Activity Report

Date: Monday, 9 September 2024, 18:00 - 20:30
Venue: 5F Hall and 3F Restaurant, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: Mr. Manatsu Ichinoki, Deputy Secretary General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
Theme: Overview of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

This time, we were joined by 45 participants, including Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka; representatives from the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA); Mr. Edo de Ronde, Executive Director for Japan; Mr. Yamaguchi, Project Manager; and Mr. Ooe from the Hyogo Prefecture Government. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Manatsu Ichinoki, who provided insights into the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which is just 216 days away. He began with the definition and history of the world exposition, followed by an overview of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, highlighting its attractions and points of interest, which greatly piqued the audience's interest in the event. At the beginning of the buffet party, Mr. de Ronde, who had just taken office as Executive Director for Japan of NFIA on September 1, greeted everyone, followed by a toast from Consul-General Kuipers. Everyone engaged in lively conversations and enjoyed a delightful time together.

Date：Friday, 17 June 2024, 17:00-19:50
Venue: 5F Hall and 3F Restaurant, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: Mr. Theo Peters, Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan
Theme: Japan and the Netherlands, a personal perspective

This year's AGM was attended by 63 people, including H.E. Mr. Tsutomu Himeno, Ambassador in charge of Kansai region and his wife, Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka and his wife, and Mr. Ichisaka, Osaka Prefecture Government, Mr. Ooe, Hyogo Prefecture Government, Mr. Yamaguchi, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency. At the AGM, we reported that all the AGM agenda for 2024 were duly approved by written resolutions. In addition, we held the award ceremony for the Long-time Membership Award to three individual members. Mr. Theo Peters, Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan, gave a very interesting and humorous talk about his own three stays in Japan, comparing the historical background of those times and the culture of Japan and the Netherlands. Everyone was particularly surprised and delighted when Mrs. Peters suddenly took the podium and spoke about her experiences in Japan in the Kyoto dialect. Then the party started with a speech by Consul-General Kuipers and a toast by Ambassador Himeno, followed by a meal and good conversation. The annual lucky draw was also a great success.

Date: Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 15:00 - 19:30
Venue: Shimano Bicycle Museum/Furinkaku (Chinese restaurant)
Contents: Tour of the Shimano Bicycle Museum
- Introduction
"Company Profile of Shimano Inc."
 Mr. Takuma Kanai, Executive Officer, Shimano Inc.
"About Shimano Bicycle Museum"
 Mr. Nobuhiro Inoue, Executive Director/Museum Director, Shimano Bicycle Museum

We were pleased to have 31 people, including Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, attend our third corporate exchange meeting with our corporate members, who have been supporting us for many years. This time, thanks to the support and cooperation of Shimano Inc. which are corporate members and have their European sales office in the Netherlands, and Shimano Bicycle Museum, a tour of the Shimano Bicycle Museum was made possible. Mr. Kanai, Executive Officer, and Mr. Inoue, Museum Director, spoke to us during the introductory part of the tour, and once again it was clear that Shimano Inc. is contributing to the world with its great philosophy as a global company and as a leader in promoting bicycle and fishing culture. During the tour of the museum, we were impressed by the museum-like interior, the display of old and new bicycles and parts, and the staff who explained the museum with their love of bicycles. Also, the reception party was a great opportunity for corporate members to deepen their friendship with each other.

Date: Monday, 4 December 2023 15:45 - 19:15
Venue: Arata Hall/Icho Kaikan, Osaka University Suita Campus
Lecturer: Prof. Shoichi Shimada, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University and Director, Osaka University Tekijuku Commemoration Center
Theme: OGATA Koan's Tekijuku and Roots of Osaka University School of Medicine
Visit: Medical History Museum, Icho Kaikan and the Kishimoto Medical History Museum

This meeting was held on the Osaka University Suita Campus and was attended by 48 people, including those from Osaka University. Guests of honor included Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Manabu Tanaka, Executive Vice President of Osaka University, Ms. Yachiyo Izutani, Executive Director of Osaka University. Prof. Shimada talked about the establishment of Tekijuku and Osaka Jotokan (Smallpox Vaccination Center), the predecessors of Osaka University School of Medicine, and how Osaka University School of Medicine was built through the extraordinary efforts of Ogata Koan, Koan's students and sons, and Dutch teachers Gratama, Bauduin, Ermerins and Mansvelt, who were involved in the establishment of these institutions. He also introduced some of the documents and movies of the time and the present day. The lecture was very interesting and meaningful, and we also had the opportunity to visit the Medical History Museum in Icho Kaikan and the Kishimoto Medical History Museum, thanks to the kindness of Prof. Shimada. Afterwards, the buffet party started with a toast by Consul General Kuipers, followed by a delicious meal and friendly chat.

