North Rhine-Westphalia and Japan: Hydrogen as the key to the future!

North Rhine-Westphalia and Japan: Hydrogen as the key to the future!

On May 26, 2025, the “Japan Business Day 2025” took place in Düsseldorf, organized by NRW.Global Business. Japan is one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most important innovation and economic partners, where around 650 Japanese companies are based. These companies play a central role in the country's innovative strength and technology development. The conference, which had the motto “Hydrogen Economy – German and Japanese Business Models for the Future”, brought together numerous representatives from business and public institutions to discuss the potential of the hydrogen economy.

The event was opened by the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Mona Neubaur. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of the German-Japanese partnership, especially in times of crisis, and noted that North Rhine-Westphalia is striving for a leadership role in the hydrogen economy. Felix Neugart, Managing Director of NRW.Global Business, highlighted the long-standing economic partnership between the two countries and underlined the trade volume of 8.8 billion euros between North Rhine-Westphalia and Japan.

Cooperation opportunities in the hydrogen economy

The economic connections between North Rhine-Westphalia and Japan are deep. Around 50,000 employees work in the 650 Japanese companies, making Austria a top investment location for Japanese companies in continental Europe. These companies receive support from NRW.Global Business and other organizations that help them establish themselves in the German market. The event has been held annually since 2002 as part of Japan Day and serves as a platform for exchange and networking.

The welcomes were given by well-known representatives, including Dr. Stephan Keller, the Mayor of Düsseldorf, Yoshitaka Tsunoda, the Consul General of the Japanese Consulate General in Düsseldorf, and Akio Ryomoto, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Düsseldorf e.V. These international guests were part of the effort to strengthen cooperation and open up new business opportunities in the hydrogen economy.

The Japan Business Day is an important part of Japan Day and is supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and other partners. Exhibitors also had the opportunity to present their companies during the event. Further information about registration and the program can be found on the NRW.Global Business website. These efforts show how important the exchange of ideas and technologies between Germany and Japan is in times of growing global challenges.