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) to promote German-Japanese exchange on a local level in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. In 2025, the Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar - an alliance of partners from business, science and politics - joined as organizing partner as well.

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. 

Under the banner “Connecting Japan and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. Innovation in a Global Context” our event will spotlight two standout success stories: BASF and SATO Europe, both companies that have successfully established themselves across continents and cultures. 

BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies, is headquartered in Ludwigshafen and drives innovation across industries from automotive to agriculture. With BASF Japan Ltd. in Tokyo, the company partners with Japanese industry and academia to advance sustainable chemistry and new materials. At our event, BASF will share insights into how German engineering and Japanese precision come together to shape a more sustainable future.

SATO Europe, based in Heidelberg and part of Tokyo-based SATO Corporation, is a pioneer in auto-ID and labeling solutions. The company offers innovative barcode and RFID technologies for sectors such as logistics, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. At our event, SATO will present its journey of bringing Japanese precision to the German and EU market, highlighting both opportunities and integration challenges along the way. 

With our discussion and the talks, we will further explore how both companies assess the value of German-Japanese cooperation for their long-term strategies and what lessons they’ve learned from entering and growing in the respective markets. 

Beyond the company insights, networking, open exchange, and active discussion will play a central role throughout the afternoon. The business talks aim to create a platform where professionals from business, academia, and policy can connect across cultures, share perspectives, and shape the future of German-Japanese collaboration together.

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
• Consul General Takeshi Ito
• Georg Weyrich, Managing Director, Stadtwerke Speyer
• 16:45 – Impulse Speech "Japan and Rhineland-Palatinate: History and Economic Ties"
• Rafael Pekmezovic, Chamber of Industry and Commerce for the Palatinate 
• 17:00 – Keynote Speeches
• Shun Ishikura, Managing Director, SATO Europe GmbH
• Jan von Herff, Senior Manager Trade, Industry Policy & International Networks, Communications & Government Relations, BASF Group
• 17:30 – Q&A with Audience
• 18:00 – Networking
• 18:30 – End of Event
• 19:00 – Dinner at Domhof (at own expense)

Registration and Participation Fee

We look forward to receiving your registration via the green button above. Members of DJW and DJG Vorderpfalz can attend the event 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.

Contact Details

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

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