EU-Japan Centre for industrial cooperation is currently launching a call for applications for the "HRTP-Japan Industry Insight" 2013 programme for EU companies needing concrete tools for handling business issues with Japan.

For its 49th edition, this programme will provide an unique opportunity to get within a very short time an integrated in-depth view of Japanese industrial structure and business practices.

The next course is open to all-sized companies and takes place in Tokyo from 13 May to 7 June 2013.

Participants from SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) will benefit from EUR 3000 scholarship.

More details are available on the EU-Japan Centre website

The EU Gateway Progamme is a programme funded and managed by the European Union to support EU companies in developing business cooperation with Japanese companies. The Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo is supporting the programme by maximizing business opportunities for Dutch participants. 
 
From 5 – 6 February 2013, the below mentioned Dutch companies are visiting Tokyo. Those three companies will present themselves at the two-day Exhibition as follow:
 
Date: 5 -6 February 2013
Venue: Hilton Hotel 4F, Shinjuku
Admission: Free (Prior registration required) 
Event outline (Japanese)
Registration (Japanese) 

LIST OF THE DUTCH PARTICIPANTS 
Plugwise BV  (Solutions for building efficiency, lighting control, home efficiency, smart grid) 
We4Ce B.V. (Rotor blade designs and all rotor blade related services and support) 
LG Sound B.V. (monitoring water quality, algae control, ultrasound, ultrasonic, biofilm, cooling tower, lg sonic) 
 
The Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo would appreciate very much if you could pay a visit to the Exhibition and share your knowledge & expertise with the Dutch participants.  If you would like to have an individual meeting with the Dutch participants, please get in touch with Ms. Komatsubara of the Embassy (Tel: 03-5776-5437 - kazuyo.komatsubara@minbuza.nl).

On January 15th the two NCCJs gathered at the Norwegian espressobar / cocktailbar Fuglen in Shibuya. Almost 30 participants braved the snow covered slippery streets of Tokyo to attend this Dutch - Norwegian evening to celebrate a good start on an exciting year 2013.

In the atmosphere of Fuglen, both Dutch and Norwegian guests soon found themselves relaxing, mixing and mingling with some sipping their Kopstoots while others preferred to try one of the Fuglen's famous coffees. As old and new friends met for the first time over the holidays, the venue was soon buzzing with congratulations for the New Year, laughter and fingers pointed at one of the many Norwegian 40's to 60's vintage items both displayed and as a part of the interior which makes up for the concept which is Fuglen.

Before opening the buffet, Mr. Hans van der Tang, Chairman of the Dutch Chamber, warmly greeted and welcomed everyone to the shinnenkai, presenting and introducing the Dutch Minister Plenipotentiary Nienke Trooster who kindly and timely welcomed everyone to do their best to make 2013 into a prosperous year by doing what we can to stimulate to growth.

On the cocktail menu was several cocktails, all based on the Dutch spirits Jenever for this evening:
Jenever Old Fashion
John Collins
Martinez
kopstoot
The theme for the evening & the short history of Jenever

By the way, you can visit Fuglen Tokyo at:
Tomigaya 1-16-11, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
6 minutes walk from Yoyogi Koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
15 - 20 minutes walk from Shibuya Station

Custom Media KK joined our Chamber last summer as an Associate member with Representative Leon van Houwelingen, Senior Account Executive. Custom Media KK is an independent, creative publishing and design house and business communications agency based in Tokyo. They provide a wide range of services, from bespoke magazines, newsletters, direct mail and online content creation to advertising, branding, communications, editing, and translating services. Some of their key products include C-Level publications for BCCJ Acumen directed at C-level readers at large and ACCJ digital promotion services.

Leon is born and raised in Hardinxveld-Giessendam in the Netherlands. After graduation Leon travelled the world during which in Australia he made a Japanese friend with whom he travelled to Japan, a journey that inspired him to return various times due to his admiration and appreciation of Japanese culture, food, nature and much more. In 2004 he decided to study TMA at Rotterdam University which allowed him to return for 1 year to Japan guaranteed to study at Sophia University in Tokyo and an internship in Nagoya. Leon has since returned in August 2011 and married his Japanese girlfriend.

As for other interest Leon mentions that prior to coming to Japan he had plenty of hobbies, however he nevertheless makes an conscience effort to go jogging at night, bike rides along the Arakawa river and surely likes to go out and meet friends and make new ones, either for business or pleasure.

As a reason for joining NCCJ Leon looks forward to learn from fellow members from different ranks and industries and to share business ideas which will assist him in his position at Custom Media KK and his desire to become a successful businessman / entrepreneur in Japan. In addition Leon is keen to proactively work with the NCCJ and to help the Chamber go from strength to strength.

Saying goodbye to 2012 at the NCCJ Bonenkai

NCCJ members toasted farewell to 2012 at the Chamber’s annual bonenkai year-end party on Dec. 12.

The bonenkai (literally “forget the year party”) is an ancient Japanese tradition, observed by all kinds of groups in Japan, a time to get together with friends and colleagues and put the trials and tribulations of the past year behind us.

About 25 members attended the event, at Indian restaurant Diya at Roppongi Hills. For some of us it was a time to celebrate a year of continuing accomplishment and success; for others it was an opportunity to toast our survival in these turbulent times, forget our troubles and begin the new year with a clean slate.

Since 1979, the European Commission’s Executive Training Programme (ETP) has been helping European companies to succeed in the Japanese and South Korean markets by providing intensive language and business training for their executives.

Applications are now open for the 2013/2014 cycle of the Executive Training Programme, aimed at helping European executives and companies to develop their business in East Asia. The programme offers a unique combination of executive business and language training provided by leading universities in Japan/Korea and an internship in a local company all of which is funded by the EU along with a scholarship. Participants will learn how to shape a credible business plan for their company, gain useful skills and insights to pave a path to successful expansion in Asia, and make useful contacts. 

For information, consultation and assistance with your application in Tokyo, contact:
Ms. A. Murray (EBC)
Tel: 03-3263-6225  |  E-mail: ebcam@gol.com

Or apply now via www.euetp.eu