Belgium (source: Wikimedia commons)
“Belgium at a glance” is a digital brochure providing a light overview of what our country is all about. The brochure is richly illustrated with photos, making it highly accessible to anyone who wants to find out more about Belgium. The brochure is available in 8 languages.
Download: Belgium_At_A_Glance_EN_LowRes_tcm312-250285
Source:
Shop and Travel in Belgium
ショップ＆トラベルベルギー2014-2015年秋冬号 /
Japanese Shop&travel in Belgium Fall-Winter 2014-2015.
Link: Shop and Travel in Belgium Japanese FW 2014-15
Solar PV Energy in Japan
Spurred by the 1973 oil crisis, Japan led the global field in Green Energy R&D until the end of the 90s, when research budgets for renewable energies were cut. Since then and until the Fukushima accident in March 2011, the Japanese government has concentrated on nuclear and solar power generation, providing little support for other types of alternative energy.
In the present context of policy change, we now can state that:
As Japan’s hydroelectric potential is nearly saturated, since 2011, the Japanese government has been pushing other types of Renewable Energies (wind, solar, geothermal) by:
The government objectives in terms of electricity production from renewable sources in Japan are also very ambitious: triple 2010’s green output by 2030 and reach a share of 30% of the total electricity production in 2030. The bulk of the growth efforts will be born by Solar PV, Wind Energy and to a lower extent, Geothermal Energy. Marine Energy growth seems to be more considered as a long-term project.
As a result, the number of solar PV (Photovoltaic) plant and wind farm Projects has expanded and the whole Renewable Energy Industry has boomed. Japanese conglomerates and shipbuilders, engineering contractors, trading companies and energy companies have moved into the renewable energy business.
However, Grid connection limitations could constitute a serious brake to this growth, as in Hokkaido where, in June 2013, developers of solar projects were forced to rethink their plans, as 70% of received applications for large-scale solar plants (87 projects out of a total of 1568 MW) were turned down.
BRAKE: since early 50s, Japan’s 10 Electric Power Companies (EPCs) reign over their respective geographic areas and networks. The interconnection between their grids are underdeveloped.
“The main regional utilities are named as a key obstacle to a shift to more renewable energy deployment in Japan” (German magazine Der Spiegel)
or, to quote Kosuke Kurokawa of The Japan Council for Renewable Energy,
“Regional power utilities are not interested in competition and simply won’t work together.” (Source: ThinkGeoEnergy.com).
Japan has more than 20 years of research on floating structures, including for offshore wind. Various designs have been produced at a concept stage. Much of this research has been funded by the Japanese government but has not been commercialized by the Industry, as yet.
The situation has however changed positively now and recent Pilot Projects, under the supervision of NEDO, are looking for alternatives to onshore wind power installations.
(+): Marine Wind is typically strong and steady. Further, Japan’s territorial waters are much larger than its land mass, making it ideal for offshore wind power generation.
(-): Power output is not stable and there are Possible Storm Damages. Further, on land, in Northern Japan, turbines struck by lightning and damaged by earthquakes/typhoons/freezing constitute a serious issue. As accidents and security concerns are increasing, popularity for onshore wind power is in decline. Finally, it is necessary to cut the costs of installing/servicing and repairing wind turbines in order to fully take advantage of the generous FIT incentive system.
Possible price competition from Chinese wind turbine manufacturers. The complex topography of Japan and restrictions on onshore/offshore locations are serious obstacles. Last but not least, there are environmental hazards for humans (health and security), for sea life and for birds.
About 75% of turbines are imported. There is a demand for high-performance turbines but product adaptation to the harsh Japanese weather conditions is critical. There is also a need to develop cost-effective floating technology. Finally, the lack of local service and maintenance could become a profitable business opportunity for subsidiaries of EU wind power companies.
Japanese solar energy companies have been making solar panels in Japan for a long time and have been leading the solar markets for the last few years. The country is among the world top countries with the most solar panels installed and connected to the grid.
(+): Modularity, high reliability and low operation costs
(-): High cost of installing solar panels, as well as of producing them in Japan, compared to China and other Asian countries.
Difficulties in land procurement, possibly leading to speculation and a new bubble. Japanese makers have lost market share worldwide (including within Japan) due to the increase of low cost Chinese solar panels, which are becoming commodities, as they become largely interchangeable.
