Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands

29/05/2026

Discover the story behind the dismantling and reuse of iconic structures from Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in this special episode of NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s “Demolition Kingdom.” 🇯🇵

From the record-breaking Grand Ring — recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest wooden architectural structure — to national pavilions such as those of Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the program explores how materials and architectural elements are carefully taken apart and prepared for a new life elsewhere.

A fascinating look at sustainability, architecture, and the legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Watch here:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/5001515/

26/05/2026

⚽ Congratulations to the Japanese players who made their mark on Dutch football this season at the Eredivisie Awards 2025/26 on 25 May!

Mao Itamura (Feyenoord) was named Eurojackpot Vrouwen Eredivisie Player of the Year after an outstanding season in Rotterdam. The Japanese forward impressed with her technique, speed, and creativity throughout the campaign.

Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord) received the W***y van der Kuijlen Trophy as top scorer of the Eredivisie, finishing the season with 25 league goals.

This marked the first time that Japanese footballers have won awards in the Eredivisie Dutch professional football league. Their achievements once again highlight the strong connection between Japanese and Dutch football. おめでとうございます！

More information:
https://vrouweneredivisie.nl/ismael-saibari-en-mao-itamura-uitgeroepen-tot-speler-van-het-jaar/

🎥 Watch the Eredivisie Awards highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYf87n_kIvM

Seizoen 2025/’26 afgesloten met prijzen voor spelers, talenten en topscorers Op maandag 25 mei zijn de Eredivisie Awards 2025/’26 uitgereikt. Tijdens een live-uitzending op ESPN werden spelers, talenten en andere prominenten uit de VriendenLoterij Eredivisie en Eurojackpot Vrouwen Eredivisie ge....

26/05/2026

We were delighted to participate in Leiden Japan Market on 24 May! 🎉

Ambassador MICHII was given the honour of the opening speech together with Marianna van der Zwaag, new Director of Japan Museum Sieboldhuis, and Mayor Peter Heijkoop.

We had the pleasure to welcome visitors at our embassy booth and Embassy staff engaged with attendees throughout the day, providing information on study, travel, and other topics, while also promoting Japanese culture through interactive activities—including our Japan Quiz and the popular traditional skill toy kendama (けん玉), and origami (折り紙).

We extend our thanks to everyone who visited, participated, and celebrated Japanese culture with us, and last but not least, the Sieboldhuis’ director and staff.

22/05/2026

Learn Japanese with Japan Foundation No. 6: Learn Japanese through anime & manga 🎌

Want to learn Japanese in a fun and familiar way?
“Japanese in Anime & Manga” is a free online resource by the Japan Foundation that introduces everyday expressions through scenes inspired by anime and manga.

You’ll learn how characters speak in different situations, from casual conversations to more expressive phrases, while also discovering the cultural context behind them.

The content is suitable for beginner to intermediate learners, especially those interested in Japanese pop culture.

Explore it here:
👉 https://anime-manga.jp/en/

18/05/2026

Join us at the Leiden Japan Market!

The Embassy of Japan will take part in the Leiden Japan Market on 24/5 at the Japan Museum SieboldHuis!

Come and experience Japanese culture, food, and traditions in the heart of Leiden 🇯🇵

For details: https://www.sieboldhuis.org/over/japanmarkt/

15/05/2026

On 15 May, the Japan Football Association (JFA) announced the squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

We are delighted to see several players with strong ties to the Dutch Eredivisie included in the selection. The presence of Ayase UEDA (Feyenoord), Ko ITAKURA (AFC Ajax), Koki OGAWA (NEC Nijmegen), Takehiro TOMIYASU (AFC Ajax), and Tsuyoshi WATANABE (Feyenoord), and highlights not only their individual achievements, but also the strong and growing connection between Japanese and Dutch football.

It is wonderful to see these players, many of whom have developed their careers in the Netherlands, represent Japan on the world stage. Their selection is a proud moment and a testament to the close sporting ties between our two countries. With Japan set to face the Netherlands on June 14th at the FIFA World Cup 2026, this shared connection makes the upcoming encounter all the more special.

