EU-JAPAN NEWSDECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17

EU-JAPAN BUSINESSCOLLABORATIONSIN THIRD MARKETSConnectivity is a megatrend of the 21st century. Rapidly
growing interdependence between countries provides
unprecedented opportunities for the well-being, safety
and resilience of countries and societies.

Against this background, the EU and Japan have built strong ties
between them with the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)1and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA)2.
With the Connectivity agreement, signed by PM Abe and President
Juncker in Brussels on 27 September 2019, they are also strengthening what the EU and Japan can do together on the global scene toensure synergies and complementarity between their respective
cooperation with partner third countries.
In this context, the industrial dimension of connectivity is important, in particular the EU-Japan business collaboration in third markets, e.g. in South East Asia, Africa. The impetus for Japanese andEuropean businesses to expand operations overseas continues tostrengthen. This internationalisation is nothing new. But there is a
growing trend of joint ventures or other types of collaborations between European and Japanese companies in third markets, which
rely on a combination of complementary technologies, with local
know-how and connections. The co-financing agreements between European and Japanese financial institution, e.g. European
Investment Bank (EIB), Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA), Japan Bank for International cooperation (JBIC) and Nippon
Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) will be instrumental.

The conference that the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
has organised in Tokyo on 3 December3 aimed at understanding
better this trend of EU-Japan business collaboration in third markets,
notably (i) its magnitude: for example, 69% of German companies
active in Japan are involved in projects with Japanese companies
outside Japan, (ii) its drivers and rationale, e.g. improve the competitiveness and performance of “allied” firms, strategy to attaineconomies of scale, share R&D cost, sharing market intelligence,building together value added, better manage global value chain,(iii) its geographical focus e.g. specific targeted regions of the world,(iv) specific industrial sector or size of business partners, and (v) thetype of business collaboration, e.g. joint venture, alliance, cooperation network. EU-Japan business collaboration in third markets was
also examined from the third country point of view via the participation of more than 30 EU chambers of commerce and industry in theworld – EBOWWN (https://www.ebowwn.com), notably its impact
on the local business environment, policies, norms and standards,
environment protection, circular economy, innovation, educationand training, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The EU-Japan Centre aims at maximising the benefits of such business partnership, be it between large companies or SMEs, as it may
represent an opportunity of equal or perhaps even more promising importance than the bilateral business cooperation between Europe
and Japan.
Philippe de Taxis du Poët,General Manager (EU-side, DG GROW), EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, and Minister Counsellor, Delegation of the European Union to Japan[ 1 ] https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/eu-japan-economic-partnership-agreement[ 2 ] https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan_en/57491/EU-Japan%20Strategic%20Partnership%20Agreement%20(SPA)[ 3 ] https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/eu-japan-business-collaborations-third-markets

The EU-Japan Centre’s team wishes you a

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020!

CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 2

A NEW PLATFORM DEDICATED TO THE COOPERATIONBETWEEN EUROPEAN REGIONS & CLUSTERS AND JAPANESE PREFECTURES & CLUSTERS
The EU-Japan Regional Cooperation Helpdesk launched this autumn by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation(a joint initiative of the European Commission DG GROW and the Japanese Government under METI) is a new regional
cooperation platform mobilising European regions and clusters, Japanese Prefectures and clusters, that fully exploits
the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the EU-Japan Partnership on Sustainable Connectivity,
signed by Prime Minister Abe and President Juncker in Brussels on 27 September 2019.

Presentation of the EJRC Helpdesk to a panel of 400 participants during the International workshop organised in Sendai on Future Linear Colliders.

The EJRC Helpdesk will promote cooperation in terms ofindustry, trade, investment, innovation, tourism and people's mobility. Such cooperation will be bilateral between
European and Japanese stakeholders, but it may also include
the EU and Japan jointly operating vis-à-vis third countries,
e.g. in Africa, South East Asia, EU's neighbouring countries,
Latin America.

The helpdesk will give you the opportunity to highlight andshare your best practices with Europe and Japan, and to connect you with the EU and Japan initiatives, which facilitate
regional and business cooperation such as European Cluster
Collaboration Platform, JETRO Regional Industry Tie-up,
Enterprise Europe Network, Horizon 2020, and European
Regional Networks.

The EJRC Helpdesk will provide appropriate information (existing tools, funding, instruments) and will support regions,prefectures and clusters for finding European and Japanese
partners to establish new cooperation and reinforcing theexisting ones.

The three offices of the EU-Japan Regional Cooperation
Helpdesk are located in Strasbourg (Grand-Est Region, France– EU Office) and in the Gifu and Iwate Prefectures (Japan
offices).

You can follow the activities of the EJRC Helpdesk on twitter @EJRCHelpdesk and the website (soon online at www.ejrc-helpdesk.eu). Contact : ejrc@eu-japan.eu

SAVE THE DATE!
The first EU-Japan regional and cluster cooperation conference organised by the EU-Japan Regional Cooperation
Helpdesk and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), with the support of the EU-Japan Centre forIndustrial Cooperation and the European Commission DG GROW and DG REGIO, will take place in Strasbourg (France)
on 27-29 April 2020.

During this 3-days event, the helpdesk with the ECCP will organise pitches and matchmaking between European regions,Japanese Prefectures and EU-Japan clusters. In addition, the conference will include an important dimension in line with the
EU-Japan Connectivity Partnership by enabling EU and Japan regions, clusters and Prefectures to collaborate vis-à-vis theircounterparts in third countries, e.g. in Africa and South East Asia.
The event organisers invite all regions and clusters (and network of clusters, and network of regions) in Europe and all
Prefectures and clusters in Japan to contact the EJRC Helpdesk (Dr Virginie Fermaud ejrc@eu-japan.eu) to join the first conference of April 2020 in Strasbourg.
For the matchmaking sessions and the site visits, relevant contact details will be provided shortly on the ECCP website: https://www.clustercollaboration.eu

CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 3

EUROPEAN INNOVATION
DAY 2019
This event was organised by the EU-Japan Centre
for Industrial Cooperation, the S&T Section of the
EU Delegation, Euraxess Japan and the Centre’sTechnology Transfer Helpdesk.

The event organisers brought together the Japanbased community of innovators, individuals as wellas institutions to help them discover opportunities
in Europe, and cooperation opportunities between
Europe and Japan.
The EU-Japan Centre is the official NCP (National Contact Point) in Japan for the EU Horizon 2020 Programme.
INNOVATIONGENDER EQUALITY

Innovation is indeed an important element of the Centre’s activities given that Japan is a country where 80% of R&D is funded
and performed by industry, including the most basic science as
illustrated by the recent Japanese Nobel Prize winner who workin a company. Besides, the overall level of investment in R&D isvery high in Japan (close to 3.5% of GDP). Japan is the country
with the highest number of companies among the world’s top
100 innovators and is consistently ranked among the 10 mostinnovative countries worldwide.

The other key focus of the event, and a cross-cutting priorityof the EU, was gender equality in Research and Innovation.
The Japanese and EU perspectives were presented in detail,including a review of the latest statistics available at the EU
level through the “She Figures 2018” study.
But perhaps the most inspiring moment of the event was thepanel of women innovators and business managers that the EUJapan Centre invited in order to share their views and experience.
This was really a great panel of businesswomen from Europe andJapan with a diversity of experience with Ms. Yukako Uchinaga,
Board Chair, J-Win, Japan Women’s Innovative Network including more than 100 Japanese businesses with the objective toaccelerate diversity and inclusion, Ms. Yuri Ono, from ResearchInstitute Inc., Ms. Marie Le Neillon-Quesseveur from Daimler AG,
Ms. Yasuko Nagamatsu from L’Oréal K.K., Dr. Kimura, from Air
Liquide Japan and Dr. Beate Heissig, from Juntendo University.
As a follow up, the EU-Japan Centre will explore the possibility to put in place a EU-Japan network of women innovators,
entrepreneurs and business managers, connecting Japaneseinitiatives e.g. J-Win with EU ones e.g. e-platform for women
entrepreneurs, the European Network for Women Business
Angels and the Network of Women’s Web Entrepreneurs Hubs.

The event was an opportunity to provide information on strategies for fostering innovation both in the EU and Japan. It gave
an overview of innovation landscapes, latest developments, andfuture tools such as, on the EU side, the European Innovation
Council; and on the Japanese side, the “Moonshot” project.
Possibilities for increased cooperation in the field of innovation,
as well as services useful to innovators interested in Europe wereshowcased, including the possibility for Japan to become an “associated country” to the future EU Horizon Europe Programme.
See article published in “Science/Business”
 https://sciencebusiness.net/framework-programmes/news/japan-eyes-possible-eu10m-year-horizon-europe-partnerships

 https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/european-innovation-day-2019

OCTOBER INDUSTRY AND POLICY NEWSThe EU-Japan Centre is regularly publishing “Industry and Policy News” from various Japanese language sources ofpotential interest. Among other topics:

LEGISLATION AND POLICY NEWS• Winners of the 3Rs Promotion Merit Awards announced
SURVEY AND BUSINESS DATA
• Rugby World Cup contributed to the increase of foreign visitors
COMPANY NEWS• Tohoku Electric Power to participate in a large offshore windproject• R&D facilities for bioplastic material constructed in Shimane
Prefecture

ADDITIONAL TOPICS• A platform for SMEs to “declare 100% renewable” launched• Autonomous driving verification test starts in Tokyo seasidearea• JETRO releases collection of successful case examples ofoverseas business development• Strategic partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia
enhanced

https://www.eu-japan.eu/publications/october-2019-japanese-industry-and-policy-news

CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 4

EXPLORING NEW IP LANDSCAPES AND TRENDS
IN THE EU AND JAPANThe EU-Japan Technology Transfer Helpdesk (initiative of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation) co-organiseda seminar with Sonoda & Kobayashi Intellectual Property Law and IAM on “Exploring new IP landscapes and trends inthe EU and Japan” on October 28 at the EU Delegation to Japan.

