Newsletter 31 October
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These are busy but exciting times at the BLCCJ!
EVENTS:
–Nippon Export Award (NEA) 2024-2025:
By the deadline of 30 August we had received 9 applications. Out of those the NEA task force selected 4 finalists: Artec 3D, Barco Japan, The Cookware Company and UCB Japan.
They all appeared before an independent jury on 1 October.
Are you curious to know who won? Stay tuned!!
We will announce the winner next week!
-BLCCJ Gala 2024: Belgium and Luxembourg at the World Expos
We look forward to welcoming more than 250 guests on 22 November at the Conrad Tokyo hotel. Be quick to grab the very last seats!
We also still accept raffle prizes (deadline 7 November).
Our gratitude goes out to the numerous sponsors who already confirmed their support. There will be very exciting prizes to win incl. a trip to Belgium, a Delvaux bag, several Hilton vouchers and so many more!!
Gala raffle:
- 1 ticket = JPY 1,000 but JPY 10,000 = 12 tickets
- If you want to purchase raffle tickets in advance, please contact our office.
- Purchases on the day are to be paid in cash or via PayPay. We can issue a receipt upon request.
- NEW: we will announce the raffle results when ready via QR code, so you can easily check on your phone
Other upcoming events:
–Future Forward: Recruitment in Japan: Friday 1 November, 18:30-20:00 @ Deloitte Tohmatsu Office
This event is organized by the BLCCJ Starters (our young professionals group)
–CLIC networking event with the CEO of Papabubble: Wednesday 13 November, 19:00-21:00 @ MAARKET Tokyo
A great opportunity to network with the members of the smaller European chambers of commerce in Japan!
–Belgian shop @ BBW Shinjuku: 11-15 December
–Bonenkai beer gathering @ BBW Shinjuku: Thursday 12 December @ BBW Shinjuku
–BLCCJ AGM 2024: Tuesday 17 December, 18:30-19:30 @ Luxembourg Embassy
Followed by a dinner at Aux Bacchanales Kioicho
More details will follow soon.
BLCCJ BOARD NEWS:
We are sad to see 2 Board members leave as they will take on new challenges abroad. Mid-November we will say goodbye to BLCCJ Secretary-General Kevin Dethoor and end of December to BLCCJ Treasurer Samuel Blondel.
We want to thank both for all their time and efforts spent on the Chamber, especially in regards to the BLCCJ Starters (our young professionals group).
The role of Secretary-General will be taken over by Director Kazuma Kato from mid-November.
The role of Treasurer will be taken over by Vice President Frederic Lucron starting from 1 January 2025.
NEWS FROM and FOR THE MEMBERS:
-We are happy to welcome new professional member Crop’s Japan into the BLCCJ network!
Crop’s, established in 1977 in Belgium, is a grower and producer of frozen fruit, vegetables, and ready meals. In 2003 they entered the fruit purée business, and today they export to approximately 40 countries worldwide.
-The BLCCJ Starters have launched a Mentoring Program. You can find more details on our website (also check out the BLCCJ Starters Facebook page).
–Expat Expo Tokyo 2024: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 November @ Hamamatsucho-kan
Besides many booths there will also be an International Job and Student Fair.
The Expo has the support of BLCCJ and several other Chambers of Commerce in Japan.
-The Belgian Embassy in Tokyo is looking for an Administrative Assistant to help out with Expo Osaka – 10-month contract
You can find all details on our website.
-In case you have received a Tax Declaration Form from the Belgian Ministry of Finance, please consult the websites of the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo and the Belgian Ministry of Finance for more information on how to fill out the form:
https://japan.diplomatie.
https://finance.belgium.be/en/
NEWS HEADLINES of the past days:
-BOJ holds rates steady amid political uncertainty in Japan, U.S. (Kyodo News, Oct. 31)
-Japan’s ‘My Number’ ID cards to serve as driver’s licenses from March (NHK World – Japan, Oct. 29)
-Japan jobless rate falls to 2.4% in Sept. as fewer workers dismissed (Kyodo News, Oct. 29)
-Japan average pay hike tops 10,000 yen for 1st time amid inflation (Kyodo News, Oct. 28)
-IMF cuts Japan’s 2024 growth estimate to 0.3%, lowest since pandemic (Kyodo News, Oct. 23)
We look forward to welcoming you soon at our events.
Happy Halloween, everyone!!