What does it take to successfully develop new business in Japan? In October 2020, a group of Dutch companies participated in a digital Life Sciences & Health showcase and matchmaking mission. An important step towards valuable relationships with Japanese companies. 

In recent years, The Netherlands and Japan have developed strong ties in the field of Life Sciences & Health. This mission was the next step, further exploring possibilities for our countries to improve healthcare together. It was organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Tokyo, the Netherlands Consulate-General in Osaka, and Task Force Health Care (TFHC).  

 “With these digital meetings, the participants have laid the foundation for physical follow-up meetings in the future,” says Erik Pentinga, Programme Manager Asia at TFHC.  

Current developments and priorities 

The trade mission consisted of three steps: Prepare, Promote, Connect.

  • Prepare, during a preparatory workshop, participants learned how to make the most of their individual matchmaking appointments. In addition, a kick-off was held with prominent Japanese LSH stakeholders as well as the Ambassador of The Netherlands in Japan. They informed the participants about current developments and priorities in Japanese healthcare.
     
  • Promote, participants were able to submit an elaborate profile on their company and their solutions, on a dedicated website which was targeted to the Japanese audience through several channels, including exposure at the 3rd Well-Ageing Society Summit Asia-Japan and the combined event Bio Japan, healthTECH Japan and Regenerative Medicine Japan 
     
  • Connect, then, with guidance from TFHC and the Dutch government, participants identified and connected with Japanese stakeholders who are relevant to their work. Every participant made multiple individual appointments. 

 More input, more output 

“Of course, because it took place online, it took some adapting,” says Erik Pentinga. “Instead of going to a lively conference hall, you’re sitting at home, getting emails and notifications from a partnering system. But once you find your way, you can use the system to gain valuable information and set up meetings with interesting stakeholders. The bigger your input, the better the output.” 

As this was his first digital mission to Japan, it was a different experience for Erik as well. “Usually, we would travel to Japan together with the participants. We would get continuous feedback. This time, I could only give them a call now and then to catch up. That is why it was nice to organize a debriefing with participants. Several parties indicated that they were able to get a lot out of this mission.” 

“This year, there was a strong presence of Japanese companies and universities in the fields of biotech and medicine development in the partnering system. Next year, I’d like to see how we can do more for companies who are active in other domains. We want the mission to be a practical stepping stone for their business as well, although I have to say that developing partnerships and business in Japan takes time and investments.”

Making a great impression 

If you are interested in introducing your healthcare solutions in Japan, keep an eye on TFHC’s upcoming events. “Next spring, we will organize an informative Health~Holland meet-up about Japanese healthcare,” says Erik. “And in the autumn we want to further put The Netherlands on the map during the next LSH weeks in Japan.” 

“It enhances your credibility when you can say you were part of a digital mission to Japan with the Dutch government,” Erik emphasizes. “The Dutch government has a good relationship with Japan, so it contributes to a good first impression.” 

If you want to know more about collaborating with LSH stakeholders in Japan, feel free to contact Erik Pentinga, Programme Manager: Erik.Pentinga@tfhc.nl