The seminar explored trends, opportunities, and challenges faced by IP professionals, especially in-house positions, when
dealing with strategy-related topics about the intellectual property rights they manage such as international patent filings in
the EU and Japan, and the dynamics of corporate IP functions in light of the technological development.
In the opening remarks, Mr. Gabriele Lo Monaco, First Secretary of the EU Delegation to Japan stressed the importance ofthe themes covered by the event in terms of IP and personal data, including specific mentions to the Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which would lead the cooperation between the EU and Japan to a
new and heightened phase.

Yoshitaka Sonoda - Important IP considerations for European andJapanese companies

Satoshi Matsuo - Effects on corporate IP team and strategies

Jarii Vario - Identifying key IP issues and opportunities

Takao Saito - IP strategy for new technology era

Dr. Philipe de Taxis du Poët, EU-side General Manager of the EU-Japan Center for Industrial Cooperation explained in his
welcoming remarks how the Centre promotes bilateral cooperation in the field of technology and innovation in the EU, Japan,
and also possibly in third countries. He touched upon various activities including information service activities for the promotion of EU’s research and development programme, and the EU-Japan Technology Transfer Helpdesk, the entity organising
the event itself.
The speakers, Dr. Sonoda (Sonoda&Kobayashi), Mr. Sewerin (Kransell & Wennborg), Mr Sato (Panasonic), Mr. Matsuo (Hitachi),and Mr. Vario (Nokia) covered the seminar’s main topics highlighting themes such as patenting of AI, IP monetisation, standards, essential patents, value creation for society through IP, and recent IP cases from Europe.
Mr. Luca Escoffier, Project Manager of the EU-Japan Technology Transfer Helpdesk moderated the panel discussion in which
the speakers participated. He addressed several questions to the panelists for obtaining a clearer vision about their prior presentations, topics like patentability of AI inventions, open innovation, and standard essential patents have been covered during
this session.


http://www.eu-jp-tthelpdesk.eu/news/reportage-exploring-new-ip-landscapes-and-trends-in-the-eu-and-japan

CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 52019 BIOTECH MISSION IN OCTOBER
12 COMPANIES FROM 9 EU MEMBER STATES CAME TO JAPAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EU-JAPANCENTRE’S ANNUAL BIOTECH MISSION
The 4-day mission started with a matchmaking event at the European Biotech and Pharma Partnering Conference 2019 in
Osaka. This first day mission was fully organised by the Centre in cooperation with Osaka Prefectural Government and followed by a 3-day exhibition at BioJapan Expo in Yokohama. The participants had the opportunity to give a pitch and introduce their technologies and products to Japanese visitors. Several participants indicating the mission provided them theopportunity to establish fruitful business contacts with high potential for future growth.
By MARINE FAUSSILLON-LAVILLE, CEO and President, Novaptech
http://www.novaptech.com

Marine Faussillon-Laville and her colleague,
Jean-Jacques Toulmé at BioJapan Expo, in Yokohama“This mission was extremely well organised and managed on-site by the
EU Japan Centre's staff, which also contributed to additional business
opportunities. The briefings, prior to the mission, were appreciated; wewere well prepared for the Japanese culture and conventions. Having
a booth well located and with a staff presenting the company, while
we were in business partnering meetings was highly valuable. The
Mission offered promising interactions with open-minded interlocutors.
Meetings very likely opened the way to future fruitful collaborations.
Japanese people turned out to be very friendly and easier to talkto than anticipated. This trip was enriching both personally andprofessionally. I really loved the country as well as the Japanese food.
Some meetings were very promising; we already exchanged emails
with several people we had B2B meetings. We expect that thesecontacts will turn into fruitful and long lasting partnerships.”

4TH ANNUAL BUSINESS MATCHING EVENT“EUROPEAN BIOTECH AND PHARMAPARTNERING CONFERENCE, OSAKA”
The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and Osaka Bio Headquarters(Osaka Prefectural Government) co-organise the “European Biotech & Pharma
Partnering Conference, Osaka”, a one-to-one business matching event, annually
since 2016.

The 4th event was successfully held on 8th October 2019, one
day before BioJapan. For the first time, a pitch session was held
during a luncheon and 8 companies from Europe and Japan
presented their technologies and initiatives.
One comment in a feedback survey mentioned that they continue discussions with potential cooperation partners throughout
the year by having meetings at the Osaka Partnering Conference
as well as other international events such as Bio International
Convention and BioJapan. Thus, this event works as a link in achain of international events in the life science field.
THE HIGHLIGHT BY NUMBERS:• One–to-one meetings : 263 meetings• Participants: 148 representatives from 111 companies/
organisations• Japan: 50• EU: 61 (15 countries - Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, The Netherlands,
Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK)

The co-organisers of the event gave online presentations to a group of European companies in September as part of a predeparture workshop conducted by BioM, a biopharma cluster in Munich, which organises a mission to Japan every year.
The presentations opened up active communication between the Japanese organisers and the European participants and provided both with deeper understanding for each other’s business interests.
SAVE THE DATE!
On 13 October 2020, the 5th event will be held in Osaka.
Save the date and take advantage of this great opportunity to enter the Japanese market!
https://european-biotech-and-pharma.b2match.io

CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 6

CALL FOR APPLICATIONSGET READY FOR JAPANThe EU-Japan Centre is currently calling for applications for its 2-weektraining programme in Japan on how to do business in Japan.

“Get Ready for Japan” (GRFJ) programme provides EU businessmen with aprofessional Japan-related expertise. It is focused on business management
and consists of a combination of lectures, case studies, role plays and company visits. Preferred profile: “ideally” suited for executives of EU SMEs who need aquick and practical preparation to maximise their chance of building a successful
partnership.
• Mission dates: 18-29 May 2020
• Application deadline: Thursday, 30 January 2020
https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/get-ready-for-japan-training-programmeWORLD CLASS MANUFACTURING
After a successful mission in June 2019, the 5-day World Class Manufacturing
training (WCM training) is now heading to its 46th edition, set to take place in
Nagoya, Japan.

By MICHAL
DVORACEK,
Foreign Cooperation
Manager, Engineering
Test Institute (SZU) www.szutest.cz
Former GRFJ training
participant“The experience I gained during this
GRFJ 2019 training (...) all the information I have received is of great value
and it is up to us how we use it. The
overall atmosphere and organisation oftraining contributed to a better understanding of Japan. The most importantlessons learned during the training were
the knowledge of the mentality and wayof thinking and business negotiation of
the Japanese. Definitely, this training
course should help our company in accessing the local market and networking
with local companies. We still search
for the right partners and especiallythe manufacturers in Japan in need of
EU certification. I believe the EU-Japan
Centre can also help us with this.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE
PARTICIPANTS?
Plan your business meetings well, consider your priorities ahead of time, andprepare yourself carefully for everythingfrom promotional materials to the smallest details that are important to succeed
in Japan.”

WCM training gives the perfect opportunity to visit some of the world’s most advanced factories and provides participants
with (1) Lectures on Japan’s production improvement methods (2) 1-day practical workshop coached by TPS experts (3) Plant
tours + Q&A guided by Japanese managers (4) Networking and knowledge-sharing among participants.
No tuition fee for SMEs that will also benefit from a grant of 600€/ per participant.
• Training dates: 22-26 June 2020
• Application deadline: Thursday, 19 March 2020
https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/world-class-manufacturing

By MATTEO LUCCHINI, Business Strategy Manager, Idromeccanica Lucchini Spa
 https://www.lucchiniidromeccanica.it
Former 2019 WCM training participant.
“This training experience has been outstanding for the high level of the staff who supported the European delegation along thewhole time. It’s been a great chance for networking with post experience managers, consultants and professors really skilled in the
topic of lean management. The training has been a perfect blend of theory, practice and workshops, programmed to make the experience challenging but also very effective for my improvement. The capabilities gained in this training really cover different topics
from top management practices up to daily actions to be applied in my company. I do believe that this approach would allow me tostart a Lean Journey in my business pretty soon, with the aim to get the first tangible results by the end of the year!”CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 7

LEAN IN EUROPE – PROMOTING BEST PRACTICE AND
FACILITATING THE SHARING OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES
Since 2013, the EU-Japan Centre has organised Lean in Europe visits to discuss best practice and facilitate
the sharing of ideas and experiences around lean and operational excellence.

Inspired by Japanese manufacturingmethodology, lean approaches are usedby large and small European companies
in all sectors, to help ensure quality, boost
their competitiveness, drive innovation andreduce waste. These visits are led by Prof.
Richard Keegan, Adjunct Professor of Lean
Operational Excellence at Trinity Business
School and are designed to inspire the participants’ companies’ lean journey.

Visits begin with a pre-visit discussion often around themes to be covered during
the actual visit. Scene-setting presentations by the host company introduce thecompany and its lean programme, outlining the challenges it is facing and thetools it uses to address them, explaining
the company’s approach to leadership,
engagement and other essential aspects
driving the business.

The gemba walk allows participants to see
the lean tools in operation and engage
with lean leaders who provide detailed
explanations. The visits conclude with adebriefing session, allowing participants
to clarify and understand what they haveseen and to provide valuable feedback
to the host companies. A group dinnerallows informal networking opportunities
between participants and hosts.

