very positive. The Last of the speakers was Urban Sweden, to showcase a few new and more people we get to tell about our Blomster from Södra, who showed promising products. products, the better. If I could make their new packaging material a wish, it would be to attend similar DuraPulp. A plastic-like material that “It is too early to say if this will lead to events with European clusters as well”, is 100% biodegradable, consisting of something concrete, but a few people said Daniel. 70-80% cellulose fibers and the rest of showed interest after my talk”, said the biopolymer PLA. “We have tested Daniel Carlsson from Cellcomb. Erik Lindberg from Innoscentia started different methods of production and his talk by saying that 2.2 million die concentrations, and it is possible First off, researcher and scientist Helen of food poisoning per year. Next he to create a material with different Williams gave a talk about her findings showed the audience a potential characteristics”, said Urban. Generally in regard to how packages affects the solution to the problem - a label that DuraPulp has high wet strength, amount of food waste in society. The changes color when bacterial growth bending strength and elasticity, but delegation learned that if you package reaches a certain level. “Measuring is free of dust and absorbs only milk in three decilitre packs instead of bacteria is better and safer than a little water. According to Urban one litre the material usage increases checking the cold chain, as the food Blomster the potential is great within by 50%. But the smaller packages will may be destroyed even before it is packaging, but it will be yet some time be profitable if the reduce the food cooled”, said Erik. Innoscentia’s label before we will see DuraPulp-packages waste by only 2,5%. will be in prototype stage within a on the market. year and they are looking for partners The trip to Sweden was organized by to help them run tests. the Japan Packaging Institute. Source: The Paper Province

SCIENCE OF FERMENTATION FORUM On 3-4 November, the Science of Fermentation Forum was organised in Dijon (France) by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the University of Burgundy, and Vitagora. During these two days, Vitagora’s Asian network was in the limelight. Presentations were made of academic competences in the field of fermentation by Vitagora’s partners from Kyushu, in particular from Sojo University.

For this occasion, a delegation from Kyushu, composed of KBCC (Kyushu Bio Cluster Conference), companies, and academia, came to Dijon to meet Vitagora’s members. Three partnership agreements have been signed: two with Vitagora’s SMEs Nexidia and Aromlayse, and one research and development partnership with the ENIL, the French national school for the dairy and cheese industry.

During this meeting, KBCC and Vitagora built a common action plan for 2016. This plan should enable the members of each cluster to strengthen their partnership. Japan indeed represents a relevant and interesting growth area for several Vitagora’s members.

 http://www.vitagora.com/fr/actualites/actualites-2015/forum-science-of-fermentation-an-authentic-innovation-since-ancient-times EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 18

JAPANESE STUDENTS PLAN EXPORT WITH FINNISH FIRMS

From left: the Japanese students and 3 companies: Lignell & Piispanen, Hurtta, Kuopio Town, that participated to the project The VIBE Program (Vision on companies who have decided to start All the export plans, built in International and Business-related exporting to Japanese market area. collaboration with students and firms, Education) focuses on exchanging Due to their new business ideas, the were presented on the 27 September students, professors, teachers, and firms needed more understanding in the University of Eastern Finland. working methods between four and knowledge of Japanese culture All the firms participated in the universities in Finland (University business environment. Even though presentations and provided feedback of Eastern Finland), Netherlands Japanese students were at the level and reviewed the group works. (Rotterdam University of Applied of undergraduate, they participated in  http://www.exchangevibe.nl Sciences) and Japan (Meiji University the group works with their graduate and J.F. Oberlin University) during level classmates. All groups involved 2014-2017. The program also aims at six students from at least three OECD WORKING helping business life by organising different countries. Japanese students export collaboration with students and shared their cultural understanding of PAPER ON JAPAN companies in each country. Japanese business life and society to their group members and participant The Economic Department of the This fall six Japanese students (three firms. All the information shared by OECD recently released a report titled from the University of Meiji and three them was highly appreciated by the “Enhancing Dynamism and Innovation from the J.F. Oberlin University) spent firms. During several discussions with in Japan’s Business Sector”. four months as exchange students the Japanese students, the companies in the University of Eastern Finland. received many ideas and advices for Innovation is key to boosting As a part of their studies, they their future business in the Japanese economic growth in the face of a built export plans with five Finnish market. rapidly ageing population. While Japan spends heavily on education and R&D, appropriate framework CAN ROBOTS SAVE THE WORLD ECONOMY? conditions are essential to increase the return on such investments by DISCUSSING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ROBOTICS THROUGH strengthening competition, both ACADEMIA, START-UPS AND INDUSTRY domestic and international, and improving resource allocation.

