Annual General Meeting 2026
The 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan will take place on:
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: From 17:00h JST
17:00 – 18:00 | Annual General Meeting (Statutory Session)
18:00 – 18:45 | Political Outlook: Japan After the Election
18:45 – 20:30 | Networking Reception
Format: In-person session at the Embassy of Spain in Japan
Voting: Conducted in advance through an online secret ballot system
The AGM is the highest decision-making body of the Chamber and provides members with the opportunity to review the activities, financial performance, and strategic direction of the organization.
Key Dates
- February 16 – Call for Board Nominations Opens
- March 1 – Nomination Deadline
- March 4 – Online Voting Opens
- March 11 – Online Voting Closes
- March 31 – AGM & Announcement of Results
AGM FAQ
👥 Who can attend the AGM?
ALL MEMBERS can attend the AGM.
We encourage all members to attend, regardless of voting rights, to gain a better understanding of SpCCJ activities, financial situation, and future plans.
Attendance at the in-person session is limited as follows:
-
- Corporate Members: Up to two (2) representatives per member company
- Individual Members: One (1) attendee per member
Individual Members may participate in the Q&A session.
📄AGENDA
Part I – Annual General Meeting (Statutory Session)
- Opening of the Meeting
- FY2025 Activity & Membership Report
- FY2025 Financial Statements – Voting Results
- Election Results of the Board of Directors
- FY2026 Activity Plan
- Q&A (restricted to AGM matters)
- Formal Closing of the Annual General Meeting
Part II – Special Session
- Guest Speaker – Japan Political Outlook
- Networking / Reception
🗳️Who can vote?
Only Corporate members (Regular Members by AoI) have voting rights at the AGM.
Each Corporate Member has one voting right.
The Corporate Member must have fulfilled its fee contribution obligations towards the Chamber at the moment of the voting.
Voting credentials will be sent to the main contact person registered for each member company.
Individual Members (Supporting Members by AoI) do not hold voting rights.
📅When can I vote?
Voting will be open from March 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM until March 11, 2026, at 11:45 PM (GMT +09:00, Tokyo).
📋What will be voted on?
- Approval of FY2025 Financial Statement
- Election of the Board of Directors
🖱️How to Vote?
Voting will be conducted through ElectionBuddy.
Members with voting rights will receive their login credentials via email. The main contact person assigned to each company will find the voting credentials in their inbox.
If you encounter any issues during the process or do not receive the email once the voting period has started, please contact info@spanishchamber.or.jp.
📋Register to attend the AGM
Board of Directors Election
On Monday, February 16, from 17:00h the SpCCJ will begin accepting applications for candidates for the Board of Directors.
Below you will find everything you need to know about the upcoming elections, what being on the SpCCJ’s board entails, the requirements to become a member of the board, and why you may wish to consider joining to help steer one of Japan’s active and fast-growing chambers in the year ahead.
We will accept applications until 23:59h of Sunday, March 1.
Serving on the SpCCJ’s board is an exceptional opportunity to lead and develop activities central to the Spain-Japan business network. While serving on the board requires energy, drive, and commitment, it also provides a rewarding opportunity to give back to the community and foster growth opportunities between the two nations.
The Board of Directors is a group of 5-15 current SpCCJ corporate members elected by other members to address pressing issues and develop strategies for ensuring that the organization operates in the best interest of its stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and the community.
The Board of Directors decides the purpose and the overall direction of the SpCCJ and puts in place the strategy for achieving the goals set out for the year. Key responsibilities of the board, in combination with the SpCCJ’s secretariat, include:
- Setting suitable organisational aims and objectives;
- Setting a budget which allows the SpCCJ to fulfil its purpose;
- Agreeing on policies, targets and priorities;
- Monitoring and reviewing the performance of the SpCCJ and the Secretariat.
