On Monday, May 26, 2025, the state-owned trade and investment agency, NRW.Global Business, will host Japan Business Day 2025, one of the largest German-Japanese business conferences, in Düsseldorf. This year's Business Day, with the main theme “Hydrogen Economy – German and Japanese Business Models for the Future”, will focus on strategic and technological cooperation between Japan and North Rhine-Westphalia in the field of hydrogen technology.
The event is being held with the support of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State North Rhine-Westphalia in close cooperation with the state capital Düsseldorf, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Düsseldorf, the Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Düsseldorf, and the German-Japanese Business Association.
Felix Neugart, CEO of NRW.Global Business, will host the event together with Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf's Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller, Japanese Consul General Yoshitaka Tsunoda, and President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Akio Ryomoto.
Felix Neugart, CEO of NRW.Global Business: “North Rhine-Westphalia and Japan have a long-standing economic partnership. Around 650 Japanese companies are deeply rooted here, some of which have been here for decades. The hydrogen economy offers great opportunities for closer cooperation. North Rhine-Westphalia is on its way to becoming a pioneer in this field, and Japanese companies can contribute valuable technological expertise. The Business Day provides an opportunity to explore strategic developments and new business models together."
Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: "Especially in times of global crisis, true friendship is priceless. NRW and Japan have enjoyed a strong partnership for decades – in industry, research, and future-oriented topics such as hydrogen and climate protection. This year's Japan Business Day is dedicated to these shared goals. The trusting cooperation is particularly evident in forward-looking projects that NRW and Japan are working on together, such as sustainable energy solutions."
Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of Düsseldorf: “Hydrogen is a key technology for the energy transition and a driver of sustainable growth. Germany and Japan are shaping the future of this technology as partners. Düsseldorf is the central location where leading companies in the hydrogen economy from Germany, Europe, and Japan are working together on innovation projects. Here, they pool their innovative strength and expertise to develop a modern hydrogen economy together.”
Yoshitaka Tsunoda, Japanese Consul General in Düsseldorf: “Japan Business Day 2025 is dedicated to a highly relevant future-oriented topic and is an expression of the German-Japanese partnership, which is characterized by trust and shared values. We share not only economic interests, but also the conviction that innovation and cooperation are crucial for overcoming common challenges such as climate change.”
Akio Ryomoto, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Düsseldorf: “In these times, when global circumstances continue to change rapidly and it is difficult to make decisions with an eye to the future, it is crucial for Germany and Japan to leverage their close bilateral relations and work together on universal issues such as the realization of a hydrogen society.”
Hydrogen economy – strategic and future-oriented
Both Germany and Japan see hydrogen as a key component of their climate strategies. Companies of all sizes, from start-ups to large corporations, are faced with the task of further developing technologies, scaling applications, and establishing new business models. North Rhine-Westphalia is an attractive location with a robust industrial base and numerous players along the hydrogen value chain. At the same time, Japan is a high-tech location and an important research and innovation partner for Germany in the field of hydrogen technologies. Japan Business Day will focus on how both countries can collaborate to establish international standards and leverage synergies, particularly in the B2B sector and in public-private partnerships.
Expert contributors and practical examples from both countries
The expert program, moderated by Dr. Babette Nieder, board member of h2-netzwerk-ruhr e.V. and CEO of WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH, will begin with a panel discussion on North Rhine-Westphalia as a hydrogen location, in which participants will explore perspectives from politics, industry, and business.
2G Energy and Uniper from North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as Asahi Kasei and Toyota Gazoo Racing from Japan, will then present specific practical examples for a green future using hydrogen technologies. The subsequent discussion will focus on an exchange of views regarding the respective strategies and potential opportunities for collaboration.
You can find the full program here.
Event details:
Japan Business Day 2025
Date: May 26, 2025, 2:00 pm-8:00 pm
Venue: Hotel KÖ59, Königsallee 59, Düsseldorf.
Background information:
Since 2002, NRW.Global Business, the state-owned trade and investment agency, has been organizing Japan Business Day for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the state capital Düsseldorf, and Düsseldorf's Japanese community in collaboration with its partners as part of Japan Day's economic program.
Düsseldorf, the state capital, is the organizer of Japan Day Düsseldorf/NRW, a cultural and community festival. Both events are supported by the Japanese community and its institutions, including the Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Düsseldorf, the Japanese Club Düsseldorf, the German-Japanese Business Association, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
Organizer:
- NRW.Global Business GmbH
Event partners:
- Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
- State capital Düsseldorf
- Japanese Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Düsseldorf
Supported by:
- Japanese Consulate General Düsseldorf
- Düsseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
- German-Japanese Business Association (DJW)
Exhibition partners 2025:
Gold:
- DACHSER SE
- Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.
Silver:
- 2G Energy AG
- Deloitte GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
- Dr. Ganteführer, Marquardt & Partner mbB
- MUFG Bank (Europe) N.V. Germany Branch
- Nippon Gases Deutschland GmbH
- Nishimura & Asahi Europe Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
- NRW.Energy4Climate GmbH
- United Parcel Service Deutschland LLC & Co. OHG
Bronze:
- NIPPON STEEL EUROPE GmbH