Contact us at lean@eu-japan.eu for more information.
2 lean visits took place in November, 1 will take place this month and 1 is planned for March

LEAN IN EUROPE #24: APPLUS+ IDIADA
18-19 NOVEMBER 2019, SPAIN
Applus+ IDIADA provides design, engineering and validation capabilities services forvehicle development projects likely to have an impact on the future of mobility andtransport. It began its lean journey a few years ago. This visit focused on ‘going lean’– why it decided to embrace lean, how it went about it, how did it engage the leadersand people, the challenges it is trying to tackle and its use Industry 4.0 tools.
© Applus IDIADA

https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/lean-europe-visit-idiada-barcelona

LEAN IN EUROPE #25: PNEU LAURENT AND
SKF SLEWING BEARINGS
27-28 NOVEMBER 2019, FRANCE
This visit focused on the challenges of introducing lean thinking and lean tools
into old plants – understanding the current situation and developing people andprocesses. Pneu Laurent, part of Michelin, has specialised in the retreading of tyres,for use by heavy goods and civil engineering vehicles for 60 years. SKF Slewing
Bearing – Avallon is a worldwide centre of excellence for the SKF Group in the fieldof slewing bearings, producing 2,500 bearings a year, 96% being sent for export.
https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/lean-europe-visit-skf-slewing-bearings-avallon

LEAN IN EUROPE #26: BMW GROUP PLANT BERLIN© BMW AG, Munich, Germany. All rights reserved

10 DECEMBER 2019, GERMANY

The visit will focus on “Preventing waste preventatively - do not eliminate it retrospectively” and using Design for Manufacture andAssembly (DFMA). Every day, the plant’s 2,000 employees produce up to 800 BMW motorcycles. This visit will look at how DFMA has
enabled BMW to permanently reduce production costs and engineered hours per vehicle. It is no longer possible to apply for a place.


https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/lean-europe-visit-26-bmw-group-plant-berlin

CALL FOR APPLICANTS: LEAN IN EUROPE #27: TETRA PAK
11 & 12 MARCH 2020, SWEDEN
This mission will visit two plants in Lund focussing on filling lines assembly and also sealing and creasing.
The agenda for the visit is currently being finalised, but you can apply now for a place.


https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/lean-europe-visit-27-tetra-pak-lundCENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 8CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTORGANIC FOOD MISSION IN 2021 FOR EU SMEs
The EU-Japan Centre is studying the feasibility of organising an “Organic
Food” mission to Japan* in March 2021 alongside “FOODEX Japan” and iscurrently calling for “Expressions of Interest” from ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK (EEN) partners
in order to identify among their clients EU SMEs interested in this opportunity.

Any expressions of interest coming from EEN partners should be submitted to Jessica Michelson: jessica@eu-japan.eu
Deadline for sending the expressions of interest: Friday, 31 January 2020.
PARTICIPANT’S PROFILESThis mission is addressed at EU SMEs working in the organic
food and drinks sector, who can offer high-quality products withpackaging strategies towards Japan.
The SMEs’ products must be certified with the EU organic logo.
COSTS• No mission fee
The EU-Japan Centre covers mission-related costs such as:• Trade fair registration, booth rental & basic arrangements• Speakers’ fees, lectures and seminars• Poster translation and printing
In addition, SMEs participating in the mission will benefit from600 EUR grant

BENEFITS FOR EU SMES
Through this mission participants will have the opportunity to:• Gain knowledge about the targeted market structure, sector analysis, presentation of EU-Japan Economic Partnership
Agreement benefits• Exhibit at FOODEX JAPAN, Asia's largest exhibition dedicatedto food and drink• Create new business opportunities• Identify relevant key contacts• Establish first contact and potential business relationships withJapanese companies.

The mission is funded by the European Commission and managed by the EU-Japan Centre.
* The information pertaining the March 2021 Food Mission is correct and accurate at the time of publication and may change at any time in the
future without prior notice. The decision to go-ahead with the execution of the March 2021 Food Mission is currently pending assessment by theEuropean Commission for approval and funding.


https://www.eu-japan.eu/e-news/pdf/2021-Organic-Food-Mission-Call-For-EoI.pdf

ABOUT THE 2018 ORGANIC FOOD MISSION
By DETELINA VENCESLAVOVA SAVCHEVA-STOYNOVA, Export Manager, Nuhealth JSC  www.nuhealth.zone“The whole mission, from the start to the end, was very well organised. The lectures were very interesting and well selected, giving an
overview of the specific organic meaning on the Japanese market, as well as the philosophy the Japanese have for the bio market.
All of the participants were interested in finding a distributor for Japan. For Nuhealth JSC in particular, the mission was successful,
because we have gathered many good contacts during the exhibition.”

CALL FOR EXPERT IN KEY NANOTECH SECTOR IN JAPANThe EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is looking for an expert with detailed knowledgeof Japan’s Nanotech sector who can provide a briefing on the sector and its key topics.

The briefings will include a presentation and Q&A session led by an expert who will present the nanotech sector in Japan, including recent developments and key issues that companies are facing withinthat sector. The expert's presentation is expected to last 25-30 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A
session. The webinar will be recorded and sent to the mission's participants for their further review.
Deadline for submissions: 20 December 2019. Contact: Diane Lula - d.lula@eu-japan.eu
Your proposal should include:
1. Your CV.
2. A statement showing why you can be considered to be an expert in that particular field (professional experience, publications you have contributed to).
3. An outline of the topics to be addressed in the presentation, and of the presentation’s likely structure.
4. How much you would expect to be remunerated for your contribution.

CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 9CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
1-DAY WORKSHOPS IN THE EU
In 2020, the Centre would like to co-organise approx. 10 workshops in close collaboration andsupport of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) partners providing full export support to EU SMEs.

Over the past few years, with the cooperation of organisations members of ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK (EEN), the EUJapan Centre has been co-organising half-day cross-cultural workshops at various locations throughout Europe.
In its yearly efforts to help European SMEs to access the Japanese market and provide more relevant and up-to-date information and support, the Centre would like to expand its range of support and services and is planning on organising workshops
which would cover not only Japanese business culture but also present sectorial information and benefits of the EUJapan Economic Partnership Agrement.
For now, sectors currently available for a presentation are the ones of EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and ofhigh potential benefits for EU SMEs:• Food & beverages (presentations available from April 2020)• Textile (presentations available from April 2020)• Footwear & leather (presentations available later depending on experts’ deliverables)• Other sectors are under feasibility study
Furthermore, the Centre would also like to propose 1-hour webinars on expert procedures and EPA-related benefits targeted
at EEN local clients and would continue organising half-day workshops on Japanese business culture as done for the last
couple years.
Should EEN partners be interested in co-organising these workshops and/or webinars, or have any further inquiries, pleasecontact Eivilte Kandrataviciute at eiva@eu-japan.eu.

REGIONAL WORKSHOP ABOUT BUSINESSCULTURE IN JAPANOn 26 September, the EU-Japan Centre and their expert, Ms Anna Kalmi, visited Växjö, Sweden
to talk about important do’s and don’ts when doing business in Japan and the European
Commission-funded support that could benefit local companies in their quest to access theJapanese market.

Several local businesses’ representatives attended the seminaron the day and gained a lot of new information, business contacts and helpful facts about Japan. Ms Kalmi, the expert, notonly gave an overview of the major cultural differences between
Japan and Sweden, but also covered in detail decision-making
and negotiation processes with potential Japanese counterparts as well as contract-related practices, claim handling, sales
and marketing arrangements with Japanese companies.
The EU-Japan Centre’s expert also pointed out the importanceof a contingent business partners’ presence in Tokyo, since a
cooperation in Japan first and foremost have to be successful
in Tokyo before expanding to other parts of the country.
One of the workshop’s participants, Sara Åberg, from the company Åry Trays, mentioned that the ceremonial exchange of business cards was new to her. In addition, many of the attendees
confirmed that the seminar has brought new insights, as well as
confirmation that it requires patience and time to establish strong
and trustworthy business relationships with Japan.
Source: Almi Företagspartner Kronobergs län / EEN

As Lena Håkansson from Non Stop Design puts it: ’to share thisday and experience with other companies in Southeast of Sweden
have been very pleasant and valuable’. Thanks to the workshop,
co-organised between local EEN partner Almi Företagspartner
Kronobergs län in Vaxjo and the EU-Japan Centre, most of theattendees are now more confident in their approach and trials
to expand into the Japanese market.

CENTRE’S NEWS

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 10

LATEST BUSINESS INFORMATION ABOUTJAPANThe Centre published on the website a wide variety of webpages, expert reports ande-learning resources, and regularly organises 2-3 webinars per month covering Japanrelated operational matters, industrial sectors and cultural aspects to assist EU companies
in seizing opportunities in the Japanese market.


http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/user/register

Each month the EU Japan Centre is organising webinars designed to improve EU companies’ knowledge of conducting business in Japan and benefit from the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The forthcoming webinars are:NEXT WEBINAR ON THE EU-JAPAN EPA
EPA HELPDESK WEBINAR 12: TARIFF RATE QUOTAS
05 DECEMBER 2019

EPA HELPDESK WEBINAR 13: PUBLIC
PROCUREMENT & HEALTHCARE - 14 JANUARY 2020

The webinar is targeted to EU agri-food companies seeking
to understand the Tariff Rate Quotas opened by Japan in the
EU-Japan EPA context.

