Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

March 31, 2025
Japanese

Overview

With the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the UK Department for Business and Trade, the Women's Economic Empowerment Seminar 2025 was held online on February 6, from 09:00-11:30 UK time (18:00-20:30 Japan time). This event was based on the Japan-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Japan-UK CEPA).

During the seminar, representatives from Japan and the UK provided an overview of initiatives and support tools aimed at helping British female entrepreneurs and business owners expand into Japan. Presentation by acclaimed speakers covered a wide range of important, useful and practical topics followed by Q&A sessions.

The Cabinet Office discussed the attractiveness of the Japanese market and measures to promote investment in Japan. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) introduced various support tools available for business expansion into Japan.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) highlighted differences in business customs between the two countries and networking opportunities BCCJ provides for entrepreneurs and business owners. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government presented initiatives to attract startups and introduced the consultation contact point Access to Tokyo (A2T), which operates globally, including in London.

Additionally, the private company ANRI shared its support initiatives for female entrepreneurs. NEXTBLUE discussed their support for the expansion of European companies, including those from the UK, into Japan.

Two British female business owners who have expanded their businesses to Japan explained their reasons for choosing the Japanese market, their business strategies, and the challenges and solutions.

Programme

Moderator:
Deputy Director-General Shige WATANABE
Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
UK Time JP Time Lead Session
9:00-9:05
(5min)		 18:00-18:05 Shige WATANABE
Ambassador (Economic Diplomacy)
Deputy Director-General at Economic Affairs Bureau (G20/G7 Sous Sherpa) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan		 Opening remarks, introductions, housekeeping
9:05-9:15
(10min)		 18:05-18:15 Mitsuru MYOCHIN
Director-General for Foreign Direct Investment Promotion -
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan		 Why Japan (Overview)?
Explore why Japan is an excellent opportunity for businesswomen and entrepreneurs interested in establishing or growing a business in Japan.
9:15-9:25
(10min)		 18:15-18:25 Yuji SANADA
Lead -
Innovation Department, JETRO		 Support Measures by JETRO
Specific support measures for those considering business expansion into Japan.
9:25-9:40
(15min)		 18:25-18:40   Q&A
9:40-9:50
(10min)		 18:40-18:50 Sarah BACKLEY
Executive Director -
British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ)		 Entering the Japanese Market with BCCJ
  1. Navigating Cultural and Business Differences
  2. Observation on Business Opportunities in Japan
  3. The Role of BCCJ in Supporting Businesses Entering the Japan Market
9:50-10:00
(10min)		 18:50-19:00 Satoko KUSANO
Director –
Strategic Business Promotion Division, Office for Startup and Global Financial City Strategy
Tokyo Metropolitan Government		 Support Measures for Attracting Foreign Businesses to Tokyo
Introduce Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s initiatives on foreign direct investment including bringing in startups.
10:00-10:15
(15min)		 19:00-19:15   Q&A
10:15-10:25
(10min)		 19:15-19:25 Erika KANAI
Senior Associate -
ANRI		 ANRI
  1. Introduction of ANRI
  2. ANRI’s initiatives with non-Japanese startups and female founders
  3. How to contact us
10:25-10:35
(10min)		 19:25-19:35 Kanako INOUE
General Partner –
NEXTBLUE		 NEXTBLUE
  1. Introduction of NEXTBLUE
  2. NEXTBLUE’s initiatives with European startups and female founders
  3. How to contact us
10:35-10:50
(15min)		 19:35-19:50   Q&A
10:50-11:00
(10min)		 19:50-20:00 Shoko Doherty
CEO –
Celtic English Academy		 Business leader spotlight:
Sharing experiences and advice from women entrepreneurs that have entered the Japanese market.
11:00-11:10
(10min)		 20:00-20:10 Laura Rudoe
Founder and CEO –
Evolve Organic Beauty		 Business leader spotlight:
Sharing experiences and advice from women entrepreneurs that have entered the Japanese market.
11:10-11:25
(15min)		 20:10-20:25   Q&A
11:25-11:30
(5min)		 20:25-20:30 Shige WATANABE
Deputy Director-General,
Economic Affairs Bureau,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan		 Closing

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