CEJE and the Círculo Ecuestre successfully lead the Japan-Catalonia Conference

The Círculo Ecuestre was yesterday the setting for the Japan-Catalonia Conference, a high-level event co-organised by the Círculo Empresarial Japón España (CEJE), the Círculo Ecuestre itself and the Consulate General of Japan in Barcelona.
This meeting, which is part of the Catalonia-Japan Year initiative, brought together leading figures from the institutional, business and cultural spheres with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the current global context.
In this setting, the meeting served to underline the value of relations between Catalonia and Japan, both for their historical solidity and their future projection. From the outset, the event showed its institutional ambition. Enrique Lacalle, president of the Círculo Ecuestre, gave the welcoming speech, highlighting the role of the club as a meeting point for talent and business.

Next, the president of CEJE, Jorge Lasheras, in his welcome, underlined the role of the entity as a link between the Japanese and Spanish business communities. He also contextualised the importance of the meeting within the Catalonia-Japan Year, and provided data from the latest Business Climate report prepared by CEJE: “Between 2019 and 2023, Japan strengthened its position as the main Asian investor in Spain. In addition, more than 70% of the Japanese executives who participated in the study foresee an improvement in the future and consider that Japanese investment in Spain will be maintained or even grow”, he explained. ‘These data consolidate Japan as a key ally for the country’s economic development’. Jorge Lasheras’ words served to reinforce the strategic dimension of the CEJE as a platform for bilateral collaboration and a driving force for joint initiatives in key areas such as innovation, sustainability and digital transformation.

Afterwards, the Minister of Enterprise and Employment, Miquel Sàmper, as the event’s key speaker, gave a speech with a strategic vision. He recalled that Japan was the first destination of a Foreign Office of the Government in 1988 and that, in the last five years, nearly 30 Japanese investment projects have materialised in Catalonia, worth more than 500 million euros and creating 450 jobs. Sàmper also warned of the imminent risk of global tariffs that could impact key sectors such as the automotive industry, and appealed to the need for trade diversification, pointing to Japan as ‘a serious, loyal and responsible partner’.

La jornada también incluyó una mesa redonda de alto nivel sobre innovación empresarial, IA y digitalización, moderada por el periodista de La Vanguardia Xavier Mas de Xaxàs, en la que participaron, Francisco Pérez, Sales Manager del área Medical IT de Fujifilm, David Garriga, CEO y fundador de SIRT y Javier Rodríguez, Director de Madrid y responsable de Generative AI en España en NTT DATA.
The day also included a high-level panel discussion on business innovation, AI and digitisation, moderated by La Vanguardia journalist Xavier Mas de Xaxàs, with the participation of Francisco Pérez, Sales Manager of Fujifilm’s Medical IT area, David Garriga, CEO and founder of SIRT and Javier Rodríguez, Director of Madrid and head of Generative AI in Spain at NTT DATA.
The speakers addressed the impact of artificial intelligence, robotics and digitalisation in key sectors, sharing success stories and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities posed by the data economy and intelligent automation.
The Consul General of Japan in Barcelona, Akiko Shikata, was in charge of closing the business block, highlighting the importance of the business fabric as a bridge between cultures and reaffirming the Japanese government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. One of the most eagerly awaited announcements was her call for the establishment of direct flights between Barcelona and Tokyo. ‘In order to continue strengthening this relationship, we need to open direct flights, which will bring Japan and Catalonia even closer together’, the Consul pointed out. After the institutional and business part, the day offered a cultural programme designed to connect sensitivities and common values. The president of the Spanish Federation of Antique Dealers, Ferrán López, presented the conference ‘The footprint of Japan in Catalonia’ a journey through the artistic and philosophical influence of Japan on the Catalan heritage.

Next, attendees were invited to a select tasting of sake and Japanese whisky, this gastronomic proposal offered an opportunity to get closer to Japanese culture. This was followed by an impressive show of Taiko drumming and sumi-e live painting by master Mitsuru Nagata, who fused rhythmic strength and aesthetic beauty in a unique performance. The day concluded with a Japanese-Catalan cocktail dinner, which allowed attendees to continue networking.
This Japan-Catalonia Day has established itself as a benchmark platform where dialogue between cultures, companies and institutions has laid the foundations for new alliances. Thanks to the joint efforts of CEJE and the Círculo Ecuestre, the event reaffirmed the shared commitment to strategic and lasting cooperation between Catalonia and Japan.