Who can Apply to be a Board Member
Any candidate seeking nomination to the Board of Directors must meet the following criteria:
- Belong to a corporate member of the Chamber;
- Be of legal age;
- Reside in Japan;
- Have fulfilled their obligation to pay their membership fees to the Chamber; and
- Ensure impartiality and avoid any conflicts of interest.
Term of office: Two (2) years.
Board of Directors Election – Candidate Profiles (FY2026–2028 Term)
Profiles of candidates standing for election or re-election to the Board of Directors of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (published in order of submission).
Mr Atsushi Fujimoto
Nomination – Director
I have over 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including more than 25 years of involvement in U.S.-related business activities spanning business development, licensing, M&A, and corporate strategy.
From 2016 to 2023, I led two commercial organizations in North America, strengthening leadership in rare diseases while driving business expansion into the European market.
In 2024, I joined Grifols and currently serve as Representative Director and President of Grifols Japan K.K. With 17 years of professional experience in the United States, I bring a deep understanding of global healthcare markets and seek to introduce a balanced European perspective within the Japanese business environment.
I believe that enhancing mutual understanding and sustainable collaboration between Spain and Japan requires the establishment of well-structured platforms through which both sides can engage constructively and gain deeper insight into each other’s perspectives. As Spanish companies continue to expand their presence in Japan, there will be occasions where culturally informed and impartial viewpoints from Japanese professionals can add meaningful value. I would welcome the opportunity to support the Chamber’s initiatives and contribute to strengthening a long-term and mutually beneficial bilateral partnership.
Mr Israel García
Nomination – Director
I serve as Country Managing Director of Werfen Japan, leading the transformation of a key affiliate in the Asia Pacific region. With over 25 years of international experience in pharmaceuticals and in vitro diagnostics, I have held senior leadership roles in Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, driving sustainable growth and organizational transformation. I have previously served on the Board of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Mexico and chaired the Regulatory Affairs Commission of AMIIF.
I am motivated to join the Board of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan because I strongly believe in the value of building bridges between business communities, institutions, and cultures. Spain and Japan share deep mutual respect and significant untapped potential for collaboration, particularly in innovation, healthcare, technology, and sustainable industries.
Having worked across multiple international markets, I have seen firsthand how active chambers of commerce can accelerate trust, create meaningful connections, and support companies navigating complex regulatory and business environments. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience in leadership, governance, and institutional dialogue to further strengthen the Chamber’s strategic positioning and long-term relevance.
My goal is to support Spanish companies already established in Japan, facilitate the entry of new businesses, and foster closer cooperation with Japanese partners. I am particularly committed to promoting long-term, value-driven relationships that extend beyond transactional engagement and generate sustainable impact for both countries.
Mr Kai Jacobsen
Re-Election – Director (Incumbent)
I arrived in Japan in 2019 and am currently serving as SVP Airlines for North Asia, in addition to my role as Representative Director for Amadeus IT Group. Throughout my professional journey, I have had the opportunity to work extensively across both Asia, Americas and Europe, which has enabled me to cultivate a broad and international perspective on the industry.
Since 2022, I have been a member of the SPCCJ Board, and in 2025, I took on the role of President. It is an honor to support the organization’s mission, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue collaborating with the Board of Directors. Moving forward, I am eager to deepen the relationship between Japan and Spain by encouraging meaningful partnerships and mutual understanding. Additionally, I am committed to advancing new initiatives that benefit both communities, all in alignment with our Board’s 2030 strategic plan.
Ms Hiroko Kikuchi
Nomination – Director
I am a lawyer admitted in Japan and New York and a Partner at KIKUCHI & PARTNERS in Tokyo. For over twenty years, I have advised clients in civil and commercial matters. Since 2012, I have worked closely with Spanish and Japanese companies in negotiations and cross-cultural business coordination.
I joined the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan in 2023 with the intention of contributing to the strengthening of economic and professional ties between Spain and Japan.