The webinar is targeted to European SMEs seeking to understand the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, and will
focus on the particular point of healthcare related to public
procurement.

https://www.eu-japan.eu/eu-japan-epa-webinars-registrationhttps://www.eu-japan.eu/eu-japan-epa-webinars-registration

PODCASTS AVAILABLE ON PAST WEBINARS “ABOUT EPA”
RULES OF ORIGIN
New regulations and procedures for
Rules of Origin and informationon the specificities of the EU-Japan
EPA compared with other trade
agreements.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/
library/event/epa-helpdesk-webinar-10-rulesof-origin

SERVICES DOMESTIC REGULATIONS AND
MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT
Focusing on the professional services sectors (architects,
accountants, engineers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, etc.), on therecognition of qualification in Japan, the needed documents,
and the commitments in the EPA on the issue of mobility ofprofessionals.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/event/epa-helpdesk-webinar-11-services-domestic-regulations-and-mutual-recognition-agreement

PODCASTS AVAILABLE ON PAST WEBINARS “ABOUT JAPAN”
Please find below the list of recently held webinars, all our webinars are recorded and videos are available for members.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN JAPANThe Japanese circular economy policies (national strategies,
recycling policies, waste management rules) and the certifications for products which uses recycled materials.
https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/event/webinar-144-circular-economy-in-japan



THE BIOPHARMACEUTICALS SECTOR IN JAPAN:
The last trends of the Biopharmaceuticals sector in Japan https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/event/webinar-145-the-biopharmaceuticals-sector-in-japan

JAPANESE-EUROPEAN M&As: CROSS-CULTURAL CHALLENGES AND KEYS TO POST-M&A SUCCESS
Providing information on how to navigate the possible issues occurring during an M&A process from a cross-cultural
perspective.
https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/event/webinar-146-japanese-european-mas-cross-cultural-challenges-and-keys-to-postma-success

THE NANOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR IN JAPANHow nanotech research is helping Japan advance its top
technology and science priorities in a wide range of areas
including AI chip design, manufacturing, medicine, engineered materials as well as others.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/event/webinar-147-the-nanotechnology-sector-in-japan

THE JAPANESE MODEL FOR A BIOECONOMY
The major players on the Japanese Bioeconomy market, andthe future of Bioeconomy in Japan.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/event/webinar-148the-japanese-model-for-a-bioeconomy

JAPAN CONSUMPTION TAX AT 10%: IMPACT ON
YOUR BUSINESS?
Focused on the possible impact of the Japan Consumption
Tax at 10%.
https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/event/webinar-149-japan-consumption-tax-at-10-impact-on-your-businessCENTRE’S NEWS

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LATEST RELEASED REPORTS
The EU-Japan Centre recently released the following reports.
For the full list, go to: http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publications
THE BIOPHARMACEUTICALSSECTOR IN JAPANThis report aims to map out the current
state of the biopharmaceuticals market
in Japan. It first highlights the Japanese
healthcare system, and then outline themarket access for biopharmaceuticalproducts by pointing out the regulations
system and main actors on this market.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/report-the-biopharmaceuticals-sector-in-japan

CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN JAPANThis report highlights the policy framework by describing the different Acts thathave established the current structure of
the Japanese Circular Economy.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/
library/publication/report-circular-economy-in-japan

THE JAPANESE MODEL FOR A
BIOECONOMYThis report introduces the current situation of the Bioeconomy sector in Japan.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/report-the-japanese-modelfor-a-bioeconomy

JAPANESE-EUROPEAN
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS:CROSS-CULTURAL
CHALLENGES AND KEYS TO
POST-M&A SUCCESSLATEST TRENDS IN JAPANNANOTECH SECTORThis report selects some of the important
advancements in certain nanotech research areas to highlight in greater detail.
This report aims to better understand thereasons why European-Japanese M&As
have not been more successful in the
post-M&A process, and what can specifically be done to increase the chances ofa positive result.
 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/report-japanese-europeanmergers-acquisitions-cross-cultural-challenges-and-keys-to-post-ma-success

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN
JAPAN AND OPPORTUNITIESFOR EUROPEAN COMPANIESThis report shows the status of the AI
industry in Japan and its actions with
the EU and its Member States, as wellas lists funding opportunities for EU
companies.
 https://www.eu-japan.eu/sites/default/
files/publications/docs/artificial_intelligence_in_japan_-_guillermo_garcia_-_0511.
pdf

 https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/report-latest-trends-in-japannanotech-sector

ANALYSIS OF OPPORTUNITIESFOR EU SMES IN JAPAN‘S
DATA ECONOMY AND
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN
CONNECTION WITH ROBOTICSThis report intends to provide an overview of current AI, robotics and data related policies in Japan.
 https://www.eu-japan.eu/publications/analysis-opportunities-eu-smes-japans-data-economy-and-artificial-intelligence

HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLSIN JAPAN
This report provides an overview of thehydrogen market in Japan and its main
actors.
 https://www.eu-japan.eu/sites/default/
files/publications/docs/hydrogen_and_fuel_cells_in_japan.pdf

STAY INFORMED ABOUT JAPAN’S GOVERNMENT BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIES WITH THE WEEKLY TENDER DIGEST!
Keeping track of tender opportunities in Japan can be a challenge if your time and recourses are limited. Althoughinternationally regulated procurement notices are available on procurement portals such as JETRO, finding further
information related to tender calls is often a challenge.

To assist European business with keeping track of tender opportunities and finding tender information more efficiently, theJapan Tax & Public Procurement (JTPP) Helpdesk offers the Weekly Tender Digest Mailing service. The Digest consists of a
selection of national and regional tender opportunities that are open to SMEs and published on the procurement portals
managed by JETRO, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Olympics Organizing Committee.
Besides basic information about the goods and service procured, deadlines and qualifications, the Excel version of the Digest
provides direct links to the organisation’s procurement websites and, if available, direct access to further details and specifications. The subscription to the Weekly Tender Digest is free for EU and COSME headquartered businesses and trade promotion
organisations.


https://www.eu-japan.eu/government-procurement/news/weekly-tender-digest-mailing-list

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EU-JAPANNEWS
NEWS II DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 12

EU-JAPAN RAILWAY
INDUSTRIAL DIALOGUE
The 8th edition of the EU-Japan Railway Industrial Dialogue
took place in Tokyo on 25 November. The dialogue wasorganised by the Directorate-General for Internal Market,
Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European
Commission (DG GROW) and the Japanese Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT).

The objective of the Dialogue is to create a platform to promotemutually beneficial cooperation and information exchange
between its participants. The dialogue brings together manufacturers and operators from both sides to facilitate bilateral
trade in the railway sector, to monitor mutual market access, toensure better comprehension of the relevant markets and ensure mutual recognition of safety standards. This year's Dialogue
was particularly important as it followed the entry into force of
the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.
As in previous editions, the dialogue saw a wide participationof public authorities and private operators in the railway sector
from both sides.

This year’s dialogue was very intense and participative. The discussions and presentations focused on: procurement practices
and future purchasing projects by EU and Japanese railway
operators; obstacles to accede the respective procurement
markets faced by rail suppliers and successful cases of market
penetration by rail suppliers from both sides; presentations
by EU and Japanese suppliers of new products and innovativetechnologies in the railway sector.
Source: European Commission - DG GROW

EU-JAPAN ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (EPA)
MEETINGS AND DOCUMENTS
The European Commission publishes the agendas (when available) of the committees set up by the EU-Japan EPA, as well asreports and other documents in order to inform about the different steps of the EPA implementation process. This is part of its
commitment to a more transparent and inclusive trade and investment policy.
The Commission publishes provisional agenda’s agreed by both sides ahead of the meetings. The final version are uploaded
after each meeting.
More information on the EPA Joint Committee, specialised committees and dialogues at below link.
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=2042

Source: European Commission“ALLIANCE”
A PROJECT FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION SUPPORTING
CLUSTERS AND SMES’ INTERNATIONALISATION
Joint mission to Japan with European clusters and SMEs from the advanced
materials and connectivity industries for defence and security markets

ALLIANCE is a European Project focused on the international business development of advanced materials and connectivity for the
Defense and Security markets, gathering 7 clusters from France, Italy
and Netherlands. ALLIANCE will define common strategies on theseissues towards non-EU countries on tactical sectors: aerospace,soldier systems, and robotics.
In this context, ALLIANCE organises a mission to Japan, 12-14
February 2020, for a delegation of SMEs from these sectors. The
objective is to lay the foundations of long-term, profitable cooperation in technology and business between European and Japanesecompanies. The mission will include visits to Japanese companies
and professional associations, B2B meetings and participation in
the Wearable Expo trade fair, which is the world’s leading show for
wearable devices and technologies and a place for innovation in
civilian, defence and security sector.

More broadly, the ALLIANCE project is particularly invested in
the internationalisation of European SMEs on 3 key markets(USA, Japan and South Korea) with an appetite for defence/
dual use technologies and products.
ALLIANCE aims to develop knowledge about these markets,to build sustainable co-operations to ensure the long-term
internationalisation of European SMEs and a win-win relationship with companies from the visited countries. The mission to
Japan is the second one of the ALLIANCE project: the USA werevisited in October 2019, and South Korea will close the projectin March 2020.


https://www.clustercollaboration.eu/escp-profiles/allianceCENTRE’FROM
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HIGH-REPRESENTATIVE/VICE-PRESIDENT FEDERICA
MOGHERINI VISITS TOKYO TO BUILD ON SIGNIFICANT
ACHIEVEMENTS IN EU-JAPAN RELATIONSThe High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini concluded a 3-day visit to Tokyo, where on 22 Octobershe represented the European Union at the enthronement ceremony of His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito, alongside
representatives of over 190 countries and international organisations. The High Representative on the occasion of thisvisit also met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi, and the Minister of Defence, Taro Kono.

Her meetings provided an opportunity
to revisit some of the landmark achievements that have marked the past five
years of EU-Japan relations. Signed atthe 2018 EU-Japan Summit, the StrategicPartnership Agreement, provisionallyapplied since February 2019, and theEconomic Partnership Agreement, inforce since February 2019, are landmark
deals that have provided a solid basis todevelop our close cooperation, promote
our shared interests, and bring tangible
benefits to people’s lives through increased trade and investment.
With Ministers Motegi and Kono, the High
Representative discussed areas on which
the EU and Japan have agreed to cooperate more closely, notably connectivity
as well as security and defence matters.

The Partnership on Sustainable
Connectivity and Quality Infrastructure,
which Prime Minister Abe and President
Juncker signed in Brussels on 27
September, paves the way for close cooperation bilaterally, multilaterally and in
third countries on transport, energy, digital and people-to-people contacts. The
EU is also committed to strengthening its
security cooperation in and with Asia, andin this context is ready to develop a security and defence cooperation partnership with Japan, including on cyber andmaritime security and crisis management.
The High Representative also exchanged
views with both Ministers on regional andinternational issues, including the Korean
Peninsula, the South China Sea, the Gulf
region and Afghanistan.