Upgrading corporate governance would encourage firms to maximise profits and invest their large cash reserves. To promote open innovation Held on the 30 November in Tokyo, and demonstrate their products. This in a global framework, it is necessary the Italy-Japan Workshop on Robotics year, the contents specifically focused to improve universities and expand is an initiative, sponsored by the on the impact of robotics on the world their role in business R&D, while Embassy of Italy in Japan, in which a economy. Nowadays, both Italy and increasing international collaboration specific theme related to robotics is Japan are facing increasing struggles in R&D from its current low level. discussed and analysed involving the as stagnation and even recession are Venture capital-backed firms and governments, universities, research afflicting both countries. Investments start-ups should play a key role centres, and industries of both in robotics through academia, in commercialising innovation. To countries. Italy-Japan Workshop has start-ups and finally industry are an make venture investment a growth been organised since 2001 by Waseda opportunity to revitalise the economy driver, it is important to expand the University, one of the most important and overcome the crisis. Robots can role of business angels and foster scientific partners for Italy, with the potentially be a solution to some of entrepreneurship. SMEs, which collaboration of Scuola Superiore the problems that are hindering both account for 70% of employment, Sant’Anna of Pisa. countries’ development in the near should contribute more to innovation. future, whereas the implications of the The full paper is available on the In this event, Italian and Japanese use of robots in the society and their OECD website. distinguished speakers shared their effect on employment have also to be http://www.oecd.org/officialdocu- experiences and their visions, while considered. ments/publicdisplaydocumentpd- a selected number of Japanese and f/?cote=ECO/WKP(2015)79&do- Italian companies were invited to show Contact: [email protected] cLanguage=En EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 19

JAPANESE CULTURE AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Junior Chamber Kuopio members Japanese students had interesting traveled to the JCI World Congress that and vivid discussions about cultural was held in Kanazawa, Japan during and business topics. The Japanese the 3-8 November 2015. To develop exchange students shared several their understanding of Japanese new perspectives about Japanese culture and business environment, the society and business in Japan during Kuopio JCI invited Japanese exchange the event. They also explained how students of the University at Eastern to contact local business people and Finland for a meeting in Koivumäki build business relationships in Japan. Manor in Kuopio. They specifically Moreover, JCI members presented their expected information about Japanese association for Japanese students. This business behaviors and business new collaboration can be called as a life, as well as differences between future oriented relationship building Finnish and Japanese societies. During between Japanese students and JCI the event, both JCI members and member network.  https://www.jci.cc/ SLOVAK INVESTMENT ROADSHOW IN JAPAN The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Tokyo and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) promoted in Japan by a series of seminars and activities between 12–16 October 2015.

The first seminar within the Slovak The information presented provided an It is necessary to emphasize in front Investment Roadshow in Japan took excellent ground for further discussion of the Japanese audience the doing place at the International House of Japan and allowed participants of the seminar business in Slovakia from legal in Tokyo on Tuesday 13 October 2015. to explore opportunities in merger and perspective and present the existing The official programme of the seminar acquisitions environment in Slovakia. opportunities in order to support the was opened by H.E. Michal Kottman, Slovak-Japanese business relations and Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Mr Robert Simoncic was honoured boost Japanese investments in Slovakia. Tokyo and Mr. Shinji Maruyama, Director, as a guest speaker at the seminar of International Division, JETRO Tokyo. the Japanese bank Mizuho organised During the Slovak Investment Roadshow Mr. Robert Simoncic, CEO of SARIO on Wednesday 14 October 2015 in in Japan 2015 SARIO and the Embassy of delivered the presentation Business Tokyo. The seminar was dedicated to the Slovak Republic in Tokyo organised Friendly Slovakia introducing the value the clients of Mizuho Bank to receive individual meetings with JETRO proposition for investors interested to valuable information on the investment Tokyo, with successfully established set up new factories or launch business climate in Central and Eastern Europe. Japanese companies in Slovakia and activities in Slovakia. The seminar The fourth investment seminar was held other Japanese companies currently was supported by the Japan External in Osaka on the premises of My Dome, registered with SARIO and seriously Trade Organization JETRO Tokyo and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and considering investing in Slovakia. Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on Thursday 15 October Industry. This joint effort of all organisers 2015. The audience was greeted by Japan is one of the most important allowed the seminar to become an H.E. Michal Kottman, Ambassador of economic partners of Slovakia from excellent platform for promoting Slovak the Slovak Republic in Tokyo who also Asia. Almost 50 Japanese companies investment environment, which was opened the seminar together with Mr. have invested in Slovakia and created attended by more than sixty participants. Tomohiro Imai, International Division, up to 10 thousand job positions in OCCI. Presentation on behalf of SARIO various sectors. The Slovak Investment The second investment promotion on the topic “Why to do business in Roadshow in Japan 2015 successfully activity was a roundtable on the M&A Slovakia” was delivered by Ms Timea promoted Slovakia in Japan according market in Slovakia taking place at the Balazova Hlohinec, Senior Consultant, to the acknowledgement of the premises of the Embassy of the Slovak SARIO. Japanese companies which have Republic in Tokyo on Wednesday 14 already discovered Slovakia and October 2015. The main presentation The ultimate goal of each investment most importantly the roadshow has of the M&A market in Slovakia was seminar was to place Slovakia on the map established new business leads for presented by Mr. Jozef Mathia, Partner, for potential Japanese investors, highlight Slovakia. EY Transaction Advisory Services. the reasons why to invest in the CEE and especially in the Slovakia Republic. Source: Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Tokyo EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 20