For the full squad announcement, please visit the official JFA website:
https://www.jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue/news/00036338/

We warmly congratulate all selected players and wish the SAMURAI BLUE every success on the road to the World Cup! 🇯🇵⚽

StaffHead Coach: MORIYASU Hajime (JFA National Coaching Staff)Assistant Coach: NANAMI Hiroshi (JFA National Coaching Staff)Assistant Co

12/05/2026

On the afternoon of 9 May, a karate-do clinic by brothers Rob and Brian Timmermans from Karate Team Timmermans took place at the Dojo (gym) of Van den Nieuwendijk, managed by Mr. Frank and Mrs. Debra van den Nieuwendijk in Zaandam. The event was organized by the Dutch Karate-do Federation (KBN).

KBN chair Ms. Diana Pluut, together with Mr. Frank van den Nieuwendijk, warmly welcomed Ambassador MICHII upon his arrival. Wearing a karate-gi kindly gifted to him for the occasion, the Ambassador joined both learners and experienced karateka in his first karate training at the spacious and well-maintained dojo.

Following a rigorous training session marked by intense physical exertion, everybody finished the endeavor feeling thoroughly invigorated!

https://www.kbn.nl/2026/05/10/japanse-ambassadeur-traint-mee-tijdens-kbn-kumite-clinic-met-rob-en-brian-timmermans/
https://www.karateteamtimmermans.nl/trainers
https://www.vandennieuwendijk.nl/over-ons43dd1511

Why is karate so appealing? The KBN also highlights the positive connection between karate and mental well-being here:
https://www.kbn.nl/2025/05/28/karate-en-mentale-gezondheid/

12/05/2026

On 7 May, the Embassy conducted an online educational presentation for students from the TU Delft Building Organisation Student Society (BOSS) ahead of their visit to Japan.

The presentation introduced Japanese cultural practices, professional etiquette, and the long-standing relationship between Japan and the Netherlands. Practical guidance on travel and daily life was also shared to support constructive academic exchange during the upcoming programme in Japan.

We thank BOSS for their participation and wish them success on their study trip!

12/05/2026

On 7 May, Ambassador MICHII attended a plaque ceremony for the Atomic Bomb Survivor Tree at British School in the Netherlands in Voorschoten together with Ms. Louise Simpson (CEO of the School), Ms. Nadine Stemerdink (Mayor of Voorschoten), and Dr. Rinny Kooi (Ambassador of Green Legacy Hiroshima), as well as teachers and students.

The tree is a Japanese Hackberry grown from a seed of a tree that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945.

In his remarks, Ambassador MICHII reflected on the immense suffering caused by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and expressed his hope that the message of peace will continue to be carried forward by future generations.

The venue was beautifully decorated with 1,000 origami cranes created by students. During the ceremony students also presented a peace poster, read poems, and performed several musical pieces.

Credit:
Pic. No. 1: Monique Shaw
Pic. No. 2-5: Elmer Laan and The British School in the Netherlands

08/05/2026

On 6 May, Ambassador MICHII participated in a tour of “De Kuip”, Feyenoord Stadium in Rotterdam, organized by Rotterdam-Japan Club (RJC).

RJC aims to strengthen friendly relations between the Japanese and Dutch business communities, particularly in the Rotterdam region, through active business, cultural, and information exchange. More than 30 members, including co-chairmen Mr. Erik H. Geerling and Mrs. Fumiko Inoue, participated in the event.

As you may know, Feyenoord has a strong connection with Japan. Since Mr. Shinji ONO joined the club in 2001, many talented Japanese male and female footballers have played for the team.

Following a guided tour of the magnificent stadium, a talk session was held with four Japanese footballers: Mr. Ayase UEDA, Mr. Tsuyoshi WATANABE, Ms. Akari TAKESHIGE, and Ms. Kokona IWASAKI.

Currently, these four players, together with Ms. Mao ITAMURA, play for Feyenoord. We wish both the men’s and women’s teams a strong finish to the 2025-2026 season, and we also hope that the players will be selected for their respective national teams for the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.