High Representative Mogherini also met
with Fumio Kishida, member of the Dietand former Minister for Foreign Affairs.
She thanked him for his support in preparing the Strategic Partnership Agreement
and the Economic Partnership Agreement
during his mandate as Foreign Minister.
The High Representative also met withJapanese academics and representativesof think tanks and civil society. She emphasised that shared interests and theconvergence of views of the EU and Japanon many issues of global relevance, fromfree trade to democracy, human rights,
and from nuclear non-proliferation toeffective multilateralism, will continue
to provide the bedrock of the EU-Japan
partnership and friendship.

Source: Delegation of the European Union to Japan
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/69309/high-representativevice-president-federica-mogherini-visits-tokyo-build-significant_en

AGRI-FOOD PROMOTION IN 2020
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION WILL ALLOCATE €200 MILLION IN 2020 TO FUND PROMOTIONACTIVITIES FOR EU AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS AT HOME AND ABROAD.
The 2020 promotion policy work programme adopted by the Commission
outlines the main priorities for support.
EU policy on the promotion of agri-foodproducts is designed to help the sector take advantage of the expanding
and increasingly dynamic global agrifood market, raise awareness on quality
schemes including organic produce andhelp producers should they face market
disturbances.
Agriculture and rural development
Commissioner Phil Hogan said: “Europe's
reputation in the world for agri-foodproducts is unparalleled. The EU is notthe top world agri-food exporter by accident. Our promotion policy with anever-increased budget supports EU producers in making their products known
both in the EU and outside but also in
facing market difficulties by raising moreawareness on their produce. The trade
agreements in place also create the conditions to increase their exports to highgrowing markets. The recent conclusionof the EU-China bilateral agreement on
geographical indications is yet anotherexample of the Commission's work tocreate opportunities for producers andhigh-quality EU products.”

In 2020, more than half of the budget(€118 million) will go towards campaigns
pursuing markets outside the EU withhigh-growth potential, such as Canada,
China, Japan, Korea, Mexico and theUnited States. Eligible sectors include
dairy and cheese, table olives and olive
oil and wines. The selected campaigns
are expected to enhance the competitiveness and consumption of EU agri-foodproducts, raise their profile and increase
their market share in these targetedcountries.
Source: European Commission

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_19_6287

 https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/market-measures/promotion-eu-farm-products_en#annualworkprogrammeCENTRE’FROM
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EU-JAPAN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE POLICY SEMINAR
On 11 October 2019, the EU Delegation to Japan hosted a seminar on the EU Japan sustainable finance policies thatbrought together senior policymakers, regulatory affairs professionals and investment professionals to participate in a
discussion on sustainable finance policy and initiatives in the EU and Japan.

The seminar was opened by DG Guersent of FISMA and chief sustainable finance officer Mr. Ikeda of the Financial Service Agencyof Japan. It offered participants the possibility to deepen discussions on the aims and progress of the EU Strategy on Sustainable
Finance and its impact on the business within or with the EU.
The seminar also featured a session where participants explored possibilities of further policy coordination and cooperation
between EU and Japan in sustainable finance, taking particular account of the recent EU initiative to set up an International
Platform on Sustainable Finance which the EU is preparing to launch shortly with the support of a number of like-minded jurisdictions across the world.
The event also included two panel discussions: the first one focused on the European Commission Action Plan on Sustainable
Finance and its prospects for coordination at global level, the second one addressed the key progress and challenges in driving
sustainable finance from the perspective of the leaders in the industry in Japan.
Source: EU Delegation to Japan

https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan/68867/eu-japan-sustainable-finance-policy-seminar_en

10TH EU-JAPAN SCIENCE POLICY FORUM & SCIENCE ANDTECHNOLOGY MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE
On Saturday, 5 October the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, in cooperation with Japan's National Graduate
Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), hosted the 10th EU-Japan Science Policy Forum at the Kyoto International
Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan. The topic this year was ''New STI Policies in a Changing World''.

As in previous years, the event attracted
a high-level research and innovation audience involving policy makers, funders,managers of research, as well as researchers and innovators. There were 60 participants and 70 observers from Europe
and Japan.
The event was co-chaired by Dr. Patricia
Flor, Ambassador of the European
Union to Japan and Professor Takashi
Shiraishi, a former President of GRIPS.
The policy briefs were delivered by Mr.
Jean-Eric Paquet, Director-General, DG
RTD, European Commission; Dr. Takahiro
Ueyama, Executive Member, Council for
Science, Technology and Innovation,
Cabinet Office; and Mr. Yoshio Yamawaki,
Deputy Minister of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology.
The discussion on how to enhance EUJapan collaboration in research and innovation was joined by high level representatives from Europe and Japan, including
Ms. Matilda Ernkrans, Minister for Higher
Education and Research of Sweden.

This event came at an important moment;
Horizon Europe, the next EU Research andInnovation Framework Programme 20212027 (proposed budget of around 100
billion Euro) is being designed to bring
together the triple objectives of smart
innovation-led growth, inclusion and sustainability, as well as to direct innovation
to solve the pressing global challengesof our time (cancer, climate change, CO2
emissions in cities, condition of soil andoceans). In Japan, the government is preparing the 6th Science and Technology
Basic, "Society 5.0" is being further implemented and the preparations to theMoonshot research programme that is
expected to tackle declining birth rate
and aging society, recover healthy global
environment and pioneer new frontierswith S&T, is on the way.
This bilateral forum is fully in line witha Joint Vision (https://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/pdf/eu-japan_strategy_paper.pdf) towards a new strategic partnership in Research and Innovation between
the European Commission and theGovernment of Japan that was endorsed
during the EU-Japan Summit in May 2015.

One of the five domains of this partnership is 'Deepening mutual understandingof key STI policies' and this annual constitutes a key contribution towards this.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYMINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE
On Sunday, 6 October, Mr. Jean-Eric
Paquet, Director-General, DG RTD,
European Commission participated in
the Science and Technology Ministerial
Roundtable on the theme “STI for SDGs
and Moonshot”, organised by the Cabinet
Office of Japan. In his statement, DirectorGeneral Paquet emphasised the urgencyof challenges that the global community
faces and called for a drastic transitionof our society. Research and Innovationand STI policies lie at the heart of thistransition. Solutions can only be foundvia international cooperation. In seeking solutions to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals, common and sharedvalues must prevail to establish a levelplaying field among stakeholders - public
and private sector and also citizens.
Source: EU Delegation to Japan

https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan/68744/10th-eu-japan-science-policy-forum-and-science-and-technology-ministerial-roundtable_enCENTRE’FROMJAPANS NEWS

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2019 AUTUMN CONFERMENT OF DECORATIONS OFFOREIGN NATIONALS
On 3 November, the Government of Japan announced the 2019 Autumn Conferment of Decorations of Foreign
Nationals, in which the Honorable Alojz Peterle, former Member of the European Parliament, and the Honorable Pedro
Silva Pereira, Member of the European Parliament (Vice-President), were decorated.

The Honorable Alojz Peterle received the decoration of theGrand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for his contribution
to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendshipand goodwill between Japan and Slovenia, as well as the rolehe played enhancing relations between Japan and the EU.

The Honorable Pedro Silva Pereira received the Order of the
Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, recognising both his
contribution to strengthening economic relations between
Japan and the EU and to promoting inter-parliamentary exchanges between Japan and the EU.

Source: Mission of Japan to the European Union 			

https://www.eu.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000407.html

THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEACEMESSENGER CITIES’ CONFERENCE IN SARAJEVO
Mr. Takeshi Tamai, the Chief Representative the City of Yokohama Europe Representative Officevisited the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sarajevo on 26-29 September to take part in the general conference of the‘International Association of Peace Messenger Cities, IAPMC. Approximately 50 officials from 23 cities in 15 countries
joined the assembly.

On the first day, a city tour was arrangedby the City of Sarajevo and the participants visited the Sarajevo Tunnel, also
called Tunnel of Hope, the War Children
Museum which exhibited letters and family photos of happier times, destroyed
toys, etc., and the Historical Museum of
Bosnia and Herzegovina which had a special peace-related exhibition.
On the 27th, the conference was officially opened by the mayor of Sarajevo.
During the afternoon’s session regarding the member cities’ plans to reach
the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), Mr. Tamai explained Yokohama’scontribution to peace building and thefulfilment of the SDGs by presenting
Yokohama’s international cooperation on
infrastructure technology and know-how.

Mr. Tamai talked about the YPORT Center,a knowledge hub for smart city management and introduced the process of the
Asian-African cooperation on technology.
The last day focused on conflict resolution,
immigration policy and issues arising frommulticulturalism. Further plans of where
cities can strengthen and broaden theirpeace and SDG-related engagement wereproclaimed in the Declaration of Sarajevo.

The assembly approved the new member cities, Prilep (North Macedonia) andSremski Karlovci (Serbia). By following thisyear’s call to the Peace Messenger Cities’
Conference, Yokohama once again reaffirmed the sincere interest in aiming forworld peace and reaching the Sustainable
Development Goals.
https://yokohama-city.de/JAPAN SEEKING INNOVATIVE START-UPS
Major Japanese firms, from manufacturing to finance and services in a whole variety of sectors, areincreasingly looking to identify new innovation from European start-ups in order to improve their business practices and to introduce new ideas and technology into the Japanese market and to their network of global clients.
The event will be held in Paris during the Deep Tech Week and provide a unique opportunity for innovative start-ups todiscover the Japanese regional business opportunity and meet potential partners from major Japanese firms. The event will
carry out topics on the ecosystem, investment environment, and reverse-pitch presentations by Japanese corporates promoting open innovation. For more informations contact info-prs@jetro.go.jp

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RAKUTEN MOBILE LAUNCHES THE AUTONOMOUS
NETWORK RESEARCH & INNOVATION LAB IN TOKYO
Rakuten Mobile is the newest of the four major mobile operators in Japan and has recently launched the world’s firstend-to-end fully-virtualised cloud-native mobile phone network. The new mobile operator service is initially being
provided through a Free Supporter Program that offers voice and data services free of charge. With this new networkand platform, Rakuten Mobile aims to be one of – if not the – technologically most advanced telecommunication
providers in the world.

