JMEC 33: Applications Open for Japan Market Expansion Competition
For more than three decades, the Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC) has helped business professionals develop practical commercial skills, expand their networks and gain hands-on experience solving real business challenges in Japan.
Whether you are looking to accelerate your own professional development or seeking fresh thinking to support a business venture, JMEC offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced business leaders while working alongside talented professionals from across industries and cultures. Learn more HERE.
There are two ways for BCCJ members to get involved:
1. Participate in the Programme
Individuals can apply directly, or companies can sponsor colleagues to take part in this seven-month business training programme conducted in English.
Participants attend a series of workshops and lectures before joining a small, multicultural team tasked with developing a business plan for a real product, service or business opportunity in Japan.
Along the way, participants strengthen skills in:
- Market research and business planning
- Project and stakeholder management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Cross-cultural communication
- Presenting recommendations to senior decision-makers
Participants also build valuable connections with professionals from a wide range of industries, functions and nationalities.
2. Become a Project Client
Companies can submit a real business challenge, growth opportunity or market expansion project for a JMEC team to research and analyse.
Each team provides an independent perspective, conducting extensive market research and developing a comprehensive business plan with practical recommendations.
For project clients, JMEC offers:
- Independent market analysis
- Fresh perspectives from diverse professionals
- Strategic recommendations for growth or market entry
- Approximately 1,500 hours of combined team research and analysis
For many organisations, JMEC serves as a valuable source of insight while helping develop the next generation of business leaders in Japan.
A Unique International Experience
JMEC teams typically consist of four to five English-speaking professionals working in Japan. Participants come from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, including finance, engineering, consulting, technology, marketing and sales.
Each year, the programme attracts professionals representing approximately 15–20 nationalities, creating an environment that closely reflects the realities of international business in Japan.
Beyond the programme, graduates become part of the JMEC Alumni Association, joining a network built over more than three decades. Alumni benefit from ongoing networking opportunities, professional development events and connections with business leaders across Japan.
JMEC 33: Programme Schedule
JMEC 33 is a hybrid programme combining online and in-person learning.
The 2026-27 programme begins in mid-November with lectures and workshops delivered by experienced business leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs. Teams receive their business projects in January before developing and presenting their recommendations to the judging panel in May.
The programme concludes with the JMEC Awards Ceremony on 2 June 2027.
- 14 November: Programme commences for participants with a series of lectures and workshops across 7 Saturdays
- 16 January: Business plan projects given out to the teams
- 18-24 January: Teams meet their Project Clients for initial briefing
- 6 May: Submission of written plan
- 22/23 May: Oral presentations to JMEC Judging Panel
- 24 May-1 June: Oral team presentations to Project Clients
- 2 June: Awards Ceremony
Fees
BECOME A PARTICIPANT:
(Application Deadline: 15 October, 2026)
Learn more HERE
BECOME A PROJECT CLIENT:
Early-Bird Discount Fee: JPY 1,200,000 (Application Deadline: 30 September, 2026)
Project Client Fee: JPY 1,500,000 (Application Deadline: 31 November, 2026)
Learn more HERE