There is always space for manufacturers with innovative concepts or high-performance products. But there are especially opportunities for large European solar system integrators with extensive know-how on large scale PV systems.
After the first oil shock in 1973, the MITI initiated the “Sunshine Project” in order to promote new energy, including geothermal R&D. Most of the existing plants were built in the 70s, 80s and 90s. In 2002, research and development funding for geothermal energy was severely cut.
However, about 80% of geothermal turbines in the world today are using Japanese technology, mainly from MHI, Toshiba and Fuji Electric. Domestic development has been very slow since then but surveys for new power plants in Japan have been restarted.
(+): Steady supply and important potential. Lower Operating and Energy Costs.
(-): High Capital and Development Costs. High costs and risks of drilling: Potential risk of earthquake as an unwanted effect, while drilling. Environmental Impact: high noise levels (drilling, plant operation), potential pollution of surface and underground waters, as well as air quality, solid waste disposal … Geothermal Projects are very much long-term based and there is potential exhaustion of the geothermal sources one day.
Slow Environmental Assessment Process. Opposition of regional Hot Spring Unions in Japan against large geothermal plants. Best fields are generally located near or inside National Parks or Spa Resorts.
In 2013, METI was considering at least 21 geothermal projects and in March 2012, the Bureau of Natural Environment of the Environment Ministry relaxed its regulations permitting geothermal power generation within its designated parks.
There has recently been a lot of interest for Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP), which could be used within Smart Community Projects for local use energy generation, as well as for micro-binary systems generating electricity from low-to-medium temperature and progressively accepted by some “onsen” establishments.
Let us focus on Wave and Current/Tidal Energy in Japan. Due to marine testing activities decreased in Japan in late 90s, Japanese Research has unfortunately fallen behind, while other countries like Britain, Norway and Portugal continued their research.
(+): Relatively steady supply and vast potential (Japan is the world sixth largest country in terms of the area of territorial waters and exclusive economic zone).
(-): High Capital Costs, as marine devices have to be robust, able to withstand heavy seas and high winds. Wave and Current/Tidal Power in Japan are still in their infancy. There are limited locations and some design limitations (future marine farms will need many small generators, instead of a few very large generators).
Small-scale installations may present hazards to shipping navigation and fishing. There are also environmental hazards for humans and for sea life to take into account.
The absence of long-term testing sites due to the lack of consent of local fishery workers as well as the shortage of funding for small-scale venture firms are critical obstacles.
There are however opportunities for EU investors to fund some Japanese small-s
Japan has specific topography and environmental factors to take into account, when debating Energy Policies for the future.
The limited availability of land may put a hold to the development of mega-solar farms in the long-term, hence the importance of developing Residential and Business PV energy. Solar business might as well be a “short-term fix”, while other technologies are reaching a maturity phase with the help of public funding and industry resources.
Wind Power is probably next in line, especially offshore wind applications, as popularity for onshore wind power is declining. Indeed, turbines struck by lightning and damaged by earthquakes/typhoons/freezing constitute a serious issue, as well as accidents and security concerns are increasing. Even for offshore wind, there are environmental hazards for sea life and for birds to consider.
The solution currently appears to be in the sea, above the sea level (offshore wind/wave power) or under the sea level (current power).
In a more long-term approach, in a country where hot springs flourish, Geothermal Energy may contribute an important role. However, again, Environmental Impact issues have to be taken seriously into consideration: national park preservation, high noise levels (from drilling and plant operations), potential pollution of surface and underground waters as well as air, risk of secondary earthquakes, solid waste disposal …
This is why, technologies like EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems), Micro-binary systems and GHP (Geothermal Heat Pumps) are crucial. This would promote big plants outside of national park areas and small plants/systems within protected areas.
At the moment, Marine Energy is the least developed but has the most potential in the future, provided technological improvements are made: marine devices have to be robust, able to withstand heavy seas and high winds over periods of time. As there are some design limitations, future marine farms will probably be made of many small generators, instead of a few very large generators. Sea life protection and cohabitation with existing fishing communities are key.
Therefore, there is no standard solution but a portfolio of solutions, as the “Energy Mix”. Therefore, it is necessary that each region of Japan takes into consideration the various topography and environmental factors.
As a conclusion, let us quote Professor Takeshi Kinoshita of Tokyo University:
“Different communities should adopt the type of renewable energy most suitable for each area.”
