The Netherlands and Japan: Vibrant and Valued Ties
Did you know the Netherlands and Japan share a unique and longstanding relationship? But yes, we do. Our close ties are deep-rooted in a rich history ofculture, innovation and enterprise, dating back centuries to when the Netherlands was Japan’s trading partner at Deshima. This unique relationship continues to flourish today and shows bright promise for tomorrow.
AUTHOR
Jeroen Nijland
Commissioner of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA)
Sharing inspiration
Always looking beyond boundaries and open to collaboration, the Dutch connect with the Japanese to co-create solutions to local and global challenges. Thismutual mindset lead to the exchange of knowledge early on. The Dutch brought significant contributions to the fields of medical, chemical and natural sciences in Japan. These are areas in which the countries still actively collaborate today. Besides science, the Netherlands has also brought inspiration in the creative arts: classical music, ballet, painting and artisanry, to name a few.
However, on the other side, Japan influences the Netherlands as well: world-famous Delft Blue porcelain has its origins in Japanese craftsmanship. And whenlooking at the work of Vincent Van Gogh, it’s clear he was inspired by the print craftmanship of the Japanese. Today, the Dutch painter continues to be enormously popular among the Japanese. The strong ties between both faraway lands is even evident in the fact that there are many Dutch loan words in the Japanese language such as ‘koohii’ (‘koffie’ coffee) and ‘biiru’ (‘bier’ (beer).
Robust business connections
The familiarity between the two countries has laid the groundwork for vibrant business connections. Today, many of Japan’s leading companies are located in the Netherlands. They represent a wide range of industries: from chemicals to electronics and from creative to financial. These companies deploy a vast array of activities in the Netherlands, from R&D to manufacturing, and from marketing and sales to European headquarters. Not to mention logistics and distribution. Just some of the Japanese companies that call the Netherlands home are: Kikkoman, Mitsui, Norinchukin, Fujifilm, Sekisui, Yusen Logistics, Grolsch-Asahi and Unicharm. Japanese enterprises are proactive contributors to the Dutch business ecosystem.
Flourishing cultural bonds
On both business and cultural fronts, there is a flourishing Japanese community in the Netherlands. There are many common Dutch- Japanese activities in the Netherlands such as the annual Japan festivals in Leiden and Amstelveen. There is a Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and active clubs such as the Rotterdam-Japan Club. Leiden is home to the Japan Museum SieboldHuis and the oldest Japanology faculty in the world at Leiden University. Indeed, Japan plays a significant role in the Dutch cultural fabric.
The future looks bright
As Japanese businesses continue to look to the Netherlands as a place to realize their business ambitions, the Netherlands strives to provide international investors with a welcoming and stable environment in which to work and live. In times of international uncertainty, such as around Brexit, the Netherlands is Japans best start as a Gateway to Europe. Together we are the successful model for sustainable international business ties. Building on each other’s strengths to create a bright tomorrow.
The Dutch government readily provides guidance to foreign companies seeking to do business in the Netherlands as a base to serve Europe. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, and their regional partners, offer free, confidential and customized services to help your company and employees to locate smoothly and successfully in the Netherlands. Contact us at info@nfia.com or visit www.investinholland.com.
Published 2019