Directly Learn the Keys to Successful Expansion into Germany's NRW State, Europe's Largest Economic Zone! Special Seminar on June 4 (Thu) Featuring Experts on Local Business Frontlines and Representatives of Companies that Have Successfully Expanded Locally
The Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center will hold an online seminar on June 4, 2026, to support the establishment of bases in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state. It aims to provide practical knowledge to Tokyo SMEs considering European expansion, featuring local experts and insights from companies that have successfully entered the market.
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The Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsumutsu Tarao) will hold an online seminar on Thursday, June 4, 2026, to support the establishment of bases in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state, which drives German industry.
NRW state boasts the largest population (approx. 18 million) and GDP among all 16 German states. Located in the heart of the European market with a high concentration of industries, it has established itself as the "most important hub" for Japanese companies expanding into Europe. This area, centered around the state capital Düsseldorf, where approximately 650 Japanese companies operate, is not merely an economic zone but also serves as a strategic gateway for accessing the entire European region.
In this seminar, leading experts with over 30 years of experience in local business will explain the latest market conditions and investment environment. Furthermore, a director from Innofice Co., Ltd., which established a representative office in Essen, NRW state in 2025, will be invited as a speaker to share the specific process of establishing a base and their real-life experiences there. Why did the company decide to expand into Germany, and how did they achieve "base establishment"? By combining the "real voices" of expanding companies with the Center's consistent "hands-on support," this 2-hour seminar will condense practical knowledge to help Tokyo SMEs realize their European expansion.
[Seminar Information Website]
https://www.tokyo-kosha.or.jp/TTC/matching/economic_exchange/seminar_NRW_2026.html
Background and Aim of the Event: Strongly Backing SMEs Aiming for European Expansion in "Establishing a Base"
For SMEs considering European expansion, selecting a location and establishing practical processes such as "complying with local regulations, securing office space, and recruiting personnel" pose very high barriers. Therefore, this time, we will focus on Germany's NRW state, which has an agreement with Tokyo regarding economic exchange.
In addition to the "real challenges and hardships" of a company that established a base from scratch in 2025, the seminar will specifically explain how to utilize the Center's "hands-on support" that accompanies companies from strategic planning. Through this seminar, we will present concrete and practical solutions to accelerate Tokyo companies' European expansion from "conception" to "execution."
*North Rhine-Westphalia state (light green area)
Seminar Details
Event Name: "Seminar on Support for Establishing a Base in Germany's NRW State"
Date and Time: June 4, 2026 (Thursday) 17:00-19:00
Location: [Online] Held on the video conferencing system "Zoom Webinar"
Target: Tokyo SMEs, etc., considering overseas expansion
Participation Fee: Free
Application Method: Please apply via the Google Form below.
*Application deadline is June 3 (Wednesday)
[URL]
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt-FdGB6uud29Fqq5pM2QR9nGIyBW3EpQq3XU0qft19R9AXw/viewform
Program: Keynote Speeches and Q&A
[Part 1]
Speaker: Mr. Ryuji Sugisaki / Senior Manager, NRW.Global Business Japan
Theme: Market Overview of Germany's NRW State and Japanese Companies' Expansion
[Part 2]
Speaker: Mr. Dai Yoda / Director, Innofice Co., Ltd.
Theme: The Reality of Establishing a Base in Germany's NRW State
[Part 3]
Speaker: Representative from Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center
Theme: Regional Economic Exchange Projects (The Center's Hands-on Expansion Project)
[Part 4] Q&A
Speaker Biographies
Mr. Ryuji Sugisaki / Senior Manager, NRW.Global Business Japan
Graduated from Sophia University, Faculty of Letters, Department of History. After 22 years of experience in branch operations of a major German financial institution in Germany and working at its Tokyo branch, he joined NRW Japan in 2010. Responsible for corporate research to promote investment in NRW state and providing information and services to clients. Obtained German banker qualification.
Mr. Dai Yoda / Director, Innofice Co., Ltd.
After working in sales and agency consulting at Recruit Co., Ltd., he obtained an MBA in the UK. Engaged in strategic planning and execution support for domestic and international listed companies at Avergence and YCP Solidiance. Joined Innofice Co., Ltd. in 2018, overseeing domestic and international operations, expanding business in 23 countries, mainly in Europe and Asia.
About Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center
[Overview of the Center]
Name: Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center
Address: 1-9 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President: Mitsumutsu Tarao
Business Description: Comprehensive support tailored to the management stages of SMEs, from startup to growth and business succession.
Homepage: https://www.tokyo-kosha.or
NRW state boasts the largest population (approx. 18 million) and GDP among all 16 German states. Located in the heart of the European market with a high concentration of industries, it has established itself as the "most important hub" for Japanese companies expanding into Europe. This area, centered around the state capital Düsseldorf, where approximately 650 Japanese companies operate, is not merely an economic zone but also serves as a strategic gateway for accessing the entire European region.
In this seminar, leading experts with over 30 years of experience in local business will explain the latest market conditions and investment environment. Furthermore, a director from Innofice Co., Ltd., which established a representative office in Essen, NRW state in 2025, will be invited as a speaker to share the specific process of establishing a base and their real-life experiences there. Why did the company decide to expand into Germany, and how did they achieve "base establishment"? By combining the "real voices" of expanding companies with the Center's consistent "hands-on support," this 2-hour seminar will condense practical knowledge to help Tokyo SMEs realize their European expansion.
[Seminar Information Website]
https://www.tokyo-kosha.or.jp/TTC/matching/economic_exchange/seminar_NRW_2026.html
Background and Aim of the Event: Strongly Backing SMEs Aiming for European Expansion in "Establishing a Base"
For SMEs considering European expansion, selecting a location and establishing practical processes such as "complying with local regulations, securing office space, and recruiting personnel" pose very high barriers. Therefore, this time, we will focus on Germany's NRW state, which has an agreement with Tokyo regarding economic exchange.
In addition to the "real challenges and hardships" of a company that established a base from scratch in 2025, the seminar will specifically explain how to utilize the Center's "hands-on support" that accompanies companies from strategic planning. Through this seminar, we will present concrete and practical solutions to accelerate Tokyo companies' European expansion from "conception" to "execution."
*North Rhine-Westphalia state (light green area)
Seminar Details
Event Name: "Seminar on Support for Establishing a Base in Germany's NRW State"
Date and Time: June 4, 2026 (Thursday) 17:00-19:00
Location: [Online] Held on the video conferencing system "Zoom Webinar"
Target: Tokyo SMEs, etc., considering overseas expansion
Participation Fee: Free
Application Method: Please apply via the Google Form below.
*Application deadline is June 3 (Wednesday)
[URL]
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt-FdGB6uud29Fqq5pM2QR9nGIyBW3EpQq3XU0qft19R9AXw/viewform
Program: Keynote Speeches and Q&A
[Part 1]
Speaker: Mr. Ryuji Sugisaki / Senior Manager, NRW.Global Business Japan
Theme: Market Overview of Germany's NRW State and Japanese Companies' Expansion
[Part 2]
Speaker: Mr. Dai Yoda / Director, Innofice Co., Ltd.
Theme: The Reality of Establishing a Base in Germany's NRW State
[Part 3]
Speaker: Representative from Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center
Theme: Regional Economic Exchange Projects (The Center's Hands-on Expansion Project)
[Part 4] Q&A
Speaker Biographies
Mr. Ryuji Sugisaki / Senior Manager, NRW.Global Business Japan
Graduated from Sophia University, Faculty of Letters, Department of History. After 22 years of experience in branch operations of a major German financial institution in Germany and working at its Tokyo branch, he joined NRW Japan in 2010. Responsible for corporate research to promote investment in NRW state and providing information and services to clients. Obtained German banker qualification.
Mr. Dai Yoda / Director, Innofice Co., Ltd.
After working in sales and agency consulting at Recruit Co., Ltd., he obtained an MBA in the UK. Engaged in strategic planning and execution support for domestic and international listed companies at Avergence and YCP Solidiance. Joined Innofice Co., Ltd. in 2018, overseeing domestic and international operations, expanding business in 23 countries, mainly in Europe and Asia.
About Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center
[Overview of the Center]
Name: Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center
Address: 1-9 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President: Mitsumutsu Tarao
Business Description: Comprehensive support tailored to the management stages of SMEs, from startup to growth and business succession.
Homepage: https://www.tokyo-kosha.or