Bridges: This year, the Netherlands and Japan commemorate 425 years of diplomatic relations. Which historical elements of this long-standing partnership remain relevant today?
Minami: On 19 April 1600, the Dutch vessel De Liefde arrived in Ōita Prefecture. Although Japan implemented a policy of national isolation (sakoku) in the early 17th century during the Edo period, restricting exchange with Europe.
The Netherlands became the sole European nation permitted to engage in official trade with Japan. During this period, the Dutch served as a crucial channel for the introduction of European knowledge and technology to Japan.
During the Edo period, the Japanese acquired knowledge of Western culture, modern academic disciplines, and global affairs through the Dutch. In particular, Japan greatly benefited in the field of medicine from remarkable individuals such as Philipp Franz von Siebold.
After entering the Meiji period, Japan continued to learn flood prevention and water management techniques from Dutch civil engineers such as Cornelis Johannes van Doorn and Johannis de Rijke. These are but a few examples of how the Dutch-Japanese relationship has proven beneficial to Japan.
Thus, the relationship with the Netherlands has played a significant role over many years in various fields such as trade, academia, and culture. Although bilateral relations experienced a period of stagnation at the beginning of the 20th century, the relationship has remained remarkably strong, particularly in the areas of economy and trade. In recent years especially, it has been encouraging to see growing momentum for cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands, particularly in the fields of advanced science and technology.
With the Osaka Expo occurring this year, what are your aspirations for strengthening the relationship between the Netherlands and Japan during the event?
Prior to the Expo, a horticultural trade mission visited Japan in February, and in March, an exchange event for Japanese and Dutch semiconductor companies took place ahead of the high-tech mission. These events have already marked the beginning of deepening exchanges across various sectors.
During the Expo, the Netherlands will send more than 10 trade missions, while several high-level visits to Japan are also planned. In particular, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Reinette Klever, and Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts are scheduled to visit Japan on Dutch National Day in May, accompanied by high-tech companies.
We sincerely welcome the interest of many Dutch companies in collaborating with Japan. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I hope to promote dialogue between businesses and governments and explore further collaboration with the Netherlands in various fields such as high-tech, energy, life sciences, and food technology.
Moreover, the people of our two countries have built deep cultural connections. For example, the Dutch-born character Nijntje, known as Miffy or Usako-chan, continues to be loved by a wide range of generations in Japan.
Additionally, Vincent van Gogh, the famous Dutch painter, influenced by the techniques of Japanese ukiyo-e, is one of the most beloved artists among the Japanese public.
In what ways do you envision the Expo presenting the essence of Japan to a global audience?
Japan’s first participation in a World Expo was at the 2nd Paris Expo in 1867, where crafts such as lacquerware, ceramics, and paper, as well as works of art like ukiyo-e prints, were exhibited — sparking global interest in Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship.
The theme of the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo is “Between Lives.” The Expo offers an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience cutting-edge technology, culture, and values first-hand.
Through the Expo, I hope to reaffirm the 425-year history between Japan and the Netherlands, and by deepening mutual understanding through economic and cultural exchanges, and the two countries shared foster new innovations and further strengthen our cooperative relationship for the future.
Through the Expo, I hope to reaffirm the 425-year history between Japan and the Netherlands, and by deepening mutual understanding through economic and cultural exchanges.
Hiroshi Minami, Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Netherlands
Reflecting on your experiences, what have been some of your most memorable moments during your time in the Netherlands thus far?
I have been stationed in the Netherlands for two years and three months, and one of the most impressive aspects has been the beauty of nature, particularly the splendour of the spring flowers.
However, what has struck me even more is the warm and friendly nature of the Dutch people. They are talkative, direct in their speech, and incredibly kind and considerate.
Moreover, I find it quite unique how Dutch society has maintained egalitarian qualities, even within hierarchical relationships. Japan shares the beauty of nature, but the above-mentioned characters of the Dutch people and society are very different from the Japanese. But I believe that the Dutch and the Japanese people can build a trusting relationship through dialogue and cooperation.
