NRW State Secretary Höller: On an innovation mission in Japan!

NRW State Secretary Höller: On an innovation mission in Japan!

State Secretary Paul Höller is on an exciting trip through Japan from today until June 20th, which will take him to Tokyo, Osaka and the prefecture of Aichi. The aim of this trip is to intensify the exchange on topics such as innovation and sustainability. Höller emphasizes the close economic and cultural partnership between North Rhine-Westphalia and Japan, which has flourished for many years and enriches everyone involved. He emphasizes that a third of Japanese direct investment flows to North Rhine-Westphalia, which underlines the importance of the region as a location for Japanese companies. Around 47,000 employees work for these companies here, and not without reason - numerous companies have already been awarded the NRW.Global Business Award.

An exciting program is coming up in Tokyo, which includes, among other things, the traditional Düsseldorf networking event. Representatives of the Japanese-German business world meet here for a lively exchange. “There is something going on” – this feeling was also taken up at a media roundtable with Japanese press representatives on the topic of circular economy, a central aspect that is also the focus of the many discussions with companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Airlines.

Innovations for the future

The topics that Höller and his companions raise are as colorful as they are important: sustainability, digitalization, circular economy as well as security and defense-related technologies are on the agenda. When visiting the Station AI innovation center in Aichi Prefecture, it becomes clear that North Rhine-Westphalia can also boast innovative startups in the high-tech sector, something that Höller particularly emphasizes. “Startups are the nucleus of fresh ideas and innovative spirit,” he says, bringing a breath of fresh air into existing concepts.

A real highlight during this trip is the world exhibition EXPO 2025 in Osaka, where the German pavilion is under the motto "Wa! Germany!" presents the challenges and solutions of the circular economy. If you look at the official pavilions that many countries present, the German pavilion stands out not only because of its innovative architecture, but also because of its strong connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An immersive experience invites visitors to actively experience and participate in the topics of recycling and sustainability.

Strongly connected bilaterally and culturally

The bilateral relations between Germany and Japan are rich and diverse. Both countries not only share common values ​​as liberal democracies, but also work together in various international forums such as the G7 and G20. Recent discussions laid the foundations for further projects. Although the trade volume decreased slightly in 2024, which shows that setbacks are part of a dynamic world, Japan remains Germany's second-largest trading partner in Asia. Pharmaceutical products and machinery are particularly in demand.

A German-Japanese network supports understanding between the two cultures: from over 800 university collaborations to active societies in both countries, these connections promote bilateral cooperation on many levels. Together, both countries look to the future with optimism, especially in view of the challenges ahead.

With a pronounced focus on shared values ​​and innovations, it shows that the cooperation between North Rhine-Westphalia and Japan is not only important on an economic level, but also culturally and socially. Höller's journey is therefore more than a business exchange: it is a step towards a future of partnership in which sustainability and innovation are the focus.