In recent years, the demand on mobile
network operators has been building
with ever increasing connected devices
and greater demand for speed. The telecommunications community has acknowledged that existing scaling techniques are insufficient and financiallyunsustainable.
To address this problem, Rakuten Mobile
aims to create a fully autonomous network. This means a network which is able
to diagnose and repair itself as well as optimize its operation with minimal or no
human involvement.

As part of this effort Rakuten Mobile
has created the Autonomous Network
Research & Innovation Lab. Their vision
is to create an artificial engineer that canoperate the network and the lab’s task
is to invent the technology required torealise this vision.
Dr. Pierre Imai, originally hailing from
Germany, is leading an internationalteam with backgrounds in AI, networking, telecommunications, and distributed
systems. This team already includes several European members and is actively
looking to grow.

Embracing an ethos of open innovation,
the Lab is looking to establish researchfocused collaborations with world leading academic and industrial institutes
who share their vision. As well as academic engagement, the lab’s successful
inventions will be validated and deployedby the operation teams to the network.
The new Autonomous Network Research& Innovation Lab will become a hub forcollaboration with international research
institutes with the aim of providing
high-level researchers with opportunities to research autonomous networking
technologies.
By Dr. PIERRE
IMAI, Head ofAutonomous
Network
Research &Innovation,
Rakuten
MobileBIOJAPAN & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE JAPAN 2020
1 4 OCTOBER 2020, YOKOHAMA, JAPAN
BioJapan & Regenerative Medicine Japan 2019 reportFeaturing a large-scale exhibition, an extensive seminarschedule, and a patented online partnering system, thesetwinned events are uniquely positioned within Asia as aplatform for bringing together key players in the bio andregen-med fields.
Almost two months have passed since the successful 2019
iterations of BioJapan and Regenerative Medicine Japan.
Interest in pursuing partnerships with European organisations is on the rise at BioJapan, and accordingly, the presenceof national and regional European delegations is more andmore apparent.

2020 Partnering Registration Opens in July
To forge relationships with new partners in Japan and Asia,
BioJapan is the place. About 75% of the 1,313 organisations
participating in this year’s partnering are based in Asia andOceania, and about 65% in Japan specifically. But what’smore, the event also boasts a solid roster of attendees fromaround the world, thanks in part to many returning foreign
pavilions and clusters (e.g. delegations from Europe, the US,
and Asia)
The partnering system opens for registration in July.
Breakdown of the data and detailed participants informationfrom previous year can be provided by the organiser.

2019 numbers: total visitor count: 17,512 (107% of last year’s total), participating countries: 34, total exhibition booths: 683, total
one on one business discussions held: 11,987 (119% of last year’s total)https://www.ics-expo.jp/biojapan/en/index.html

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CHANCES TRIGGERED BY THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
EU-JAPAN
After just over four years of negotiation, ratification and entry into force in February 2019, the EU-Japan Economic
Partnership Agreement (EPA) was eagerly expected by a large majority of companies.

It is precisely at these points that the agreement should apply and intended to take effect: new opportunities for market expansion and international cooperation are to be created through the almost all-encompassing dismantling of tariff barriers totrade, full access to public procurement, definition of explicit standards in areas such as employee and environmental protection, guarantee of intellectual property rights, and the support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The webinar premiere of DJW, conducted in cooperation with GTA, summarized recent developments regarding the FTA between EU and Japan and introduces first impacts for business with a report of experiences by METRO AG.
 https://www.djw.de/de/veranstaltungen/djw-veranstaltungen/webinar-neue-chancen-durch-das-freihandelsabkommen-zwischen-dereu-und-japan

The Free Trade Agreement has been subject to various DJW events conduced in 2019.
Visit DJW’s website for a summary of findings and experiences with the agreement so far.
https://www.djw.de/de/infopool/six-months-into-economic-partnership-agreement

AN INTENSIVE 1-WEEK MISSION TO JAPAN TO ACCELERATETHE MARKET ENTRY OF 10 EUROPEAN LIFE SCIENCE SMES
Two experienced cluster management organisations, BioM (https://www.bio-m.org/en.html)
from Munich/Bavaria in Germany, and Medicen (http://www.medicen.org/en/homepage) from
Paris Region, France, teamed up in the “Start.Smart.Global 2019” project to prepare 10 European
life science SMEs for the Japanese market. The training and market preparations were put into
practice during a 1-week mission to Japan in October.

Main events were the European Biotech & Pharma Partnering
Conference (https://european-biotech-and-pharma.b2match.
io) in Osaka and BioJapan (https://www.ics-expo.jp/biojapan/en) in Yokohama. Moreover, meetings with preferred customers, business consultants and agents, JETRO and governmental agencies were arranged according individual wish
lists to accelerate market entry and success. A visit including
B-2-B meetings to BioM’s cluster partner of the Tokyo-area,
Kawasaki King Skyfront (http://www.city.kawasaki.jp/en/
page/0000038680.html), rounded up the intensive week.

An important contribution to the positive outcome of themission was provided through the long-standing cooperation of BioM with Osaka BioHeadquarters (https://osaka-bio.
jp/english/about-us) . This leading biopharma network organisation helped to match the European SMEs with Japanesebusiness partners in the Osaka-Kansai region.
One of the participants, Michiel Jannick, CEO of Scinus Cell
Expension (https://scinus.com) from the Netherlands, sums
up: “It was great to get an overall landscape: network activities,
collaboration with the government, support of government.
In addition to that we spoke to KOL’s, CDMO’s and potential
distributors which led to a concrete follow up.”“Start.Smart.Global” is funded by EIT Health (https://www.eithealth.eu),
which is supported by the EIT, a body of the European Union.
https://www.bio-m.org/start.smart.global

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NEWS II DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 18

JAPAN WEEK HOSTED BY VITAGORASTRENGTHENING COLLABORATIONS IN AGRIFOOD
In November 2019, Vitagora celebrated 10 years of cooperation with Japan.

The French food innovation cluster was honoured to host
NARO’s President, Dr K. Kyuma, and Vice-President, Dr A.
Matsuda, and their team who came and met Vitagora’s
President M. Pierre Guez and Director M. Christophe Breuillet,
as well as scientific forces from Vitagora’s agrifood innovation ecosystem. The NARO, the National Agriculture andfood Research Organisation, is a historical and key partner of
Vitagora. During this “Japan week”, the Japanese company
Suntory also benefited from a deep insight in the network.
A great opportunity to enhance win-win collaboration opportunities, building on scientific expertise from precision
agriculture down to consumer preference and behaviour aswell as business development.
https://www.vitagora.com/

UK BIOINDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEETS FIRM IN JAPANThe BIA and FIRM have agreed to work together to enable Japanese companies in regenerative medicine and cell andgene therapy and related industry to collaborate with UK companies and vice versa.

Japan has a history of innovation in regenerative medicine andcommitment to a future of global scientific excellence. Thereis a strong track-record of partnership working in regenerative
medicine between UK and Japanese companies. The BIA andFIRM are making available to each other a directory of members
engaged in regenerative medicine, which can be found here
(https://www.bioindustry.org/policy/strategic-technologies/cell-and-gene-therapy.html).
BIA hopes that this shared directory will enable Japanese andUK companies to work cooperatively to solve problems andaccelerate mutual commercial outcomes that generate healthand wealth gains for the two countries.
Following the exchange, there was a discussion which focussed
on: collaboration between innovative cell and gene therapy
companies in the UK and Japan; the openness of the UK to
the world after Brexit; and reimbursement models over long
periods of time.
Cell and gene therapies are now at the forefront of medical
science, achieving their potential to radically transform thetreatment of many conditions. The UK has taken a leading role,both in Europe and globally, in developing new cell and genetherapies. There are 56 Advance Therapy Medicinal Product(ATMP) manufacturers currently headquartered in the UK alongwith 93 live clinical trials.
As new products make it to market, national and international
systems are adapting to meet the challenge of these new treatments, building 21st century appraisal, distribution and reimbursement models for 21st century medicines.
The UK is already well-placed to be an exemplar for how todevelop and deliver cell and gene therapies, with the ATTC
Network, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and central government support.

https://www.bioindustry.org/policy/strategic-technologies/cell-and-gene-therapy.html

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VISIT OF THE JAPAN COSMETIC CENTER AT GUERLAIN
PREMISES IN FRANCEOn 18 October in Chartres, France, COSMETIC VALLEY cluster and the Enterprise Europe Network team of DEV'UP
Centre-Val de Loire (the regional agency for economic development) welcomed a delegation of 40 participants fromJapan, Taiwan, Thailand and Indian Ocean islands on the theme of cosmetic innovation in Chartres.

Also supported by Enterprise Europe Network in Japan and the Japan Cosmetic Cluster, long-term partner of Cosmetic Valley,
this one-day tour brought together SMEs, research centres, one cluster and representatives from the Regional Council as well.
The objective of this visit was to discover the strengths of the regional cosmetic industry and the business opportunities inthis part of France which is the cradle of Cosmetic Valley (900 members across the globe). This year, Guerlain exceptionally
opened its La Ruche premises to welcome the delegation and present the cutting edge know-how and innovation strategy
which is the DNA of its flagship products.
Captivated by this industrial and also
cultural day for a tour in the old town ofChartres was proposed, the Japanesedelegation could enjoy a well-earned day
off after two frenetic days of Cosmetic 360
trade fair in Paris before flying back home.
Cosmetic Valley is a competitiveness cluster which role is to support companies
from the perfumery and cosmetics sector in their international development,
research and innovation projects. DEV’UP
agency focuses on employment andsupport for companies and territories inCentre Val de Loire region.
https://www.devup-centrevaldeloire.fr

https://www.cosmetic-valley.com

POLICIES AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR DECARBONISING THE
ENERGY SYSTEM - 10TH GERMAN-JAPANESE DIALOGUEFORUM FOR ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGYWASTE HEAT UTILISATION, HYDROGEN, SECTOR COUPLING – HOW THE ENERGY SUPPLY CAN BE
DECARBONISED
More than 250 participants attended
the 10 Anniversary of the Germanth

Japanese Environmental and Energy
Dialogue Forum held in Tokyo on the
29-30 October 2019.