Date: Tuesday, 5 September 2023, 18:00 - 20:40
Venue: 5F Hall, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka/Trade Officers of Consulate General of the Netherlands
Theme: A New dawn on Common Ground, the Netherlands Participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

This meeting was attended by 56 people, including H.E. Mr. Tsutomu Himeno, Ambassador in charge of Kansai region and his wife, Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka and his wife, and Mr. Ichisaka, Osaka Prefecture Government, Mr. Kobayashi, Hyogo Prefecture Government, Mr. Yamaguchi, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency. In the lecture, Consul-General Marc Kuipers explained the Dutch Pavilion and its theme "Common Ground" in preparation for the Netherlands' participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The EXRO Trade Officers of Consulate General also gave a presentation on the initiatives during and after the Expo, called "Road2Osaka", and held a ceremony to set an energy ball on a mock-up of the pavilion by the Consul General and President Sakamoto. We were very excited to the talk with interest and heightened our anticipation of the Expo. Afterwards, the buffet party started with a toast by Ambassador Himeno, and the participants had friendly moment was enjoyed.

Date：Friday, 16 June 2023, 17:00-19:30
Venue: Conference Room 511 and 5F Hall, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: H.E. Mr. Tsutomu Himeno, Ambassador in charge of Kansai region
Theme: "Osaka-Kansai and the Netherlands in the world - leading up to now and going forward"

This year's AGM was attended by 50 people, including the Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr. Tsutomu Himeno, Ambassador in charge of Kansai region and his wife, Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka, and Mr. Oe, International Relations Officer, Hyogo Prefecture. At the AGM, we reported that all the AGM agenda for 2023 were duly approved by written resolutions. In addition, we held the award ceremony for the Long-time Membership Award to one individual member. In the lecture session, Ambassador Himeno, reviewed the important diplomatic events between the Netherlands and other powers and Japan, in the past and, looking towards the future, spoke about the five programme themes based on the 'Common Ground' of the Dutch Pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: renewable energy, biotechnology, regenerative medicine, high-technology of semiconductors. In the Q&A corner, the participants heard stories based on his own experiences as diplomats, which were very realistic, interesting and informative. The buffet party started with a toast by Consul-General Kuipers, followed by a meal and a lot of chatting. The final lucky draw was a lot of fun, with the audience cheering when the introduction of the products appeared on the screen.

Date: Thursday, 2 March, 2023, 14:15-19:30
Contents/Venue:
- Lecture "Human Resource Development at Panasonic" by Motoko Morimoto, Director of Panasonic Team & Talent Development Center
- Tour of "Kounso", Private residence of Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita/Panasonic Team & Talent Development Center
- Party/Kappo Fuji (Japanese restaurant)

This exchange meeting was held for corporate members who have been supporting us for many years. The event was attended by 33 people, including Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. During the Q&A session at the lecture, there were active questions about “Human Resource Development at Panasonic”, which showed the high level of attention paid to the topic. During the tour of Kounso, the participants visited one room at a time while thinking about the founder of Panasonic, Konosuke Matsushita. At the end of the event, a reception was held, where the corporate members were able to talk and deepen their friendship with each other.

Date: Tuesday, 17 January, 2023, 18:15-21:15
Venue: Lecture ABENO HARUKAS Conference room, Party 12F GINZA ASTER Mentencho
Lecturer: Mr. Kjeld Duits, journalist and photographer
Theme: "Dutch diplomatic locations in Japan since the 1850s"

This meeting was attended by 32 people, including Consul General Kuipers, although the increase in COVID-19 infections was not decreasing. Mr. Kjeld Duits gave a lecture on the evolution of the Dutch diplomatic presence in Japan since the end of isolation in the 1850s, based on many documents such as maps, photographs, paintings and blueprints of the legation. We could not hide our amazement at the meticulous research and first-hand knowledge. At the party, Consul General Kuipers gave a toast: including a story about the change of the Chinese zodiac sign from tiger to rabbit at the beginning of the New Year, and we enjoyed delicious dim sum and a lot of fun.

