This year marks the 425th anniversary of Japan–Netherlands relations, an important milestone celebrating centuries of friendship and cooperation. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on this shared history and to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral collaboration in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
The reception brought together Prof. Yoichiro Matsumoto, Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; Mr. Feite Hofman, Director-General at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW); as well as representatives from government, academia, industry, ecosystem development, and the media from both countries.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hiroshi Minami highlighted the long-standing relationship of trust built between Japan and the Netherlands over centuries, and emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of science and technology.
“This year marks the 425th anniversary of Japan–Netherlands exchange. It was more than 400 years ago that the first Dutch people came to our country, and since then we have learned quite a lot from the Netherlands. Rangaku originally means ‘Dutch studies,’ and the Japanese people worked very hard to study the Dutch language in order to understand medical and other sciences,” said Ambassador Minami.
He noted that collaboration now extends to more diverse and advanced fields such as semiconductors, quantum technology, and photonics, and expressed his hope that the partnership between the two countries will continue to flourish in the years ahead.
“Also this year, Japan hosted the Osaka Expo, and I am very grateful that the Netherlands sent a large number of trade missions. And last October, Japan hosted the STS Forum in Kyoto. These encounters reaffirmed how essential our collaboration is in addressing global challenges and driving innovation,” Ambassador Minami added.
Prof. Matsumoto noted that, in today’s rapidly changing international environment, science and technology are increasingly intertwined with economic security and diplomacy. He stressed the importance of promoting international collaboration under the concept of Trusted Openness. He also pointed out that Japan and the Netherlands share many common challenges — including sustainable energy development, semiconductor manufacturing, and ageing societies — and expressed his belief that bilateral cooperation can contribute to addressing these issues and benefiting the broader international community.
“In Japan, we are currently formulating the 7th Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Plan, which will guide our national policy for the five years starting from 2026.
A key theme of this plan is how to make the best use of advanced technologies — such as AI, quantum technology, and biotechnology — to solve social issues and build a sustainable society.
Under the new Takaichi Cabinet, we are also preparing the Growth Strategy to be finalized by next summer, promoting both public and private investment in these strategic areas.
Today, science and technology are closely tied to economic security as well.
That is why, in developing this plan, we are also discussing how to incorporate security considerations, and what science and technology diplomacy should look like.
Researchers and engineers like us can no longer stay apart from international and diplomatic perspectives,” Prof. Matsumoto said.
Finally, Director-General Feite Hofman reflected on his recent visit to Japan, including his participation in the STS Forum and preparations for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. He remarked that although Japan and the Netherlands are separated by vast oceans, in practice they work together remarkably smoothly, thanks to the shared values underlying both societies. He also expressed his expectation that bilateral collaboration will continue to deepen as the two countries approach the 30th anniversary of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1997.
The reception featured lively networking among participants, fostering new connections and ideas for future cooperation. The Embassy will continue its efforts to deepen the strategic and mutually beneficial partnership between Japan and the Netherlands in science, technology, and innovation — contributing together to the resolution of global challenges.
As Ambassador Minami concluded: “As we celebrate this anniversary year, let us also look ahead. What truly drives progress is not only technology or policy, but people — the connections that spark ideas, build trust, and open new possibilities. I hope tonight’s gathering will further strengthen those ties and lead to future achievements.”
