A coordinated Japan-EU modelling activity has started in order to provide predictive simulations of the main JT-60SA scenarios. The first results of this activity are discussed in this paper. This includes: i) the critical comparison and benchmark of Japanese and EU H&CD codes, in particular of NBI codes for the complex injector configuration of the JT-60SA machine; ii) the validation of the main models and simulation framework used in both Japanese and EU integrated modelling suites of codes, based on selected reference discharges of JT-60U and JET, representing the main scenarios (H-mode, hybrid, advanced); iii) predictive modelling of JT-60SA scenario, using the 0.5-D code METIS.