German and Japanese experts from politics, industry and science met for the 10thtime to discuss key issues and technologies for climate and environmental protection. The effects of long-term energy
and climate strategies in both countries
were discussed as well as the role of hydrogen in the future energy systems andthe challenges for the long-term decarbonisation of the heat sector. Pioneering
projects for power-to-heat applications,
including low-temperature applications
and the use of industrial waste heat inlocal heating networks, were presented.
Possibilities and limits of biomass use andthe necessity of legislative steering ofmarket development by politicians were
the topics on the second day as well as ina separate roundtable.

The German-Japanese Environmental andEnergy Dialogue Forum celebrated its 10th
anniversary. Since its founding in 2007, theForum has developed into a renowned
platform for the exchange of information
between experts from business, scienceand politics in both countries on current
environmental and energy issues as wellas an incubator for cooperation projects.
The 10th German-Japanese Environment
and Energy Dialogue Forum is organised by the Federal Ministry for theEnvironment, Nature Conservation and
Nuclear Safety, the Federal Ministry of
Economics and Energy and the New
Energy and Industrial Technology
Organization (NEDO) and implemented
by ECOS and adelphi.
Source: ECOSCENTRE’S NEWS
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THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY KOBE UNIVERSITY BRUSSELSEUROPEAN CENTRE SYMPOSIUM
The Symposium “Open Science, Evolving Societies: New Horizons for EU-Japan Research” was held on 22 October 2019at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Jointly organised with the VUB, this event celebrated the 10th anniversary of theKobe University Brussels European Centre Symposium, and the active presence of Kobe University in Brussels, the firstJapanese university to open an office here in 2010.

From left: President Hiroshi Takeda (of Kobe University); Vice Rector Romain Meeusen (of Internationalisation at VUB); His Excellency Kazuo
Kodama (Ambassador, The Mission of Japan to the European Union); Director-General Jean-Eric Paquet (of the European Commission’s DG for
Research and Innovation)

In the afternoon three interactive workshops and ‘hands-on’ brokerage events
followed up on the same themes, withthe objective of developing joint projects
between European and Japanese partners. One of the key outcomes was thelaunch of a new EU-Japan consortium on
cultural heritage research – a highly topical and important policy and research issue in Japan and Europe and a key priorityof Horizon Europe.
The symposium opened with remarks by
H.E. Mr. Kazuo Kodama (Ambassador ofJapan to the European Union), Mr. JeanEric Paquet (Director-General, DG RTD,
European Commission), Professor Hiroshi
Takeda (Kobe University President), andProf. Dr. Romain Meeusen (Vice-Rector
for Internationalisation, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel).
This 10th Anniversary symposium was
the most successful since the launch ofthis yearly event, with presentations by
40 speakers and the participation of 130
EU and Japanese researchers, government officials, representatives of industry, embassies, think-tanks and cultural
institutions, as well as PhD students froma number of European universities.


Three parallel sessions in the morning addressed highly topical issues of EU-Japan
cooperation in the fields of economics
and international relations, food technologies and cultural heritage, in the context
of the recently adopted EU-Japan EPA and
SPA, and in the perspective of a futureassociation of Japan to Horizon Europe.
Themes included: EU-Japan EPA and SPA:
joining forces for a rule-based international economic order; food systems for
quality, safety and functionalities; andPreserving the past, Celebrating the present, embracing the future: a new age forcultural heritage research in the EU andJapan.

https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/NEWS/info/2019_11_07_02.html

This event demonstrated, once again, theactive commitment of Kobe University
and its strategic partner the VUB, in developing broad-based partnerships with
European universities and research centres, and in participating in European R&I
programmes. As Director General Paquet
stressed in his opening remarks, the perspective of a future association of Japan
to Horizon Europe should provide an
extra impetus for such joint projects. As
one of the most resolutely internationallyoriented of Japanese universities, with
its strong commitment and track recordof cooperation with European partners,
Kobe University is looking forwards to thenew opportunities offered by such a new
agreement.

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GRUNBERGER DIAMONDS WINS
THE 10TH NIPPON EXPORT AWARD
The Nippon Export Award, an initiative of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commercein Japan, is a biennial award given to the most successful company exporting to Japan,
importing into Japan or distributing within Japan, Belgian-Luxembourg products or services.
For its 10th edition the award goes to Grunberger Diamonds Japan, a diamond company from
Antwerp (Belgium) that successfully set up a business in Japan.

The jury praised their entrepreneurial spirit to come to Japanand start new business. In 6 years they could establish themselves as a brand with continuous growth. Their numerous collaborations with Japanese artists are a perfect merger of Belgian
and Japanese craftsmanship. New initiatives including theirown jewellery lines show that more growth is to be expected
the coming years. On top of that the company honours a truefamily spirit and shows a lot of enthusiasm.
The Nippon Export Award aims to support and promote thebusiness links between Japan and Belgium-Luxembourg.



http://blccj.or.jp/nippon-export-award/https://grunbergerdiamonds.com/

The official selection criteria are:
• The presence in the Japanese market and the company’s significant achievement (either growth or size) in trade with Japan• Showing vision in new niche markets, daring innovation toembark on new opportunities• Perseverance in the conquest of the market, adaptation of
the products and services to the Japanese taste and standards• Originality of approach (marketing, distribution, environment
protection, design, research, etc.)• The company's spirit (marketing, merchandising, etc.)
The Nippon Export Award is under the High Patronage of thePrime Minister of Belgium and the Prime Minister of Luxembourg;and receives the support of the Belgo-Luxembourg Market
Council, the Embassy of Belgium in Japan, the Embassy of
Luxembourg in Japan, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce,
Flanders Investment & Trade, Wallonia Export-Investment
Agency and hub.brussels Invest & Export.

JAPANESE CORPORATION INVESTS IN SPANISHINNOVATIVE TEXTILES START-UP
ASICS Ventures Corporation takes stake in PYRATES smart fabrics, high-end,
innovative and sustainable knit fabrics developer and supplier based in Spain.

Rising awareness regarding sustainabletextile production to address environmental and social concerns, along withincreasing demand for natural fabrics, areexpected to be key factors driving textile
market growth in the coming years, aswell as rising consumer demand worldwide for functional fabrics due to growing health awareness and hygienic concerns, and Asia-Pacific is the third leading
region for functional textile market witha share of 24%.

PYRATES smart fabrics participated in thefirst edition of the ASICS TENKAN-TEN
Growth Catalyst – the global corporate
acceleration program for sports & wellbeing growth stage start-ups, during
which it was the most positively received
company in Kobe, Japan. Because Japanremains one of the world’s leading textile markets, and is a trendsetter for othercountries in Asia, PYRATES wants to expand its reach within the country whose
values and status as textile innovation
forerunners greatly matches ours.
At the Spanish company’s core is continuous R&D of innovative textiles, andup until now the brand has developed arange of 15 PYRATEX®: high-end, naturally
functional knit fabrics which the branddevelops in Italy, and can be applied in
the field of sportswear, prêt à porter, underwear, and more.

In fact, PYRATES smart fabrics has received the grant of the European Union’s
2019 edition of phase 1 of Horizon2020,
a confirmation from the European Union
as an advanced textile company, and iscurrently preparing phase 2.
ASICS is also currently planning a capsulecollection release for the beginning of
2020, made from PYRATEX® fabrics.


https://www.pyratessmartfabrics.com

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NEWS II DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 22

JAPANESE – GERMAN – FRENCH CONFERENCE: AI FOR SDGs
HOW CAN AI HELP SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES?
The

Japanese-German-Frenchbrought

together

two

topicsconference
critically

impacting the future of our societies: Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Climate Change. As
global temperatures continue to rise, and as
extreme weather conditions become more
frequent, many express their hope that science
will find a way to save humanity from climatechange and its consequences. Advances in AI
have triggered almost boundless expectations,but can AI technologies be game changers interms of climate change?

On 24 October, the German Centre for Research andInnovation Tokyo (DWIH Tokyo) together with the Embassyof France in Japan and the Japanese Science and Technology
Agency (JST), invited 16 speakers from Germany, France andJapan to Tokyo to discuss how artificial intelligence can help
solve environmental challenges. Over 150 participants attended the day-long event and many more followed via thelive stream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yial14gH3W
0&feature=youtu.be ).
The discussants approached the topic from four different
angles: in the first session, government representatives andthinkers with a background in policymaking examined how
ecological issues and the digital transition are intertwined ineach country’s national policy agenda. The second session
discussed AI applications in agriculture and land use.

The third session brought artificial intelligence from the rural
to urban areas, under the topic of AI applications in Smart
Cities. The last session introduced examples of environmental AI applications already in use, e.g. a Virtual Power Plant(VPP) demonstration project conducted collaboratively by aGerman and a Japanese company.
The conference was a follow-up to the First JapaneseGerman-French DWIH Symposium on AI (November 2018).
In December, DWIH Tokyo will hold a second follow-up
event, on AI and Health Care. The results of both follow-up
events will be raised for further discussion next year at theSecond Japanese-German-French Symposium on Artificial
Intelligence (18-19 November 2020).


http://www.dwih-tokyo.org/sdgs

EU-JAPAN BIOMASS &BIOECONOMY SEMINAR
3RD EDITION
27-30 APRIL 2020, MARSEILLE, FRANCE
Building on the outcomes of the previous
two EU-Japan Seminars held in Hiroshima
and in Lisbon in 2019, this event will gather experts from research and industry
from both Europe and Japan, to discuss
the challenges and the solutions for theinternational research, knowledge transfer and industrial cooperation supporting
the energy transition.
For more information and to submit ideas for discussion please contact:
in Europe: Sinuo Sun: sinuo.sun@etaflorence.it
in Japan: Prof. Yukihiko Matsumura: mat@hiroshima-u.ac.jp

PRESS REVIEW
Foreign firms investment in Japan atrecord highhttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/
news/20191127_34/

Japan wants foreign entrepreneurs, but
what's missing?
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/
news/2019/11/25/business/japan-foreign-entrepreneurs

Japanese food fair tempts global buyers
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/
news/20191127_47/

Japan's retail sales see deepest slump
since 2015 as tax hike hits demand
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/
news/2019/11/28/business/economy-business/japans-retail-sales-down

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CIRCULAR ECONOMY IS BECOMING A REALITYPRODUCING HIGH-QUALITY SECONDARY MATERIALS FROM WASTE TYRES USING NEW INNOVATIVETECHNOLOGYJapan has, due to its geological and geographical limits, always lived with natural resources scarcity, which alsoenhanced their development of waste management systems. The idea of circular economy in Japan is well embedded inJapanese legislation, culture and tradition.

