In September 2025, Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan and Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized a business mission to Japan. The visit began with a trip by the President of Kaunas CCIC, Zigmantas Dargevičius, to the Japanese capital, Tokyo, where he met with H.E. Ambassador of Lithuania to Japan, Aurelijus Zykas, and presented him with a token of gratitude for his efforts in developing bilateral business relations and his distinguished contribution to creating a strong partnership and strengthening bridges between the two countries.
The business mission to Japan was a reciprocal visit following three visits by delegations from Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts. During those visits, representatives from Japan actively explored the economic environment of the Kaunas region, business culture, and opportunities for investment and cooperation between companies of both countries. In 2024, a cooperation memorandum was signed, cementing the two chambers’ intent to reinforce long-term relations and promote mutual collaboration.
The Chairman of Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shigehiro Komaru, also serves as Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Fukuyama. In this capacity, he aims to foster economic collaboration, cultural exchange, tourism, business ties, and educational projects between the two countries.
The visits and business mission were organized in close collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan, whose assistance and involvement significantly contributed to networking, meeting planning, and the strengthening of cooperation.
During the business mission, the delegation visited the international EXPO 2025 exhibition in Osaka. They explored the Lithuanian, German, Taiwanese, Spanish, French, Austrian, Brazilian, Kuwaiti, and other national pavilions, which provided participants with opportunities to engage with the latest global trends in innovation, sustainability, and digitalization, as well as to observe how technologically and creatively advanced countries present their potential. This was a valuable setting for deepening understanding of the advanced practices and strategies used in various countries, some of which may be adapted to the Lithuanian business and innovation environment.
In Osaka, the delegation also took part in a group dinner with the Lithuanian Commercial Attaché in Japan, Aleksandras Laurinavičius, where discussions were held on Japanese business culture, market peculiarities, and business opportunities for Lithuanian enterprises.
During the mission, delegation members spent several days in the city of Fukuyama, one of Japan’s key industrial and logistics centers with a significant role in the national economy. There, the delegation was officially received at Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where a ceremonial meeting was held with its leadership and members. Presentations on the business environments and enterprises of the two regions were made, and B2B meetings were arranged in advance according to identified needs between entrepreneurs from the Fukuyama region and Lithuanian delegates.
As a symbolic gesture, representatives exchanged official gifts, reflecting the continuity of closer cooperation and friendly relations between business institutions of both countries. Afterwards, the delegates posed for a group photo to commemorate this important moment. The meeting was also attended by H.E. Ambassador of Lithuania to Japan, Aurelijus Zykas, and Lithuanian Commercial Attaché in Japan, Aleksandras Laurinavičius.
To promote mutual recognition between the two countries, one of the symbolic gifts given during the Japan meeting to participants was a package of traditional Lithuanian cold-beetroot soup powder, produced by Urbanfood, a member of Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts.
In the evening, the delegation participated in a formal dinner during which speeches of gratitude and welcome from representatives of both countries were delivered. This informal evening allowed for deepening personal ties between Lithuanian and Japanese business representatives and solidifying a foundation for future cooperation.
While in Fukuyama, the Lithuanian delegation also visited two strategically important companies: Fukuyama Transporting Co., Ltd., one of the region’s major logistics companies, and Fukae Special Steel, Ltd., whose operations relate to high-quality steel processing. During the visits, participants familiarized themselves with Japanese manufacturing standards, innovations, and work culture.
The mission also included time dedicated to deepening understanding of Japanese culture and history, which is especially important in preparing for further cooperation with Japanese business partners. The cultural immersion allowed for better assimilation of the country’s traditions, values, and aesthetics, thus strengthening mutual understanding and laying a basis for robust relations in the future.
The business mission of Kaunas CCIC to Japan has undoubtedly contributed to strengthening the internationalization of Lithuanian business. During the mission, new business contacts were established, diplomatic and institutional ties were reinforced, and the participants’ understanding of Japanese business culture, ethics, and operational specifics was expanded.
This mission has solidified long-term cooperation between Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts and Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, becoming a prime example of how strategic dialogue and cultural openness can transform into a mutually beneficial partnership. Likely, the results of this trip will soon manifest as concrete projects, investments, or joint initiatives between Lithuanian and Japanese companies.
