Sectors & markets
Learning Expedition in Japan: Exploring the Japanese Ecosystem for 8 Occitanie Companies
In April 2025, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, in collaboration with Business France and the Occitanie Chamber of Commerce, organized a Learning Expedition for a delegation of 8 Occitanie companies. The mission aimed to explore the Japanese market, understand its specificities, and establish strategic partnerships.
Day 1 – Introduction to the Japanese Market
The delegation began their trip with a welcome seminar at the French Chamber of Commerce in Japan, which provided an overview of the Japanese economic landscape and key sectoral trends, presented by Emilie Teruel, Director of the Business Development Services at French Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and Nicolas Sestier, Deputy Director for Northeast Asia at Business France.
In the afternoon, a seminar at Crédit Agricole CIB allowed participants to learn about the bank’s operations in Japan. Three speakers enriched the discussions: Pierre Mustière (Bouygues Asia) shared his experience of the Japanese market and best practices in business development; Albert Bazin (Rakuten) discussed current challenges and the future of artificial intelligence in the Japanese context; and Yann Rousseau, correspondent for Les Échos in Tokyo, spoke about the major societal issues currently facing Japan.
Day 2 – At the Heart of Innovation, Robotics, and Research in Japan
On the second day of the Learning Expedition in Tokyo, the delegation had the opportunity to discover key players in Japanese technological innovation.
The morning began with a visit to Exotec, a unicorn specialized in automated robotic storage systems. Through its innovative solutions, Exotec is transforming logistics and e-commerce globally. The visit also highlighted the company's growing presence in the Japanese market, particularly through its strategic partnership with UNIQLO, a symbol of successful industrial collaboration between France and Japan.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Tokyo University of Technology. Welcomed at the Digital Twin Center, they explored research on digital modeling, advanced engineering, and simulation technologies. These innovations play a crucial role in designing the infrastructure of tomorrow, developing smart cities, and creating sustainable mobility solutions.
Day 3 – Strategic Meetings and Partnerships
On the third day, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with Nissan and visit their showroom in Yokohama, one of the leaders in the Japanese automotive industry. During this visit, the delegation was able to discover the company’s latest innovations, including its strategies for electrification, the development of next-generation vehicles, and advanced technologies shaping the future of mobility. This exchange provided concrete insights into the major technological directions in the automotive sector in Japan and how companies like Nissan are anticipating global market transformations.
The day concluded with a series of one-on-one meetings organized by the Business France teams. These personalized exchanges allowed the participating companies to receive tailored advice on their market entry or development strategy in Japan. Accompanied by Business France sector leaders, the executives addressed concrete issues related to their business activities, explored the specifics of the Japanese market, and identified the first steps to consider for a successful market entry.
