Japan–Netherlands Science and Technology Networking Reception (Monday, November 10, 2025)
2025/11/17
On 10 November, the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands hosted the Japan–Netherlands Science and Technology Networking Reception.
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, drs. Feite Hofman, Director-General at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), as well as representatives from government, academia, industry, ecosystem developer and media from both countries.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador MINAMI highlighted the long-standing relationship of trust built between Japan and the Netherlands over centuries, and emphasised the importance of cooperation in the field of science and technology. Recalling how Japan once learned a great deal from the Netherlands through Rangaku (Dutch studies), 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.
Prof. MATSUMOTO then 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 to the broader international community.
Finally, Director-General Feite Hofman reflected on his recent visit to Japan, including his participation in the STS forum and 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
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, drs. Feite Hofman, Director-General at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), as well as representatives from government, academia, industry, ecosystem developer and media from both countries.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador MINAMI highlighted the long-standing relationship of trust built between Japan and the Netherlands over centuries, and emphasised the importance of cooperation in the field of science and technology. Recalling how Japan once learned a great deal from the Netherlands through Rangaku (Dutch studies), 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.
Prof. MATSUMOTO then 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 to the broader international community.
Finally, Director-General Feite Hofman reflected on his recent visit to Japan, including his participation in the STS forum and 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
Photo No. 1-4 were taken by Chris Ronteltap for www.diplomatmagazine.eu
