[Event Report] NKBA Inauguration

The Nordic countries cooperated and had a pavilion together at the World EXPO in Osaka in 2025.   To continue the legacy of Nordic cooperation in Osaka and the Kansai region, and also to do a join effort to promote the work of each of the chamber of commerce, the NKBA, Nordic Kansai Business Alliance, was formed.

On April 15th at The Garden Oriental in Osaka the five Nordic Chambers of Commerce in Japan jointly hosted the inauguration of the NKBA. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. NKBA signals our intention to build upon the success of the pavilion at the world EXPO in 2025 and explore common opportunities in the Kansai region. NKBA provides a unified platform to enhance Nordic visibility in Kansai while respecting the independence of each chamber. Norway was represented by Counselor Oddbjørn Lunde from the Norwegian Embassy in Japan, NCCJ General Manager Brage Hansen and some NCCJ members.

Despite rainy conditions the event drew over 130 visitors including representatives from city and prefectural governments in Kansai as well as from local chambers of industry and commerce. Osaka city mayor Yokoyama Hideyuki held a speech praising the initiative and welcoming greater Nordic business activity in the region. Representatives of the five Nordic Chambers of Commerce and of Nordic embassies in Japan also held speeches in support of greater Nordic-Kansai cooperation.

The inauguration was the first step in what could be a platform for collaboration in the region. For time being no further events are planned.  We encourage NCCJ members with specific interest in Kansai region to engage and contact us.