30th Anniversary Celebration of the Japan–Netherlands Agreement on Co-operation in Science and Technology
2026/10/30
On 26 October 2026, the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, held a commemorative event at Hortus Botanicus Leiden to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Japan–Netherlands Agreement on Co-operation in Science and Technology.
The Agreement, signed in 1996, provides an important framework for scientific and technological cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands. The two countries share a long history of intellectual exchange, dating back to Rangaku (Dutch studies) during Japan's Edo period. In recent years, cooperation among universities, research institutions and businesses has expanded across a wide range of fields, including quantum technology, semiconductors, life sciences, agriculture and food.
The celebration was attended by Ms. Rianne Letschert, Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands; Mr. Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands; Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura, Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation; and representatives of government organisations, universities, research institutions and businesses from both countries. In their remarks, the speakers reflected on the history of bilateral science and technology cooperation and expressed their expectations for further strengthening collaboration in the years ahead.
The event also featured an "Innovation Parade," showcasing concrete achievements in science and technology cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands. Exhibits highlighted collaborative research and innovation initiatives across various fields, including cooperation between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Through these exhibits, participants had the opportunity to learn about the achievements of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on opportunities for future collaboration.
Earlier that day, the 9th Meeting of the Japan–Netherlands Joint Committee on Co-operation in Science and Technology was held in The Hague. Participants exchanged views on recent developments in science and technology policies in both countries, research collaboration in specific fields, international circulation of research talent, and Japan's association with Horizon Europe, among other topics.
Building on the longstanding relationship of trust between Japan and the Netherlands, the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands continues to promote and strengthen bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation, taking the 30th anniversary of the Agreement as an opportunity to further advance our partnership.
The Agreement, signed in 1996, provides an important framework for scientific and technological cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands. The two countries share a long history of intellectual exchange, dating back to Rangaku (Dutch studies) during Japan's Edo period. In recent years, cooperation among universities, research institutions and businesses has expanded across a wide range of fields, including quantum technology, semiconductors, life sciences, agriculture and food.
The celebration was attended by Ms. Rianne Letschert, Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands; Mr. Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands; Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura, Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation; and representatives of government organisations, universities, research institutions and businesses from both countries. In their remarks, the speakers reflected on the history of bilateral science and technology cooperation and expressed their expectations for further strengthening collaboration in the years ahead.
The event also featured an "Innovation Parade," showcasing concrete achievements in science and technology cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands. Exhibits highlighted collaborative research and innovation initiatives across various fields, including cooperation between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Through these exhibits, participants had the opportunity to learn about the achievements of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on opportunities for future collaboration.
Earlier that day, the 9th Meeting of the Japan–Netherlands Joint Committee on Co-operation in Science and Technology was held in The Hague. Participants exchanged views on recent developments in science and technology policies in both countries, research collaboration in specific fields, international circulation of research talent, and Japan's association with Horizon Europe, among other topics.
Building on the longstanding relationship of trust between Japan and the Netherlands, the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands continues to promote and strengthen bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation, taking the 30th anniversary of the Agreement as an opportunity to further advance our partnership.
Photo: Sander Foederer
Photo: Sander Foederer
Photo: Sander Foederer
Photo: Sander Foederer
