Tuesday, 2 June 2026
18:00–20:00 (Doors open 17:20)
Japan–Norway Official Reception – Featuring Norwegian Seafood (By invitation only)
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
10:30–18:30 Japan – Norway Business Summit
- Location: The Okura, Tokyo, Japan
- Organisers: Norwegian Seafood Association, Norwegian Embassy and Innovation Norway
- Programme leads: Johan Kvalheim, email, Anette Yamamoto Hansen, email
The annual and traditional Norway–Japan Seafood Seminar brings together leading voices from both countries to explore how global trends are reshaping seafood trade, consumption and innovation. This year, the seminar will form part of H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon’s Visit to Japan.
The session aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation by highlighting shared priorities such as sustainability, technology adoption, and stable long-term market development. Participants will gain insights into emerging opportunities, the policy landscape, and the role of seafood as an economic and cultural bridge between Japan and Norway.
Programme
11:30-13:30 Norway Mackerel appreciation lunch (by invitation only)
The Norwegian Mackerel Appreciation Lunch gathers Japan’s key processors and distributors of Norwegian mackerel to recognize their long‑term commitment and contribution to the industry. The lunch highlights the strong partnership between Japan and Norway, featuring brief updates from the Norwegian Seafood Council on market conditions, quota developments, and shared industry challenges.
Program details: The Mackerel Appreciation Lunch brings together key Japanese processors and distributors to acknowledge their contributions to promoting Norwegian mackerel. It includes brief market updates and a short recognition segment for selected companies, reinforcing the strong partnership between Japan and Norway in a year marked by tightening global mackerel quotas.
10:30–13:30 Aquaculture Innovation Session: Norwegian Technology and Production Insights
Norway has developed one of the world’s most advanced aquaculture industries through continuous innovation across the entire value chain — from genetics and feed to fish health, technology, and large scale production.
This session introduces the Norwegian model for aquaculture development, illustrating how collaboration between industry, research, and authorities has enabled scalable and sustainable growth.
Participants will gain insights into how Norwegian solutions are applied in practice, with a particular focus on their relevance in a Japanese context. The program concludes with a Japanese case study, demonstrating how Norwegian aquaculture technology is being implemented in Japan today.
14:30-17:00 Norway-Japan Seafood Seminar
The annual and traditional Norway – Japan Seafood Seminar brings together leading voices from both countries to explore how global trends are reshaping seafood trade, consumption and innovation. The session aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation by highlighting shared priorities such as sustainability, technology adoption, and stable long‑term market development. Participants will gain insights into emerging opportunities, the policy landscape and the role of seafood as an economic and cultural bridge between Japan and Norway.
Programme details:
Format: Keynotes, panel discussions and moderated exchanges featuring senior representatives from government, industry and research.
17:30-20:30 Norway Seafood Networking Reception
The Norway Seafood Networking Reception is an open, informal gathering for maritime and seafood delegates to connect at the close of the seminar day. The reception provides a relaxed setting for strengthening professional relationships, meeting new counterparts and engaging in cross‑sector conversations that support deeper cooperation between Japan and Norway. With a standing buffet and open flow between guests, the event encourages dialogue, exchange of insights and continued collaboration across the seafood and maritime industries.