Abstract
Geopolitics on the macro level is closely intertwined with trade and business relations on the firm level. Despite the importance of the interconnectedness of the macro and micro levels, this has not yet been addressed in depth. This chapter starts with discussing the origins and development of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, reflecting the positions of Japan and the EU. We present two industry cases highlighting the importance of a “free” and “open” Indo-Pacific for trade flows as well as strategic autonomy for Japan and the EU. The first case shows how Japan is highly dependent on energy imports, which require secure maritime routes. The second case highlights that the automotive industry has been one of the sectors that benefited from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Thus, open maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific region are essential on the firm-level for both Japan and the EU. The chapter illustrates how FOIP is a natural component of Japan’s trade diplomacy and is essential for European trade with Asia. International trade plays an important role not only for strategic autonomy but also for revitalising the Japanese economy. Firms are the operational level of possibilities provided by frameworks on the macro level. Therefore, the firm perspective on EPA and Indo-Pacific provides new and important insights for future development of EU–Japan relations. © 2027 selection and editorial matter, Michal Kolmaš and Patrik Ström; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.