Hoping this post has been helpful, I wish you the best in your Green Energy business. Would you need more help, please feel free to contact us at coaching@gbmc.biz for coaching sessions, at seminar@gbmc.biz for cross-cultural seminars, at info@gbmc.biz for consulting or other enquiries.
Philippe and Motoko Huysveld, GBMC
www.gbmc.biz, www.gbmc-blog.biz
Source: Renewable Energies in Japan, Philippe and Motoko Huysveld, Market Report (75 pages) for the EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION, December 2013.
dos and don’ts in Japan
In this post, I would like to share a few Recommendations/Tips for Doing Business in Japan.
From the feedback obtained from the analysis of over 50 EU Success Stories in Japan, we can list up the following general recommendations for business executives doing business with Japan::
Further, when entering the Japanese Market, here are a few do’s and don’ts:
Do’s:
Don’ts:
To conclude, here are a few inspiring quotes of successful Belgian companies in Japan, as well in the B2C as in the B2B business areas:
| DMV Comelco: | “A commercial relationship is seldom short-lived in Japan if you can keep up well-defined quality standards.” |
| Interbrew:Rombouts: | “A zero percent defect is expected by suppliers.”“Only the best is good enough for Japan” |
| Innogenetics: | “A key difference is the precision and the strictness of the Japanese towards product specifications.” |
| UCB: | “At an early stage a few people were chosen whose main mission was Japan.” |
| BARCO: | “In order to get information in Japan, it is essential to speak Japanese” |
| IBA: | “Another important element to succeed in Japan is the after sales service.” |
| Magotteaux: | “Looking back at our experience, finding the right partner was the key element to our success.” |
| LMS: | “In Japanese business, commitment bears a direct relation to time allocation.” |
| BEKAERT: | “Extravagant? Yes, the cost of winning loyalty in Japan can be very high.” |
| Cortina: | “Even if 98% of an order is supplied, Japanese will consider it as an incomplete delivery. |
| Sources:PS>: | “For us, the Japanese market is a benchmark – in terms of functionality and quality. Most innovations in the photography market originate in Japan. Products are being launched in Japan months before their introduction in other part of the world. A continuous relationship with our Japanese partners is therefore important with respect to our product strategy.” (Agena/Delsey) 1) Get to know your client and adapt, Philippe Huysveld, Market Report (60 pages) for the EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION, October 2013.2) Japan Entry Strategy, Philippe Huysveld, Market Report (60 pages) for the EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION, November 2013.3) Export to Japan: 20 Belgian success stories, BJA (Belgium Japan Association), 1997 & 2003.Hoping this post has been helpful, I wish you the best in your quest for the Japanese Market. Would you need more help, please feel free to contact us at coaching@gbmc.bizfor coaching sessions, at seminar@gbmc.biz for cross-cultural seminars, at info@gbmc.biz for consulting or other enquiries. Thanks.
Philippe Huysveld, GBMC www.gbmc.biz, www.gbmc-blog.biz To support your business plans in Japan, I have written “The Ultimate Survival Guide for Business in Japan”. You can find it on various e-commerce sites. More details are available from our website : http://www.gbmc.biz/GBMC_eBooks.html If interested in the History of the Japanese Economy, I also recommend another eBook (in French): “Lecture Economique de l’Histoire du Japon” |
Europe – Japan relations
YES? Then join us on Linked In at the “Japan-EU Trade & Industry Group”:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4385902&trk=my_groups-tile-grp
Approaching 400 carefully selected members (typically, Japanese executives or EU business professionals living in Japan or in Europe but keeping a deep connection with Japan), the group welcomes new members showing a deep interest in Doing Business in Japan and in the EU.
If you know someone who might be interested in joining us, please feel free to share this post with him or through SOCIAL MEDIA.
Looking forward to receiving your Requests to join in 2015!!
Best Regards,
The GBMC Team
http://www.gbmc.biz, http://www.gbmc-blog.biz
Interesting testimonial in EUROBIZ Japan about Japanese companies’ presence in Wales (UK).
Interview of Edwina Hart, Minister of Economy, Science and Transport for the government of Wales.