NIPPON EXPORT AWARD 2015-2016 The Nippon Export Award is a biennial award, given to the ways and new drugs to help patients getting most successful company exporting to Japan, importing into back to a normal life, and the fact that UCB Japan or distributing within Japan, Belgian-Luxembourg Japan has been working hard for more than products or services for the year 2015 - 2016. This year the 25 years to obtain its position as a leading Award will go to UCB JAPAN Co. Ltd., one of Belgium’s pharmaceutical company in Japan. The winner was made leading pharmaceutical companies active in Japan since public during the annual gala ball of the Belgian-Luxembourg 1988. The jury praised UCB Japan for its continuous focus Chamber of Commerce on 19 November at Conrad Hotel. on the patient and the involvement of all its employees in The Award Ceremony will be held at the Belgian Embassy in this patient-centered approach, its constant search for new Tokyo on Thursday 17 December 2015.

About the Nippon Export Award • Perseverance in the conquest of the About the BLCCJ market, adaptation of the products The Nippon Export Award, organised and services to the Japanese taste and Since 1978, the Belgian-Luxembourg for the first time in 2004, is an initiative standards Chamber of Commerce in Japan of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber • Originality of approach (marketing, (BLCCJ) is promoting, supporting and of Commerce in Japan (BLCCJ). Its distribution, environment protection, strengthening Belgian & Luxembourg aim is to support and promote the design, research, etc.) business in and with Japan. The business links between Japan and • The company’s spirit (marketing, BLCCJ assists both the Belgian & Belgium-Luxembourg. The Award merchandising, etc.) Luxembourg companies interested is open to any company exporting in doing business with Japan and the to Japan, importing into Japan or The Nippon Export Award is under the Japanese interested in doing business distributing within Japan, Belgian/ High Patronage of the Prime Minister with Belgium/Luxembourg. The BLCCJ Luxembourg products or services. of Belgium and the Prime Minister represents currently the interest of 120 of Luxembourg; and receives the members and is a founding and active The official selection criteria of the support of the Embassy of Belgium in member of the European Business Nippon Export Award are: Japan, the Embassy of Luxembourg Council in Japan (EBC). The BLCCJ is •The presence in the Japanese in Japan, the Luxembourg Chamber also the co-founder of the YES (Young market and the company’s significant of Commerce, Flanders Investment Executive Stay) program, a biennial achievement (either growth or size) in & Trade (FIT), Walloon Export and 1-week program which is aimed to trade with Japan Foreign Investment Agency (AWEX), support young Belgian/Luxembourg • Showing vision in new niche markets, Brussels Invest & Export (BI&E), and exporters. daring innovation to embark on new METI - Belgo-Luxembourg Market  http://www.blccj.or.jp opportunities Council (BLMC).

JECC ATTENDED AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EVENT IN TOKYO

Images copyright of Resorz On 27 October the representatives from the Japanese-Estonian Chamber of Commerce (JECC) attended an international business event (https://www.digima-japan.com/expo2015/) held at Akihabara UDX Gallery, Tokyo.

This event aimed at the Japanese Representing ’s small to medium a new production line or importing businesses for their outbound - sized businesses and encouraging goods from. JECC believes that the inbound and outsourcing needs. While the Japanese businesses to make the Japanese businesses and the decision the event covered the globe the large most of Estonia’s e-residency scheme makers should be informed at such an majority of booths were of Asian to establish their business presence event about the competitive labour businesses. The organiser shared a inside the EU the JECC reps spoke with and manufacturing costs of some the comment with us that to his impression various attendees and the organiser. EU member states and the already there is a substantial demand for JECC had the impression that the well-established industrial background. more participation by the European Japanese businesses who came to the Since the organiser - who is also an businesses and government agencies. event felt that they don’t know Europe international business planning / HR He also plans to hold the next event at well enough and the regional diversity company - does not have a point of a larger venue and invite businesses seems very difficult to deal with. contact in EU yet JECC can bridge of more diverse background including the EU side and the organiser for the various EU based firms looking for Also they believe - without a firm data to future events. Please feel free to get in Japanese partners. back the claim - that the EU is not cost touch with JECC: [email protected] effective and too pricey to establish  http://www.jecc.ee EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 21

NOMINATION OF HONORARY CONSUL OF POLAND IN KOBE Mr. Masahiko Suruga, the Director of Harima High School, has been appointed the Honorary Consul of Poland in Kobe. “I am delighted that Poland will gain the new Honorary Consul in Japan. It is even more significant now, on the eve of opening by LOT Polish Airlines the direct connection between Warsaw and Tokyo/Narita in January 2016” said Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Japan Cyryl Kozaczewski, during the ceremony of nominating the Honorary Consul of Poland in Kobe, which took place on November 5, in the Embassy of Poland in Tokyo.

