![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NL25-JCC-photo-1.jpg\")
Kurihara<\/strong>: What struck me most about living in the Netherlands is how people interact in a way that values honesty, openness, and equality. These values are supported by a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect across all levels of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially evident in the workplace, where hierarchies do not inhibit frank discussions. It is completely normal for younger team members to challenge senior management constructively, fostering a culture that combines psychological safety with productivity. This reflects a broader Dutch leadership style\u2014a model of servant leadership\u2014where growth is something we pursue together, not imposed from the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I personally feel these values come alive in my daily experiences as well. Living in central Amsterdam, I\u2019m deeply moved by the beauty found in ordinary moments, like the early morning sun glimmering off the canals during my commute. This harmony between people, city, and nature says a great deal about the human-centred design and liveability of Dutch cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are a platform that supports economic, cultural, educational, and social exchange\u2014a bridge woven into the daily lives of the Japanese and Dutch communities alike.<\/p>Hiroshi Kurihara<\/strong>, Chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Netherlands<\/mark><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n Each Dutch city has its own flavour\u2014Leiden\u2019s intellectual calm, Groningen\u2019s youthful energy, Maastricht\u2019s historical charm\u2014but what ties them together is thoughtful urban planning at a human scale. There\u2019s an emphasis on moderation, accessibility, and sustainability, which I find inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another strong impression comes from my many conversations with Dutch government officials and local business leaders. Here, debate is encouraged and valued. Unlike Japan\u2019s tendency to \u201cread the air,\u201d the Dutch favour logical reasoning and transparency. Discussion is not confrontation\u2014it\u2019s a way to build trust and reach shared understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, what I admire deeply is the commitment to the next generation. In schools, children of all backgrounds are learning to grow together with mutual respect. Society doesn\u2019t just talk about the future\u2014it practices it. That has inspired me to reflect on how we, too, must take responsibility for the kind of world we pass on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The foundation of our relationship lies in a mutual willingness to learn across differences, supported by deep trust and respect. Since the arrival of the Dutch ship \u201cDe Liefde\u201d in 1600, our engagement has gone beyond trade, extending into science, education, and culture\u2014even during Japan\u2019s period of seclusion, when the Dutch served as a vital intellectual bridge to the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan and the Netherlands are both trading nations open to the world, and today many Japanese companies have chosen the Netherlands as their base for European or global operations. This reflects confidence not only in infrastructure, but also in Dutch governance, society, and talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In recent years, our partnership has evolved beyond state-to-state relations to include autonomous cooperation at the corporate, municipal, and citizen levels. Across fields such as education, sustainability, and innovation, collaboration now emerges from the ground up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This 425-year relationship is still very much alive, and we have a duty to continue writing its story. In fields like climate, health, and digital transformation, we must now work together to build models of co-creation that serve the global good\u2014a responsibility we owe to future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will be a space for global dialogue, experimentation, and imagination. It marks an important moment for Japan to reengage with the world in a new, collaborative spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As JCC Chairman, I am playing a role as Executive Advisor (in the Netherlands) of Osaka-Kansai Expo. We organised joint seminars and attended business events such as the June 17, 2024 Osaka Business event organized by the Dutch Government \/ RVO at Leiden City Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On July 7th 2025 we will organize a KGG, JETRO, JCC, NFIA, Foreign Affairs, EZ, RVO joint seminar entitled \u201cEnergizing Partnerships between the Netherlands and Japan – collaborative networking for the Economic Mission for EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai\u201d in Den Haag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m especially excited about the potential for Japan-Netherlands cooperation in fields like circular economy, environmental technology, and urban design. The Dutch emphasis on practical, systems-based thinking aligns well with Japanese strengths in precision and implementation. Together, I believe we can present a compelling international model for tackling shared challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I hope most, however, is to see young people from both countries co-create and engage\u2014whether through joint projects, exhibitions, or informal exchanges. If they can view global issues through each other\u2019s eyes and collaborate directly, we plant the seeds for a much more connected and empathetic generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Expo is more than a showcase of technology. It is a stage where humanity reimagines its future. That\u2019s why we need as many voices\u2014and as much co-creation\u2014as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Japanese Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands (JCC) plays a role that goes beyond business. We are a platform that supports economic, cultural, educational, and social exchange\u2014a bridge woven into the daily lives of the Japanese and Dutch communities alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1) Economic Platform and Policy Engagement<\/p>\n\n\n\n We work closely with the Dutch government, the Japanese Embassy, and local institutions to maintain a business environment conducive to Japanese investment. Our role is also to channel on-the-ground voices into policy dialogue\u2014from taxation to labor to sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2) Community Support and Safety Net<\/p>\n\n\n\n JCC helps maintain key services like the Japanese-language support desk at Amstelland Hospital, and hosts community events that connect companies, employees, and families. We aim to create a trusted, local ecosystem where Japanese residents can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3) Culture and Public Relations<\/p>\n\n\n\n We co-organize the Japan Festival (with over 20,000 attendees) and publish information magazines to introduce Japanese culture and values. More recently, we’ve focused on themes like disaster preparedness and SDGs to present a modern, engaged Japan to Dutch society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4) Education and the Next Generation<\/p>\n\n\n\n We support the operation of two Japanese schools and four supplementary schools, as well as organizing joint school events such as a sports day that brings together 2,000 participants. These are not just services\u2014they are long-term investments in global citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crucially, these efforts are not dictated top-down. We see more and more autonomous partnerships emerging among communities, fuelled by trust and shared goals. JCC is proud to help facilitate and amplify this grassroots spirit of co-creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMarking 425 years, what do you think is the foundation of the Netherlands-Japan relationship?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With the Osaka Expo taking place this year, what are your hopes for the event?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How is the JCC actively supporting the Netherlands-Japan relationship?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n