Read: http://eurobiz.jp/2014/12/welsh-touch/
Japanese Post Office
Japan Post Holdings Co. will list its shares in Tokyo in 2015, together with those of its banking and insurance arms in one of the biggest stock listings in the country. Maybe an opportunity to invest in Japan? Read:
Japan Entry Strategies
GBMC Article published by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation:
.
1) in EU-JAPAN NEWS, in the Decembre 2014 edition of the Centre’s Newsletter.
Article to be found page 15 of the Newsletter:
http://www.eu-japan.eu/sites/eu-japan.eu/files/december14.pdf
.
2) permanently online, on the “EU Business in Japan” website:
http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/article-direct-sales-entry-strategies-in-japan
.
Why Invest in Japan?
In 2012, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation carried out a Survey of EU SMEs on their Internationalisation towards Japan (Source: In Search for Growth: Towards a New Role for SMEs in EU-Japan Relations, EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION 2013).
The obstacles most often mentioned by respondents (126 European SMEs) included: 1. Language barriers (55%), 2. Difficulty to grasp business practices, 3. Costs, 4. Difficulty in understanding the local laws or regulations, 5. Conforming to Japanese standards.
Knowing that exporters are conscious of the importance of cultural factors in doing business with Japan, this cultural gap can be problematic.
There are many good reasons, some of them being strategic like:
1) “We feel that the quality of our products and the company as a whole have benefited a lot from our relationship with Japan” (Helioscreen NV in 1997)
2) “For any company engaged in product innovation, quality control and focused on creating brands with their own identity on a daily basis, the Japanese market is one of the most important in terms of business value and potential company growth” (Francesco Vespasiani, VUEFFE Srl, Italian leather footwear producer, in 2013).
3) Japan is a key Market and a gate to other Asian Markets: the enormous influence of its Retail Industry attracts global attention and is at the origin of many Asian trends.
Last but not least,
4) Japan is a great Retail Laboratory, where new B2C concepts are localized and developed.
There is a prevalent myth that it is a country with a monolithic culture and uniform tastes, but a walk in Shibuya, Harajuku or Shinjuku (distinct areas in Tokyo) will proof you the opposite and show you various lifestyle choices. In his book Japanese Consumer Behavior, John Mc Creery wonders: “Can we safely ignore the fact that , while all these generations have grown up in a place called Japan, each has come (or is coming) of age in a radically different world ?”.
Mc Creery also points out that:
– even the Japanese “salaryman” has different faces: his private self, his work self, his social self and his family self are all different, with distinct consumer preferences.
– Women, children and the elderly, often neglected in a generic image of Japan Inc, are also important customers and have their own lifestyle patterns.
Finally, in his analysis of key characteristics of Japanese consumer behavior, Renaud Pretet concludes in 2010 that: “there are still various segments with potential on the Japanese market, the most obvious one being that of senior consumers. Retailing in Japan requires a complex mix of humility and audacity in a mature market that seems to be evolving towards more conscious consumption. Some industries, such as luxury brands, will have to reinvent themselves in the next decade. More than ever, Japan remains a Retail Laboratory and interesting experiments are to be closely monitored.”
1) A tremendous market:
– A huge and homogeneous market: an advertising campaign in a newspaper can reach up to 17 Millions of consumers with a strong buying power and with similar tastes
– A market where customers fully appreciate technological features of a product and are also ready to pay for it.
2) An Innovative market:
– Innovation is everywhere. Some SMEs are leaders in their field and, in some cases, own some unique technologies.
– Japanese companies are open to alliances with companies allowing them to broaden their portfolio or to tap into new foreign markets.
3) A door to the Asian market:
Japan being the first investor in China, it is also a business platform towards the rest of Asia, where the future growth lays.
4) A market full of opportunities:
– the 2008 crisis has brought new incentives and opportunities for investment, making entry strategies less complex and less expensive than in the past.
– the Reconstruction Process after the 2011 earthquake disaster has also triggered lots of incentives and tax breaks in the Tohoku Region, from which foreign investors can benefit.
For these reasons, there has never been a better time to enter this market!
Sources:
1) Get to know your client and adapt, Philippe Huysveld, Market Report (60 pages) for the EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION, October 2013. (Internet link: http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/report-get-to-know-your-client-and-adapt)
2) Japan Entry Strategy, Philippe Huysveld, Market Report (60 pages) for the EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION, November 2013. (Internet link: http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/report-japan-entry-strategy)
新年明けましておめでとうございます。
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