Connecting Japan and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region

This event series was initiated in 2024 by the German-Japanese Society Vorderpfalz (DJG), WES Wirtschaftsförderungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Speyer, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for the Palatinate (IHK Pfalz), and the Japanese-German Business Association (DJW). In 2025, the Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar - an alliance of partners from business, science and politics - joined as organizing partner as well. Our aim is to promote German-Japanese exchange on a local level in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

The Rhine‑Neckar metropolitan region stands as one of Germany’s most vital economic hubs driven by advanced manufacturing, cutting‑edge life sciences, automotive suppliers, and digital tech firms. Its excellent infrastructure, rich network of innovation and cross-cluster cooperations make it a cornerstone of Germany’s economy – and an ideal gateway for German‑Japanese business collaboration. 

In our third event we will explore the topic of opportunities for German and Japanese companies in the security and defence sector, inviting company representatives to share their experience in bilateral collaboration.

Further updates will follow soon. Please save the date already - we are looking forward to welcoming you!

What can you expect at the Business Talks?

We aim to open a dialogue with you and create opportunities to build and strengthen lasting connections within the diverse German-Japanese community. To achieve this, we provide a platform for representatives of local and regional companies and institutions from the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, as well as for stakeholders from business, politics, and society, to network across industries. At the same time, we offer the chance to exchange views on issues of shared, bilateral, and global interest.

Agenda

• 16:00 – Registration and Networking, Fingerfood
• 16:30 – Opening and Welcome Remarks
• 16:45 – Impulse Speech
• 17:30 – Q&A with Audience
• 18:00 – Networking
• 18:30 – End of Event

Registration and Participation Fee

We look forward to receiving your registration via the green button above. Members of DJW and DJG Vorderpfalz attend free of charge; non-members will be charged a participation fee of EUR 40.

Note: In accordance with our terms and conditions, the participation fee is due even in case of no-show. Registered participants who need to cancel their attendance may do so by email up to three business days prior to the event. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Prior Events

2025: Innovation in a Global Context

• Shun Ishikura, Managing Director, SATO Europe GmbH
• Jan von Herff, Senior Manager Trade, Industry Policy & International Networks, Communications & Government Relations, BASF Group

2024: Globale Perspektiven, deutsch-japanischer Austausch

• Dr. Volker Stanzel, Deutscher Botschafter in Tokyo a. D.: „Zeitenwende auch in Japan: Wie geht Deutschland damit um?“
• Wolfgang Bühring, Geschäftsführer der Stadtwerke Speyer: „Die Stadtwerke Speyer und Japan“

Contact Details

Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft Vorderpfalz (DJG)
Dr. Martin Moser
info@djg-vorderpfalz.de

Deutsch-Japanischer Wirtschaftskreis (DJW)
Anne Pomsel
events@djw.de