Business Mission to Japan 2025

From April 21 to 28, 2025, the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) organized a business mission to Japan - Tokyo and Osaka - under the National Project "Support for the Internationalization of SMEs 2," part of the Slovakia Programme. The mission aimed to support Slovak small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in entering Asian markets, specifically Japan—one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world.

A total of 23 Slovak companies participated in the mission: IT CRAB, SENBRO, M+M potraviny, SCR technologies, Sudo Labs, WEGA LH, GAMO, Novotechno, YUZU House, Heriport, IO, ONLINE TORO digital, DAITABLE, Polyplast vd, Fintegence, ServiceS, develogics, Zajo Design, Legal Tech Factory Europe, Medic Labor, ŠIVINET, Reform PRODUCTS & SERVICES, and Premier Sport Tour / Futbaltour.

A key component of the mission was participation in the prestigious Japan IT Week Spring 2025 trade fair, held from April 23 to 25 at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. The Slovak delegation attended the event over the course of three days, during which company representatives actively established business contacts, monitored technological innovations, and gained insights into current trends in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, automation, big data, and biotechnology.

An important part of the program included a reception at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Tokyo, where the delegation was welcomed by Ambassador H.E. Ivan Surkoš and Economic Diplomat Roman Hauser. The visit also featured a practical lecture on Japanese business and cultural practices, helping entrepreneurs better understand the local business environment. Each member of the delegation also presented their company during this session.

In Tokyo, the program continued with a professional seminar and B2B networking event at Tokyo Innovation Garden, organized in cooperation with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and Nomura Research Institute (NRI). The opening presentation on Japan's innovation ecosystem was delivered by Hikojiro Isozaki, Group Manager at NRI. During the discussion, he addressed questions from Slovak entrepreneurs and focused on their specific interests in the Japanese innovation landscape.

The Slovak companies then took part in the traditional Japanese self-introduction format, jikoshōkai, to present their operations and interests related to entering the Japanese market. Following the initial presentations, bilateral meetings were held with 16 Japanese companies and institutions, including: Fujitsu Ltd., Nomura Research Institute, Toda Corporation, Eurasia B’z Umbrella Co., Ltd., Air Water Inc., Tateho Chemical Industries (AIR WATER Group), TK Risk & Consulting Inc., Nikkei Inc., JETRO Tokyo, Utsunomiya University, Cinecraft Film, Free Consultant (Katsuhiko Endo), AI Researcher Soichi Onozuka, and Mori Hajime (Minato City, Tokyo).

A total of 260 B2B meetings took place during the mission, significantly contributing to the development of collaboration opportunities between Slovak and Japanese stakeholders in innovation, industry, and business, while also setting the stage for future commercial negotiations.

The second part of the business mission involved a transfer from Tokyo to Osaka, where the delegation was welcomed by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation also visited the Slovak national pavilion at the EXPO 2025 exhibition site, where participants met with Slovakia’s Commissioner General Michaela Kovačičová and her team. Slovak companies also had the opportunity to explore selected thematic and national pavilions focused on sustainability, innovation, and future technology solutions, while continuing informal networking with international participants.

The 2025 Business Mission to Japan provided a solid platform for showcasing Slovakia’s innovation potential, establishing strategic contacts, and gaining a deeper understanding of the Japanese market. Thanks to the collaboration between SARIO, the Slovak Embassy in Tokyo, JETRO, Nomura Research Institute, and the EXPO 2025 organizing team, the mission was marked by a high level of professional and diplomatic preparation, laying the groundwork for continued bilateral partnerships.