Representation of Baden-Württemberg
As Baden-Württembergs (BW) representative office in Japan, we actively promote growth and innovation in the southwestern...
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4 March 2026 | Tokyo － The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) has officially taken over the economic representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg in Japan. This move strengthens the State’s economic presence in one of its most important future markets in Asia and further expands its long-standing partnership with Japan.
Dr. Lucas Witoslawski, Chief Operating Officer of AHK Japan, will serve as the Economic Representative of the State of Baden-Württemberg in Japan. He will be supported by Victor Arnhold, Consultant at AHK Japan, who, in his role as Innovation Scout, monitors technological developments and trends in the Japanese innovation and start-up scene and is available to companies in Baden-Württemberg as a contact for market entry and cooperation inquiries.
“We are very pleased to further intensify our close cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism and to be able to represent the State’s economic interests directly on site in Japan,” says Dr. Lucas Witoslawski. “Baden-Württemberg’s companies are an excellent fit for Japan’s industrial and technological landscape. Against this backdrop, we expect bilateral business relations to deepen further. In particular, the already very good contacts with Kanagawa Prefecture offer great potential for new cooperation projects.”
At the same time, Witoslawski thanks his predecessor, Professor Hirohisa Uchida, for his many years of commitment and successful work in establishing and maintaining relations between Baden-Württemberg and Japan.
Focus on future technologies and innovation
In terms of content, the economic representation focuses in particular on the key areas of mobility and automotive, robotics, artificial intelligence, healthcare and life sciences, as well as renewable energies and ClimateTech. Special attention is paid to the Japanese start-up scene and innovation-driven cooperation models between companies in both countries.
The first delegation from Baden-Württemberg, dedicated to quantum technology and artificial intelligence, is expected in Japan from 13 to 17 April. The visit underscores the commitment of both sides to further expand cooperation in key technologies and develop concrete project approaches.
Growing economic ties
Economic relations between Baden-Württemberg and Japan have been close for decades; a regional partnership with Kanagawa Prefecture has been in place since 1989. Other important foundations for cooperation are the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the German-Japanese Energy Partnership.
Japan is the fourth-largest economy in the world. In 2024, exports from Baden-Württemberg reached 4.4 billion euros (+6.8%), particularly motor vehicles and parts, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. Imports amounted to 3.2 billion euros, mainly machinery and electronic and electrical products.
The Economic Representation serves as a central point of contact for companies in Baden-Württemberg interested in the Japanese market, acting as a supportive “door opener” – from market research and identifying potential for cooperation to networking with relevant institutions and partners.
Contact for companies:
Representation of Baden-Württemberg in Japan
Dr. Lucas Witoslawski, Economic Representative of the State of Baden-Württemberg
Victor Arnhold, Innovation Scout Baden-Württemberg
Tel.: +81-(0)3-5276-8724/8829
E-Mail: bw@dihkj.or.jp
Website: https://www.bw-weltweit.de/en/
