New Year’s Reception for Japanese companies

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting the annual New Year’s Reception for Japanese companies at the Munich City Hall. Together with the Consulate General of Japan in Munich, Invest in Bavaria - The Business Promotion Agency of the State of Bavaria, JETRO - Japan External Trade Organization Munich and the Japan Club, we welcomed around 100 representatives from Japanese companies and local organizations.

The evening opened with warm greetings from Consul General Kenichi Bessho, Head of the City of Munich’s Department of Labor and Economic Development Clemens Baumgärtner, Head of Invest in Bavaria Ulrike Hoffmann, Director General of JETRO Munich Washizawa Jun and Chairman of the Japan Club Ikkei Kinouchi.

One of the evening's highlights was the traditional Kagami-Biraki ceremony and toast, followed by introductions from this year’s special guests: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kramer, Dr. Alice Beck, Prof. Shigeyoshi Inoue, Christoph Angerbauer, Jürgen Frickinger, Dr. Fabian Heil, Martina Dafinger.

After the formal program, participants enjoyed a vibrant exchange over a delightful selection of Japanese and Bavarian food and drinks.