With its strategic location, Duesseldorf is a key hub for German- Japanese business interactions.
The city’s Office of Economic Development supports this with services for foreign companies, including support with all matters relating to city administration, assistance in real estate searches or introductions to relevant business networks.
“Duesseldorf is the center of Japanese business activities in Germany, with 400 companies in the city and altogether more than 500 in the wider region,” Annette Klerks, head of the office’s International Business Service said.
Duesseldorf’s vibrant Japanese business community, supportive initiatives, high quality of life and events like Japan-Tag (Japan Day), Wirtschaftstag Japan (the German-Japanese Business Symposium) and Duesseldorf Abend in Tokyo, make it welcoming for Japanese nationals. “With 7,400 residents, it is perceived as Germany’s ‘Little Tokyo,’” shared Benjamin Leonhardt of the International Business Service’s Japan Desk.
The city’s strong support for Japanese businesses, exemplified by tailored programs at industry events, such as Future Tech Fest and Startup Week, underscores its vital role in Germany- Japan relations and the Office of Economic Development’s ongoing efforts to strengthen these ties.
“Duesseldorf is part of JETRO’s (Japan External Trade Organization) Global Acceleration Hub, with digihub Duesseldorf/Rheinland as a local partner, acting as an accelerator and matchmaker in Duesseldorf,” said Juliane Neu, another member of the Japan Desk. “Innovative startups from Japan can also apply for our Welcome Package, with three months of free rent in a coworking space and access to the local network.”
Duesseldorf is part of JETRO’s (Japan External Trade Organization) Global Acceleration Hub, with digihub Duesseldorf/Rheinland as a local partner, acting as an accelerator and matchmaker in Duesseldorf.
Juliane Neu, Senior Project Manager at City of Duesseldorf
These initiatives evolve with the shifting times, offering practical support in emerging trends.
“Japanese companies are increasingly adopting open innovation in their business approach with German firms. This shift is evident in the establishment of new innovation centers, such as Asahi Kasei’s in Duesseldorf, which collaborates with German energy suppliers like RWE (Rheinisch-Westfalisches Elektrizitatswerk) on decarbonization projects, demonstrating strong joint efforts,” Klerk said.
Upcoming events — including Xponential Europe, the Circular Valley Convention, and a visit to the Osaka Expo by Duesseldorf Mayor Stefan Keller in 2025 — underscore Duesseldorf’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Japan and reinforce its position as a global business hub and key driver of the German economy.