Mr. Masahiko Suruga is a director of Harima High School in Hyogo prefecture, cooperating with Nazareth Middle and High School in Warsaw since 2011. Mr. Suruga supported the project under the honorary patronage of Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs “Solidarity Bridge – Polish vacation for Japanese children“, after the earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku in March 2011.

During the nomination ceremony, Ambassador Cyryl Kozaczewski handed to Mr. Masahiko Suruga the consular commission and exequatur. “I am honored, but at the same time I feel an enormous responsibility. I promise to do all I can in order to further develop the Polish-Japanese relations” stated Honorary Consul Suruga. New Honorary Consul’s priority will be encouraging the youth cooperation and students exchange. For this reason, the Polish language courses will start from April 2016 at Harima High School. The courses will be run by Polish students of Japanology at Warsaw University and Jagiellonian University in Krakow. The idea of this initiative is to promote the students exchange under the programme “Work and Travel”. Consul Suruga is willing to create the system of scholarships for Polish students, providing them the possibility to work in Japan as Polish and English language teachers. “I hope that the first Polish students will come to Japan in the next year” said Mr. Suruga. Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, the Chairman of the Japan-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Association in the House of Councillors raised a toast to the success of Honorary Consul’s mission and the prosperity of both countries.

http://www.tokio.msz.gov.pl/en/news/mr__masahiko_suruga__the_director_of_harima_high_school___has_been_appointed_ the_honorary_consul_of_poland_in_kobe

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN The International Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ICC Japan) organised a seminar on “Effective Management of Arbitration: A guide for in-house counsel and other party representatives”.

This event was designed to address the concerns of in-house and party representatives in the resolution of disputes and provides an overview of the “Guide for In-House Counsel and Other Representatives on Effective Management of Arbitration” published by the ICC Commission on Arbitration and officially launched in Paris on 6 June 2014http://www. ( iccwbo.org/News/Articles/2014/ICC-Commission-on-Arbitration- ADR-launches-Guide-on-Effective-Management-of-Arbitration). Participants were also offered a unique insight into the The International Court of Arbitration of the International latest developments in international arbitration. The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, the International Chamber of event followed a similar event that took place in Brussels Commerce in Belgium and the International Chamber of on 30 September 2014, and was attended by more than Commerce in Japan are, as demonstrated by the publication 70 professionals. Not only the audience and the speakers of the Guide and the organisation of these events, key could share knowledge and experience on arbitration, but players for the discussion and the dissemination of improved the diversity of the angles of views of the stakeholders has practices in arbitration, closer to the expectations of the proven that such meetings are challenging and vital for the business and with the aim of excellence in arbitral awards. future of arbitration.

http://www.iccwbo.org/Training-and-Events/All-events/Events/2015/Effective-Management-of-Arbitra- tion-A-guide-for-in-house-counsel-and-other-party-representatives EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 22

SUNJET II AT AERODAY2015 SUNJET II, an initiative aiming at establishing a sustainable network for Japan-Europe aerospace research and technology cooperation, was present at the “7th European Aeronautics Days” held on 20-23 October 2015 in London, UK. SUNJET II hosted its own stand where representatives from both the EU and the Japanese delegation were present and available for short B2B meetings to discuss about the possibilities for cooperation and how one can be part of this initiative. Additionally, SUNJET II was represented in parallel session 3H of the second day “International Cooperation in Aeronautics Research”.

The Conference, attended by more than 1000 delegates, 280 key speakers and 90 exhibitors, was a positive enabler for industry, governments, the European Commission, research institutions, academia and many others, to come together, interact and present strategic perspectives and achievements in aviation research and innovation.

SUNJET II will also be present at the ILA-Berlin Airshow in June 2016 at the Berlin ExpoCenter airport. Updated information will be posted on the SUNJET II website.  http://sunjet-project.eu

CLUSTERS OF COMPETITIVENESS, A DRIVER FOR INNOVATION AND INTERNATIONALISATION

Within the European framework for the period 2007 – 2013 initiatives of collective efficiency fostering dynamics of entrepreneurial actors and innovation support entities, with impact in the creation and development of networks and value chains and gains in terms of innovation, knowledge transfer and capacity of approach towards external markets act as drivers towards more competitiveness and jobs.

