Berlin goes Japan

Berlin, September 15, 2025 - As the world’s fourth-largest economy – highly developed, innovation-driven, and deeply connected to global markets – Japan has long been a strategic focus for German companies. The scale of that interest became clear when Berlin Partner, together with the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, invited Berlin-based businesses to apply for a jointly organized delegation trip. From a particularly strong pool of applicants, around 30 representatives of Berlin’s business community were selected. They will accompany Mayor and Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises Franziska Giffey on a journey from Tokyo to Osaka between September 15 and 19, 2025.

The strong response from Berlin’s business and industry associations reflects the Senate Department’s broader objective: to deepen international economic relations and create fresh opportunities through delegation trips, networking, and cooperation platforms. In Japan, the mission is clear – build stronger connections with local partners and foster knowledge exchange through targeted B2B meetings and networking events.

The program begins in Tokyo, where the delegation will visit Shibuya Startup Support and Tokyo Innovation Base, take part in presentations, and explore exclusive networking opportunities. Key highlights include Startup Germany Night on September 16, 2025, and sector-specific roundtables with Japanese companies on September 17, 2025 – both designed to spark new partnerships and strengthen existing ties.

From Tokyo, the group will travel by the iconic Shinkansen high-speed train to Osaka, one of the world’s largest metropolitan regions with a population of around 19 million. Highlights there include visits to the Global Startup Expo and the World Expo 2025, where the German Pavilion will host “Berlin Week.” The delegation will also participate in matchmaking and pitch events, as well as structured networking and one-on-one meetings aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation. 

The delegation will return to Berlin on the evening of September 19, 2025 – bringing back fresh perspectives, new partnerships, and valuable contacts from the Land of the Rising Sun.