Interview: Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg – How the DJW builds bridges between business and culture
A conversation with Anne Pomsel (Managing Director Deutsch-Japanischer Wirtschaftskreis DJW), Marko Gretzschel (CEO Arches Consulting) and Daniel Norpoth (Partner HAGER Executive Consulting).
Japan and Germany share a long-standing economic partnership based on mutual trust, technological progress, and the pursuit of quality. In times of global upheaval and growing economic interdependence, this connection is taking on new significance: today, cooperation arises where mutual understanding and cultural openness meet.
This is where the German-Japanese Business Association (DJW) comes in. For almost 40 years, the association has been bringing together companies, institutions, and experts from both countries to promote exchange, innovation, and mutual learning.
With its “Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg” (JmBB) network, the DJW has specifically brought this bridge-building work to the capital region—where politics, business, and culture meet.
In conversation with Anne Pomsel, Managing Director of the DJW, and Marko Gretzschel, founder of Arches Consulting and active DJW member, Daniel Norpoth from HAGER Executive Consulting talks about the creation of the network, the importance of intercultural competence, and why sustainable economic relationships always begin with people.
From impulse to initiative
Daniel Norpoth: At a time when international partnerships are increasingly influenced by geopolitical and economic changes, personal networks are becoming more important. Looking at the growing number of Japanese companies in Berlin and Brandenburg, it seems almost natural that they are well connected here. But such structures do not arise on their own. Ms. Pomsel, Mr. Gretzschel – how did the idea to found “Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg” come about?
Anne Pomsel: Actually, it was a very conscious decision. About two and a half years ago, we met with various members—including the Japanese foreign trade organization JETRO—and realized that there are many exciting formats, but no platform that specifically promotes German-Japanese exchange at the economic level in the capital region. The DJW is active nationwide, but Berlin and Brandenburg have hardly been visible so far. We wanted to change that—and the response was immediate.
Marko Gretzschel: For me, that was a key moment. I had founded Arches Consulting to strategically shape intercultural cooperation between Germany, Japan, and Europe and to support companies in international projects. It was clear to me that Berlin needed exactly this kind of network. This is where innovation, politics, and entrepreneurship come together—and that fits perfectly with the spirit of the DJW.
More than a network
Daniel Norpoth: You can sense that the DJW is much more than just an association. It acts as a catalyst for cooperation. What specific goals are you pursuing with “Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg”?
Anne Pomsel: Our goal is to connect people—beyond formal occasions. We want Japanese companies in Berlin to become more visible, while at the same time raising awareness of Japan among German partners. The network creates spaces where genuine encounters can take place.
A good example was our collaboration with the Koelnmesse team preparing the German pavilion for the Expo in Osaka. Many employees had no previous experience of Japan. Together with members such as Mr. Gretzschel, we developed an intercultural training program—six hours of intensive exchange, full of curiosity and moments of revelation. That was partnership in action.
Marko Gretzschel: This experience has shown that when people engage in conversation with one another, understanding develops—and that leads to quality. This applies equally to projects, teams, and entire organizations.
Daniel Norpoth: That’s exactly what we’ve observed at HAGER in international search and consulting projects. Success abroad rarely depends solely on market knowledge—it also depends on whether you can connect culturally.
About impact and relationships
Daniel Norpoth: Building a network takes time and patience—and, above all, the right kind of cooperation. How did this process go?
Anne Pomsel: At first, it was really a matter of persuasion. Many companies were interested, but didn’t know what to expect. We started small—with personal exchanges, open discussions, and meetings. Today, “Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg” is well established. The Japanese embassy, economic institutions, and companies are actively involved.
Marko Gretzschel: Networking is working with people. You can create structures, but impact only comes when relationships are formed. This was particularly crucial in Berlin, where the economy is incredibly diverse. Now, after two years, you can see that the network is self-sustaining.
Daniel Norpoth: And that’s precisely the trick – turning initiatives into sustainable structures. I think what you’ve built up here is a good example of how contacts can develop into trust and ultimately cooperation.
Message, exchange, attitude
Daniel Norpoth: Ms Pomsel, the DJW works closely with the Japanese Embassy. How does this connection influence your work?
Anne Pomsel: This partnership is crucial. The embassy was open to our initiative from the very beginning. Today, we are regularly involved in matters relating to economic and cultural issues. This demonstrates the growing appreciation for our work. When the DJW logo is displayed at an event, it stands for reliability and quality – and that is both an obligation and an incentive for us.
Daniel Norpoth: Such collaborations demonstrate how important mutual understanding and equality are. They create the basis on which genuine partnerships can develop – you can sense that in your work.
Impact, results, future
Daniel Norpoth: Mr Gretzschel, you have been involved from the very beginning. Looking back, what has impressed you the most?
Marko Gretzschel: The speed at which things have moved. Even after the first few meetings, there was a real momentum – people started talking, ideas became concrete. Today, there are collaborations between start-ups and established companies, scientific projects, new members. The network has developed a dynamic that I would never have expected.
Anne Pomsel: And the best thing is that it has grown organically. We are not just a business club, but a community based on mutual appreciation. That is precisely what makes the difference.
Daniel Norpoth: That’s exciting – because it shows that networks work when they create context as well as contacts.
Culture as the key
Daniel Norpoth: When talking about Japan and Germany, the focus is often on technology, innovation and exports. But the real key lies in culture – in how people work together, communicate and make decisions. We also see this at HAGER in international consulting projects: it is not specialist knowledge that determines success, but whether cooperation is based on a common understanding.
Anne Pomsel: Absolutely. Economic cooperation thrives on mutual understanding. Those who understand other cultures can communicate better, avoid misunderstandings and build stable relationships.
Marko Gretzschel: In Japan, values such as respect and modesty play a major role. In Germany, clarity and efficiency are valued. When you combine the two, something new emerges. This is not a contradiction – it is a potential.
Daniel Norpoth: We have observed this as well: international cooperation is successful when cultural and personal compatibility are taken seriously. Professional expertise is important, but ultimately it comes down to whether people can build bridges – between mentalities, working styles and expectations. This is the only way to achieve lasting success – both in business and in partnerships.
Outlook
Daniel Norpoth: Looking ahead, where do you see ‘Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg’ heading?
Anne Pomsel: We would like to focus even more strongly on topics such as sustainability, digitalisation and new forms of work. Both countries have enormous expertise in these areas – and it is fascinating to see how different their approaches are. There is a lot to learn from this.
Marko Gretzschel: I also see that the younger generation enriches the network. They think more internationally and flexibly – and that is exactly what we need to remain fit for the future.
Daniel Norpoth: It is inspiring to see how an idea has developed into a vibrant ecosystem. I believe that what you have built here is a powerful example of how networks can connect business and culture.
Conclusion
The Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg network shows what active cooperation can look like: open, respectful and forward-looking.
It exemplifies the spirit of the German-Japanese Business Circle – building bridges where others see boundaries.
Anne Pomsel and Marko Gretzschel give this connection a face.
And as Daniel Norpoth from HAGER puts it: ‘Success arises where people engage in conversation with each other – not because they have to, but because they want to. Perhaps this is precisely where the future of international business lies: in partnerships based on understanding and a shared attitude.’
This conversation is part of a multi-part interview series that will focus on the practical dimensions of German-Japanese cooperation, including topics such as skills shortages, recruitment, intercultural communication and how companies in both countries can learn from each other.
This makes it clear that economic success always needs a cultural bridge – and how networks such as the DJW make this possible, as will be demonstrated at the next “Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg” event on 26 November.