The Portuguese Government has Habitat Cluster have already and it is The recognition of the clusters of launched a new cycle of public expected to continue, a remarkable competitiveness must, in this way, policy supporting the activity cooperation with Japanese promote the mobilisation of the of entrepreneurial clustering, organisations, in several fields of economic actors for the collaborative instrumental in fulfilling the products and services. sharing of knowledge, centered strategic goals of the thematic in actions of collective efficiency priority “Competitiveness and Involving 2500 actors, of which 1800 in the domains of innovation and Internationalization” of the “ are companies including 1500 SMEs, internationalisation, said Miguel Cruz, 2020” program. The undergoing 280 Research Centers and other President of IAPMEI. The clusters process for the recognition of public or private Technology transfer are of utmost importance for the competitiveness clusters, coordinated entities, 120 Enterprise Associations Portuguese Economy, allowing by IAPMEI involves several and other entrepreneurial actors from for additional strategic reflection, stakeholders, and is relevant for the public and private sector want improving cooperation capabilities, the reinforcement of the role of the to take advantage of the knowledge networking effects, and improving clusters in the economy with a wider partnerships, of the technological cross-fertilisation conditions, and participation of companies, namely development, of the innovation and thus improving Innovation potential. SMEs, through IAPMEI, the Agency for experience in the global market in a Clusters are also important for the Competitiveness and Innovation. logic of cooperation among partners. implementation of RIS 3 in Portugal In response to this initiative, 25 and across Europe, and can impact on Clusters of Competitiveness have international networks, added Miguel been identified in areas as diverse as Cruz. the Sea, Sustainable Construction, Fashion, Mobility, Health, Natural IAPMEI’s main goal, within this Resources, Creative Industries, initiative, is to increase the network Information and Communication of relationships in the supplying Technologies, Agrofood, Product and chains involving the primary sector Process Technologies. (mining extraction, agriculture, etc.), the production of intermediate and Some of these clusters, like Health final goods and their respective Cluster Portugal, Portuguese distribution, and the services and Agrofood Cluster, Portugal Mining Miguel Cruz, President of IAPMEI distribution sectors. Resources Cluster, Footwear and Fashion Cluster Sustainable and  http://www.iapmei.pt IN BRIEF EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 23

YOUNG EXECUTIVE PORT OF ZEEBRUGGE The Issey Miyake boutique is located in the Eiermarkt street, which is part STAY (YES) PROGRAM X IN FLANDERS IS RIDING of Antwerp’s main fashion district. The THE AUTOMOTIVE WAVE outlet will offer all lines of the Issey COMMERCIAL EXPORT Miyake brand. As an internationally MISSION TO JAPAN: Last June, the Port of Zeebrugge renowned designer, Issey Miyake is OCTOBER 2016 achieved a major milestone when noted for his idiosyncratic clothing The Young Executive Stay (YES) the one millionth vehicle of 2015 collections for men and women, ever Program is a commercial export passed through the port towards the since 1971. project under the auspices of His Motor Europe terminal. The http://www.investinflanders.com Majesty King Philippe. It aims to train current growth in the automotive young executives from Belgium and sector is paving the way for several Luxembourg in successful Japanese new investments. In 2014, the Port of COPENHAGEN business practices, at reasonable Zeebrugge handled 2.2 million new BIOSCIENCE costs, and in a short amount of time. vehicles: the best result in years. And For this purpose, in 2016, the Belgian- expectations for 2015 are building CONFERENCES Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce fast, especially since the port already in Japan (BLCCJ), the Belgium-Japan handled one million vehicles in the first Association & Chamber of Commerce half of the year. In Zeebrugge, cars are in Belgium (BJA) and the Chambre not simply loaded or unloaded. The de Commerce de Luxembourg vehicles are also adapted to the needs will organise a one-week training of the local markets. All these technical programme in Japan, beginning with and value-adding processes are carried two briefing sessions in Belgium. out reliably by the port — and by The training in Japan will start with a Flanders as a whole — through various panel discussion with businesspeople state-of-the-art logistics centers. in Japan, followed by introducing each participant to potential customers Booming automotive sector in Flanders Organized by Novo Nordisk and/or business partners in her/his Foundation the Copenhagen business area. In addition to Toyota (Japan), Bioscience Conferences bring the automotive terminals of ICO together world-leading researchers and young talents to discuss the latest Application deadline is 30 March, 2016 (Belgium), WWL (Norway) and C.Ro (Luxembourg) are generating scientific results and hottest topics http://www.bja.be/services_yes.php great results in Flanders as well. within biomedicine and biotechnology. Furthermore, International Car Operators Zeebrugge recently • conferences offer top-level debate AIR LIQUIDE BUILDS managed to attract 110,000 Peugeots and knowledge sharing in a unique FIRST BELGIAN from France for the British market and setting, 30,000 Hondas from Mexico for the • speakers and participants of all HYDROGEN STATION European market. Just one example career levels are selected for their of how the transport of new cars can scientific accomplishments and French chemical company Air Liquide provide a boost to the region. motivation to participate actively in 4 is building the first public hydrogen days of intense interaction, filling station on the production Investments in the inner port • registration fee and accommodation site of Toyota (Japan) in Zaventem covered by the Novo Nordisk (Flanders). The Japanese automotive In light of the growing numbers Foundation for all admitted company will launch its first hydrogen of cars passing through the Port participants. car, the Mirai, in Belgium next year. of Zeebrugge, the Port Authority has announced the construction The upcoming conference “The Stem The Toyota Mirai is already sold of additional infrastructure in the Cell Niche” theme is the concept of in Japan and three European Southern Canal Dock. The main goal the “niche”, in the broadest possible countries. With the construction is to bring more areas of the inner sense of the word, encompassing all the hydrogen filling station, Toyota port into use, specifically for the sources of inputs stem and progenitor and Air Liquide started building the automotive sector. cells receive from their environment necessary refueling infrastructure for a http://www.investinflanders.com to expand or differentiate. This topic nationwide launch in Belgium. is both important and timely in light The project is expected to be finished ST of the need for improved therapies by mid-2016. The Toyota Mirai’s ISSEY MIYAKE OPENS 1 against devastating diseases, such as driving range is comparable to that BOUTIQUE IN FLANDERS diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative of a conventional car, can be refueled and cardiovascular disorders. in less than five minutes and doesn’t Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake emit harmful substances. The car will recently opened its first store in Application is open now with a be presented in January at the Motor Belgium, more specifically in Flanders. deadline in January 2016. Show in Brussels. Following cities like Tokyo, Osaka,