Likewise, in Europe, Japan has come to the conclusion thatwaste is not a costly burden but can be a profitable resource.
At the same time, circular economy can solve several challenges
and increase economic & social wealth.
One of the largest and most problematic waste in Japan are
end-of-life tyres (ELTs), with a total collected volume exceeding
1.000.000 tones every year. At the same time this environmental
threat represents the unexploited “urban mine” of secondary
raw materials with high added value.
The European company L4T (Life for Tyres) recognised the opportunity and necessity of Japanese market for this new approach and is introducing circular economy solution in endof-life tyres (ELTs) sector. As part of L4T expansion plan andits commitment to multinational clients to deliver high quality
secondary materials, the company plans to establish a strategic
joint venture with a prominent local Japanese company alreadyin 2020 and build a fully automated plant with the cutting edge
patented depolymerisation technology and with a minimum
yearly capacity of 25.000 tons of ELTs by end of 2022.

The “door opener” was the EU Circular Economy Mission to
Japan and since then L4T has been working intensively on developing the project in Japan and is cooperating closely with
the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation.
This close relation and assistance of the EU-Japan Centre forIndustrial Cooperation contributed to a better understanding of
the Japanese market from the perspective of a European SME.
It also gave to the company a big boost to decision-making
process to land this investment in Japan as well as it is now
facilitating the process of entering of the company into theJapanese market.
By TILEN MILICEVIC,
Deputy General Manager, L4T d.o.o

DJW “ASA NO KAI” (BUSINESS BREAKFAST)
5 DECEMBER 2019, OSTFILDERN, GERMANY
Bionic is the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineeringsystems and modern technology.

Most prominent example is the communication within the army of ants: In order to achieve a common goal, they need to
be able to communicate long-distance and adapt to altering surrounding aspects. Industry 4.0 follows the same aspiration:
Machines need to learn automatically how to communicate with each other and autonomously adjust their decisions accordingly. Hence, requirements of the technology of the future are high - flexible adaption to rapidly changing situations, identification of blind spots and potential cost reduction, data management, as well as data analytics are only a few necessary functions.
Both speakers (Dipl. Ing. Eberhard Klotz, MBA, Global Sales Director Industry 4.0 and Digitalisation / Dipl. Ing. (FH) Juergen
Boeck, Business Development LifeTech, Festo AG & Co. KG) will share their experience and expertise with Bionics and implications for Industry 4.0 in Germany and Japan.
https://www.djw.de/de/veranstaltungen/djw-veranstaltungen/djw-asa-no-kai-stuttgart-2019

STUDY ON EU SMEs' INTERNATIONALISATION
An important study with relevant information related also to SME internationalisation was published this week
by the Enterprise Europe Network: the SME Growth Outlook 2019-20 is available here.


https://een.ec.europa.eu/news/enterprise-europe-network-presents-sme-growth-outlook-2019-20

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NEWS II DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 24

INVITATION TO A BUYERS’EVENT
THE 8TH EDITION OF THE SPANISH FOOD &WINE INWARD MISSION FOR BUYERS WILL TAKE PLACE
ON 26-27 FEBRUARY 2020 IN LOGROÑO, SPAIN
Logroño is the financial capital of La Rioja, a region located in the
Ebro river valley in northern Spain, whose privileged land and climate
conditions have fostered a long tradition in the production of highquality wines, vegetables and other agrofood products.

Logroño is also one of the most important towns on the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela. A crossroad of considerable cultural relevance that has left an interesting monumental legacy.
The event will gather Spanish enterprises operating in the wine and food sector from La Rioja region and importers anddistributors from European countries, United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, etc. The 2019 edition, gathering 96
Spanish companies along with 66 importers from over 20 countries was a great success.
In this coming edition, around seventy importers from over twenty countries will be invited by the main organiser, Business
Federation of La Rioja, which will cover their travel and lodging expenses.
Japanese companies participating in this 2-day event will have the chance to meet Spanish producers, taste their food andwines during the B2B meetings and visit to their wineries and food factories.
The Business Federation of La Rioja is cooperating with over thirty organisations members of Enterprise Europe Network in
the promotion and the organisation of this event.
Registration deadline for Japanese importers: 31 December 2019

https://food-wine-2020.b2match.io

XIII INTERNATIONAL WINE BUSINESS MEETINGS
10-14 FEBRUARY 2020, LLEIDA, SPAIN

On the 10-14 February 2020, will be held in Spain (Catalonia-Lleida-west of Barcelona) and very close to regions like
Priorat, Montsant, Penedés or Cava among others, The XIII International Wine Business Meetings.

An event co-organized by the Lleida Chamber of Commerce, International Office of Catalonia in Tokyo (ACCIO), and EU Japan
Center. Until now, more than 260 wineries from over all the Spanish regions took part in the event, with an average participation of 25 wineries from more than 20 origin denominations (DO). Additionally, more than 140 importers from countries like
United States, Canada, China, Russia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam took part in the event in the last editions.
In this edition, with the collaboration of ACCIO in Tokyo and Seoul (Catalonia Government) the aim is to bring importers fromJapan to better-known Spanish wineries. The idea is to show to Japanese companies the quality and diversity of Spanishwines. Also to create a good relationship between wine importers and producers and offering the wineries the possibility ofshowing their cellars and facilities in Spain. The event covers the flight and the accommodation expenses of the importersthat will have the possibility to arrange B2B appointments with over 25 participating producers, both boutique and renowned
wineries.


https://www.cambralleida.org/qui-som/activitats/wine-business-meetings/

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EU-JAPANNEWS
NEWS II DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 25

PARTNERINGOPPORTUNITIESJAPANESE COMPANIESLOOKING FOR EU PARTNERS http://een-japan.eu/opportunities

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORSSector: Medical devices
A Japanese medical device manufacturer
seeks EU partners for its electronic fetalmonitor for remote prenatal check-ups
Profile ID: BOJP20191118001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT
Sector: Medical devices
Japanese medical device developer seeks
EU partner for their handheld magnetic
probe used for breast cancer detection
Profile ID: BOJP20191010001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT
Sector: Gardening tools
A Japanese garden tool manufacturer isseeking EU agents and distributors
Profile ID: BOJP20191017001

REQUEST FOR AGENT
Sector: Audiovisual devices
A Japanese company is seeking
commercial agents in the EU to promote its
infrared multispectral colour night vision
Profile ID: BOJP20181023001

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR OR AGENT
Sector: Industrial equipment
A Japanese company specialised in air
compressors and spray equipment islooking for distributors in the EU
Profile ID: BOJP20181115001

CALENDAR
DATE/LOCATION
10 December 2019
Berlin, Germany

12 December 2019
Tokyo, Japan

28-31 Jan 2020
Tokyo, Japan

6-7 February 2020
Berlin, Germany

15-18 March 2020
Tokyo, Japan

18-19 March 2020
Tokyo, Japan

18-29 May 2020
Tokyo, Japan

22-26 June 2020
Nagoya, Japan

16-20 September 2020
Nagoya, Japan

EU-JAPAN NEWS I DECEMBER 2019 I 4 VOL 17 I PAGE 26

DETAILSCONTACTSEUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMMELEAN in Europe - Visit to BMW Group Plant Berlin

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/lean-visits-europe
Deutsches Institut für Japanstudien

FORUM

User-driven innovation in health- & elderly care in Japan
EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME

Sectoral Mission: Nanotech Cluster & SMEs Mission

https://www.dijtokyo.org/event/user-driven-innovation-in-health-elderly-care-in-japan/
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/nanotech-cluster-sme-mission
JDZB

SYMPOSIUM

https://www.jdzb.de/en/events/single-view/id/2042/

Demography and Health

EU Gateway to Japan

MARKET SCOPING MISSION

https://www.eu-gateway.eu/business-missions/
missions-calendar/healthcare-medical-technologies-japan-1

Healthcare & Medical TechnologiesJDZB

SYMPOSIUM

Aging and Care in German and Japanese Communities

https://www.jdzb.de/en/events/single-view/id/2051/EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Training Mission: Get Ready for Japan
Application deadline: 13 February 2020

https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/get-ready-forjapan-training-programme

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Training Mission: World Class Manufacturing - session I
Application deadline: 13 March 2020

https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/world-class-manufacturing

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FUNDED PROGRAMME

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Training Mission: World Class Manufacturing - session II
Application deadline: 2 July 2020

https://www.eu-japan.eu/events/world-class-manufacturing-november-mission

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020
The EU-Japan Centre wishes you a cheerful and happy New Year!

ANY EU-JAPAN-RELATED NEWS?
is a joint venture co-financed by the European
Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry (METI). Its aim is to foster thedevelopment of industrial cooperation between
companies from both regions through training
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This quarterly newsletter is produced by the EUbased office of the EU-Japan Centre, and is primarily
intended to provide EU/Japan-related news.

Feel free to contact us if you would like your EU-Japan-related
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HEAD OFFICE IN JAPANOFFICE IN THE EU

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The European Office of the EU-Japan Centre alone is responsible for the information contained in its communications 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