Started in 1986, BioJapan was the first comprehensive international biotechnology event held in Japan. After the second gathering in 1988, BioJapan has been held every four (Olympic) years; BioJapan 2004 marked the sixth time and was a huge event that attracted more than 19,000 attendees from Japan and 23 other nations and regions around the world. It featured exhibits prepared by 354 groups and symposiums on 200 different topics.

In view of the recent remarkable progress in bioscience, biotechnology and bioindustry, there has been a growing demand to hold BioJapan events on a more frequent basis in order to adequately fulfill the needs of the participants. To address this need, Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA) and the six other organizations that comprise the BioJapan 2005 Organizing Committee - including new member Nikkei BP - have decided to hold "BioJapan 2005 - World Business Forum" in Yokohama from September 7 to 9 this year.

With a specific focus on practical biotechnology applications and industrialization, the World Business Forum will feature exhibits, seminars, and business partnering opportunities. In addition to regular exhibits, exhibitors will also offer technical workshops and in-depth product and service orientations. Business-oriented biotechnology seminars will discuss not only the particulars of leading-edge technology but also issues related to the commercial viability of such technology, societal acceptance, and bioindustry visions for the future. Some seminars will focus in particular on the nurturing of bioventures, which are crucial to future bioindustrial development, and on information exchange between the world's bioclusters. Finally, the World Business Forum aims to facilitate the formation of business partnerships and alliances through technological and business presentations to be given by both Japanese and overseas bioventures.

Held in Yokohama - home to one of Japan's largest bioclusters - the primary goal of "BioJapan 2005 - World Business Forum" is to attract representatives from the world's industry, academia, and government for the purpose of forging relationships conducive to future bioindustrial development.

In addition, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan, JBA, and EuropaBio plan to hold the Japan-EU Summit on Industrial/ Environmental Biotechnology in conjunction with "BioJapan 2005 - World Business Forum." The purpose of the summit is to discuss efforts related to bioprocesses, biomaterials, bioproducts, biomasses, and other environment-friendly biotechnology from the perspectives of government policy, science and technology in order to gain insights into future directions. Expecting to invite high-level industrial, academic, and governmental representatives from Europe and Japan, the symposiums will be open to all BioJapan attendees.