http://www.cph-bioscience.com/ http://www.investinflanders.com Paris, New York and London, the prestigious brand opened an outlet in conferences/stem-cell-niche- Flanders’ fashion capital Antwerp. development-disease THE NETWORK EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 24

WELCOME TO EUROPE! COMPOSITE MATERIALS B2B MISSION FOR JAPANESE COMPANIES 4–6 NOVEMBER 2015, NANTES, FRANCE A delegation of Japanese business The French region Pays de la Loire people and experts visited the French is a home of advanced production Pays de la Loire region, home of technologies (e.g. for aircrafts, ships the industrial cluster “Jules Verne and vehicles). The region provides a Manufacturing Valley”, to take part unique ecosystem with R&D centres, in a 3-day B2B mission organised research facilities and outsourcers, all by the Pôle EMC2 and the CCI Pays seeking to develop lighter structures, de la Loire at “Composites Meetings automated industrial systems and 2015” (http://www.abe-industry.com/ technology for future. In 2014, the composites-meetings/index.php/en). The region’s cluster organisation, EMC2, Composites Meetings is a professional and its research hub, IRT Jules business convention dedicated to Vernes, established a cooperation On the 3rd day of the mission, the delegation visited Nantes’ Technocampus composites materials and it featured agreement with three Japanese as well as a local company, Loiretech Japan as the country of honour this partners: National Composites Center France, specialised in design and year. The Japanese delegation was in Nagoya; Innovative Composites manufacture tooling for large and led by Prof. Kiyoshi Uzawa, Director Center in Kanazawa; and Composite complex thermoplastic and composite of the Innovative Composite materials Materials Center in Gifu. Japan’s parts. research & development Center strong technological potential and established at Kanazawa Institute of outstanding skills and competences, for Technology in 2013. example, in carbon fibers composite materials make it a valuable partner for the French composite materials sector. This French-Japan partnership aims at developing further cooperation in the form of B2B match-making events, personnel exchanges, joint research and technological partnerships.

• Pôle EMC2  http://www.pole-emc2.com • CCI Pays de la Loire  http://www.paysdelaloire.cci.fr • IRT Jules Verne  http://www.irt-jules-verne.fr TECHNOLOGY CENTRE ASCR AT NANO TECH JAPAN 2016 Technology Centre ASCR, the coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network in the (http://www.een.cz) will exhibit at the Nanotech 2016 in Tokyo at Big Sight fair grounds.

Every year there are numerous interesting composite material that has strong technologies presented especially from shielding effects for alfa, beta, gama and the field of nanotechnologies from the neutron radiation. Shielding could be Czech innovative companies that obtain made on customers demand in a wide a space for their presentation at the range of intervals according to the usage common stand. For the first time the of the container. These containers are company Coming Plus, a.s. (http://www. used for a modular assembling of storage coming.cz) will be among these companies of low-active and medium- active nuclear Different shapes and proportions could in spite of the fact that it has 30 years of waste or for transport of radioactive be made on demand. Lifetime based on experience in composite development. waste. There are lots of comparative extrapolation of speedily testing is 500 The company is focused on concentrated advantages of these containers as years, guarantee given by the company is on advanced technologies and new absolute corrosion resistance, easy 50 years. Containers have coefficient of systems used in the building sector and washability and decontamination, high frost resistance T150:0,99-1 which means nuclear waste deposition. All current pressure strength (>80MPa), high tensile permanent resistance from freezing and activities and latest developments of the strength (>30MPa) and high bending melting and is also permanently resistant company are rising from its own research strength (>45MPa) and also high impact to acid rains, oil products, acids and alkali, and latest patents at leading Czech and strength. atmospheric influence. Containers could foreign research institutes. The biggest be easily stacked and transported. Beside attention is dedicated to composite The technology is very suitable for these containers the company introduces materials and its application. storage of radioactive sediments, mud products for building engineering and and ionexes from nuclear power plants also special urns for human ash storage The most interesting product for and radioactive waste in interior or and splitting. Japanese market is the COMCON® LLW/ exterior conditions. ILW container from a special designed  http://www.tc.cz THE NETWORK EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 25