It would be a privilege to serve as a Board Member of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan and to contribute more actively to its mission. Through more than a decade of supporting Spanish and Japanese companies in cross-border legal and business matters, I have witnessed both the significant opportunities and the practical challenges that arise when different legal systems and business cultures interact.
As a Japanese lawyer closely engaged with Spanish professionals, I hope to offer both legal expertise and cross-cultural perspective, while contributing to a broader diversity of viewpoints within the Chamber. I aim to bring a bridging perspective that facilitates alignment in communication styles and decision-making approaches across cultures. If elected, I would support initiatives that promote meaningful dialogue, practical collaboration, and long-term trust within the Spanish and Japanese business communities.
I would also welcome the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that foster diversity and support the next generation of professionals engaged in Spain–Japan relations.
Mr Luis Perezagua
Re-Election – Director (Incumbent)
As Country Manager Japan at X-ELIO, I lead renewable energy development in one of the world’s most strategic markets, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the energy sector, executive leadership, and international business management. I hold a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and serve as Professor at Universidad Europea de Madrid, combining technical expertise with strategic vision.
Strategic Vision
Japan is entering a decisive decade. Energy security, industrial competitiveness, decarbonization, and the exponential growth of data centers and AI infrastructure are reshaping national priorities. Renewable energy plays a key role in enabling this transformation.
Spain, with globally recognized leadership in renewable energy, infrastructure development, and energy innovation, is uniquely positioned to be a strategic partner for Japan. The Chamber can and should act as a catalyst to accelerate this connection.
Leadership Priorities
If elected, I will focus on three strategic priorities:
- Institutional Relevance: Strengthening the Chamber’s role as a trusted interlocutor connecting business, industry, and institutions across strategic sectors.
- Economic Impact: Driving initiatives that translate into tangible business opportunities, partnerships, and investment flows for members.
- Future-Oriented Growth: Expanding membership and engagement by attracting companies operating in high-growth areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, and advanced technologies.
Commitment
Effective leadership requires vision, execution, and collaboration. I am committed to dedicating my experience, network, and strategic perspective to support the Chamber’s growing evolution, ensuring it remains a dynamic, influential, and forward-looking organization for its members and for the Spain–Japan business community.
I would be honored to contribute to this mission.
Ms Natalia Sanz
Re-Election – Director (Incumbent)
Natalia Sanz Laviña is the Co-Founder and CEO of YSLA, a firm that combines architectural management, strategic design consultancy, and curated projects to support companies in strengthening their international positioning. Through her work, she advises firms on navigating Japan’s local real estate environment and spatial development processes to establish and consolidate their physical presence in the market.
As a current Member of the Board of Directors, and driven by her strong connection to both Spanish and Japanese cultures, she is committed to continuing her contribution to the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan by fostering diverse collaboration, supporting new voices within the business community, and strengthening meaningful dialogue and business ties between Spain and Japan.
She also aims to facilitate the successful establishment of companies and professionals, contributing to a more dynamic and forward-looking bilateral business ecosystem.
Mr Jorge Zazo
Re-Election – Auditor (Incumbent)
Currently, Jorge is responsible for Vector Renewables Japan, leading relationships with key stakeholders and supporting the company’s growth across the Asia-Pacific region. Vector Renewables is a technical consulting firm specializing in renewable energy, with a strong focus on technical advisory and asset management for solar, wind, and BESS assets, and an accumulated global track record of 250 GW.
Jorge began his professional career in Japan in 2017 at the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy, at a time when the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan was taking its initial steps.
Over the past four years, Jorge has served as Auditor of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan, working alongside three different Presidents. During this period, the Chamber has maintained stability in its corporate governance and regulatory compliance, while preserving profitability and healthy cash availability.
Jorge is committed to continuing to support the path the Chamber has taken, particularly in light of the strategic direction implemented by Mr. Kai Jacobsen and his vision to further strengthen Spain–Japan relations.