EU-JAPAN BUSINESS COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES JAPANESE COMPANIES LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN THE EU 

REQUEST FOR SUPPLIER REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR Sector: other Sector: machinery, food Japanese company is seeking suppliers of Japanese food machinery, sausage cutters white feathers for the production of and automatic skewers, offered to EU traditional lucky charms distributors or agents Profile ID: BRJP20151119001 Profile ID: BOJP20150210001

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFERED Sector: metalworking Japanese manufacturer offering their micro processing technology to EU manufacturers and research institutions Profile ID: TOJP20151110002

MANUFACTURING SERVICES OFFERED TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFERED Sector: manufacturing Sector: metalworking Japanese company producing micro-parts Japanese specialist in micro-fabrication, offering manufacturing services micro-hole perforation, small diameter-hole Profile ID: BOJP20151029001 machining method, offering its technology Profile ID: TOJP20141015001

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFERED Sector: industrial equipment Japanese company is offering technology for autonomous decentralized bearing Profile ID: TOJP20141031001

MANUFACTURING SERVICES OFFERED MANUFACTURING SERVICES OFFERED Sector: manufacturing Sector: medical & healthcare Japanese manufacturer of titanium Japanese Original Equipment Manufacturer products offering services to EU medical of medical heating pads offering its equipment manufacturers services to EU companies Profile ID: BOJP20151030001 Profile ID: BOJP20141117001

REQUEST FOR AGENTS Sector: microelectronics A Japanese electronic components manufacturer is looking for commercial agents for their miniaturized products: potentiometer, joystick and slip ring Profile ID: BOJP20151120001

REQUEST FOR SERVICES SERVICES OFFERED REQUEST FOR AGENTS Sector: consulting, automtive Sector: services, IPR Sector: glass Japanese research institute seeking Japanese consulting firm offering services Japanese glass substrates for optical parts consulting company with information for business development and technology, offered to commercial agents in Europe network in the EU automotive industry and IP transfers between the EU and Japan Profile ID: BOJP20151002001 Profile ID: BRJP20141117001 Profile ID: BOJP20141208001 THE NETWORK EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 26

EU-JAPAN BUSINESS COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES JAPANESE COMPANIES LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN THE EU 

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR Sector: medical & healthcare Sector: medical & healthcare Japanese manufacturer offering plastic A Japanese manufacturer offers foldable needles and low-capacity syringes to EU medical carts and is seeking a distribution agents or distributors partner in the EU Profile ID: BOJP20150930001 Profile ID: BOJP20141027001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS Sector: medical & healthcare Japanese manufacturer offering home respiratory devices to EU distributors Profile ID: BOJP20151109001

EU COMPANIES LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN JAPAN  http://een-japan.eu/opportunities

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS Sector: fashion Sector: luxury goods Dutch fashion brand of natural wool products is looking French producer of perfumes seeks distributors or for distributors or agents in Japan commercial agents Profile ID: BONL20150709003 Profile ID: BOFR20151113001 REQUEST FOR SALES AGENT REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL COLLABORATION Sector: software, ICT Sector: ICT German software company looking for sales and German IT company specialized in high efficient service partners for reusable software tool for data hybrid search on distributed data sources is looking for migration technical expert Profile ID: BODE20150903003 Profile ID: TODE20150811002 REQUEST FOR PARTNER REQUEST FOR INVESTORS Sector: ICT Sector: other A French non-profit non-governmental organization is Portuguese start-up platform for social responsibility interested in joining a consortium for a Horizon 2020 knowledge is seeking social innovation players project dealing with ICT for elderly people Profile ID: BOPT20150813001 Profile ID: NoID-003 REQUEST FOR PARTNER REQUEST FOR PARTNER Sector: robotic Sector: beverages French company specialised in robotics is looking for UK importing and exporting business is looking for commercial agents and distributors distributors of alcoholic beverages Profile ID: BOFR20150805003 Profile ID: BOUK20150812004 REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR REQUEST FOR COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT Sector: food Sector: ICT Italian canned fish producer is looking for distributors and Greek company providing smart city outdoor lighting importers solutions looking for commercial agreement Profile ID: NoID004 Profile ID: TOGR20151106002

MATCHMAKING AT THE MACHTECH & INNOTECH MATCHMAKING AT THE ESEF 2016 7 APRIL 2015, SOFIA, 15-18 MARCH 2016, UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS Sector: multisectoral Sector: engineering Registration deadline: 21 March 2016 The Bulgarian Industrial Association is organising a The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce is organising a brokerage event during the international exhibitions matchmaking event during the European Subcontracting MachTech & InnoTech 2016 (http://machtech.bg/en) and and Engineering Fair 2016 (http://www.esef.nl) and is the Bulcontrola 2016 (http://bulcontrola.com/en/bulcontrola). The largest and most important exhibition in the Benelux in the event will give an opportunity to forge new partnerships field of supply, subcontracting and engineering. Original for research projects, technology transfer and business Equipment Manufacturers, product developers and buyers collaborations and/or participation in projects funded by will be able to find inspiration in the latest developments, European programmes. meet (new) business contacts and share knowledge.  http://www.b2match.eu/imm2016  http://www.een-matchmaking.com/esef2016 CALENDAR EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2015 I 4 VOL 13 I PAGE 27

DATE/LOCATION DETAILS CONTACTS

Japanese-German Business Association SEMINAR 25 January 2016 http://www.djw.de/veranstaltungen/ Berlin, Germany DJW “Asa no Kai” veranstaltungen-details/article/djw-asa- Speaker: Makoto Takeda, Managing Director, bistream UG no-kai-djwwith-makoto-takeda-mana- ging-director-bistream-berlin-2501.html

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME 25-29 January 2016 http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-bu- Tokyo, Japan Sectoral Mission: Nanotech Cluster & SMEs Mission siness-programmes/Nanotech-Japan- Cluster-and-SME-Mission UKTI 29 January 2016 WORKSHOP Tokyo, Japan https://events.ukti.gov.uk/event/ukti-bu- UKTI Business Japanese for Beginners siness-japanese-for-beginners-6/

17-18 February 2016 EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Skarbimierz Osiedle, LEAN in Europe - Visit to Mondelēz International http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-business-pro- Poland Application deadline: 17 January 2016 grammes/Lean-in-Europe Japanese-German Business Association SEMINAR http://www.djw.de/veranstaltungen/ 22 February 2016 DJW “Asa no Kai” Munich, Germany veranstaltungen-details/article/djw-asa- Speaker: Kazuyuki Marukawa, Senior Executive Vice no-kai-djwwith-kazuyuki-marukawa-se- President, CS Energy Materials Ltd. nior-executive-vice-president-cs-e.html

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 9-10 March 2016 Dublin, Ireland LEAN in Europe - Visit to Rottapharm, Meda http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-business-pro- Application deadline: 7 February 2016 grammes/Lean-in-Europe

Japanese-German Business Association SEMINAR 18 March 2016 http://www.djw.de/veranstaltungen/ Hamburg, Germany DJW “Asa no Kai” veranstaltungen-details/article/djw-asa- Speaker: Mathias Kraas, Director R&D, Olympus Surgical no-kai-djwwith-dr-mathias-kraas-direc- tor-rd-olympus-surgical-technolog.html

Business France MEETINGS 18-22 April 2016 http://export.businessfrance.fr/ja- Tokyo, Japan French Energy Week pon/001PRG-24214+japon-rencontres-ache- teurs-french-energy-week-.html

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 9 May - 3 June 2016 Training Mission: HRTP 52 Human Ressources Training Tokyo, Japan http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-bu- Programme - Japan Industry Insight siness-programmes/HRTP Application deadline: 25 February 2016

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 27 June - 1 July 2016 Tokyo, Japan Training Mission: WCM - World Class Manufacturing http://www.eu-japan.eu/detail-bu- Application deadline: 24 March 2016 siness-programmes/WCM

ANY EU-JAPAN-RELATED NEWS?

Feel free to contact us if you would like your EU-Japan-related news/ is a joint venture co-financed by the event to be announced in our forthcoming newsletter and/or on our European Commission and the Japanese website: [email protected] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry HEAD OFFICE IN JAPAN OFFICE IN THE EU (METI). Its aim is to foster the development of industrial cooperation between Shirokane-Takanawa Station bldg 4F Rue Marie de Bourgogne 52 companies from both regions through 1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku B-1000 Brussels, Belgium training programmes for businesspeople, Tokyo 108-0072, Japan T +32 2 282 00 40 for EU and Japanese students and T +81 3 6408 0281 F +32 2 282 00 45 researchers, and through information F +81 3 6408 0283 [email protected] services and an industrial dialogue.

This quaterly newsletter is produced by the EU-based office of the EU-Japan Centre, www.eu-japan.eu and is primarily intended to provide EU/ The European Office of the EU-Japan Centre alone is responsible for the information contained in its communica- Japan-related news. tions or publications. Neither the European Commission nor the Government of Japan is responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. Editor: J. Michelson