Kjeld Duits conducted the study and wrote the text."FROM DEJIMA TO TOKYO"

Date: Thursday, 8 December, 2022, 18:00-20:00
Venue: 5F Hall / 3F Restaurant, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: Mr. Tadashi Miyagawa, journalist and former senior staff writer, Nikkei Inc.
Theme: "Yearning for Nagasaki—Great Figures in the Closing Days of Tokugawa Government Taking a Western Journey"

This event was attended by 42 people, including Consul General Kuipers and Mr. Yamaguchi of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency. In Mr. Tadashi Miyagawa’s lecture, introduced the many great talents who travelled to Nagasaki, the only port in Japan open to foreign countries during the national isolation, to acquire the latest knowledge of the West, including Dutch studies, art, artillery and navigation. Among them, Gennai Hiraga and Shiba Kokan were introduced in detail with paintings by Kawahara Keiga and others. Mr. Miyagawa's words that we should reward the great contribution made by Dutch correspondents, represented by Yoshio Kogyu, and Nagasaki people in Nagasaki which was the centre of Dutch studies, were very impressive. Then the party began with a toast to Consul General Kuipers and we enjoyed a friendly chat.

Date: Tuesday, 2 August, 2022, 10:30-12:15(Lecture)/12:30-(Viewing)
Venue: ABENO HARUKAS Conference room, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Lecturer: Mr. Masahiro Shino, Director Emeritus, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Theme: "Vermeer in the Land of Oz -A painter's admirable ingenuity-"

This meeting was held after thorough measures were taken to prevent the COVID-19 infection. H.E. Mr. Tsutomu Himeno, Ambassador in charge of Kansai region and his wife, and Consul-General Marc Kuipers and his wife have also attended. Director Emeritus Shino's lecture was held in conjunction with the exhibition "Johannes Vermeer and the Masters of the Golden Age of Dutch Painting from the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden" at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. The lecture covered a wide range of topics, including the story of Dresden, how to enjoy Vermeer and 17th century Dutch paintings, and furthermore, the museum's way of presenting the exhibition and its highlights. After the lecture, the Vermeer exhibition was even more enjoyable and memorable for us.

Date：Monday, 30 May 2022 17:00 - 19:30
Venue: 5F Hall / 3F Restaurant, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka

FY2022 Annual General Meeting and party was the first face-to-face meeting in two years since the Covid 19 infection. H.E. Mr. Tsutomu Himeno, Ambassador in charge of Kansai region and his wife, and Consul-General Marc Kuipers and his daughter have attended. At the AGM, we reported that all AGM agenda for FY 2022 had been duly approved by written resolutions. In addition, we awarded the Long-time Membership Award to one individual member. In the lecture session, Consul-General Marc Kuipers gave a lecture on three topics: an update on current events in the Netherlands, an inside peek on how this is affecting the work of a consul general, an update on the exciting prospect of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. And then, the party started with a toast by Ambassador Himemo, and the participants had a good time chatting after their first real reunion in a long time, until the lucky lottery at the end of the party.

Date: Wednesday, 17 November, 2021 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: Hotel New Otani Osaka 2F HōII
Lecturer: H.E. Mr. Peter VAN DER VLIET, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan
Theme: "Japan - Netherlands relations: an update"

This was our first "face-to-face" meeting since the pandemic of COVID-19. For such a memorable meeting, we had the pleasure to welcome our honorary president, Ambassador Peter van der Fliet, to give a speech. Even more wonderfully, we also welcome our honorary vice president, Consul General Marc Kuipers, who just arrived in August. We were very impressed by the Ambassador's suggestive speech on the direction and future of the Netherlands-Japanese relations. After the Ambassador's speech, a toast was given by the Consul General and a quiet meal began, with a good social distance. After the meal, we had a very lively and enjoyable pleasant chat wearing mask.

Date: Sunday, 22 August, 2021, 17:00 - 18:00(JST)
Venue: Web conference (Zoom meeting)
Theme: "This is so different! Japan-the Netherlands culture comparison"
food culture & coffee, height, values (euthanasia, drugs, LGBTQ)

This regular meeting was the first collaboration project with Japan-the Netherlands Student Conference (JNSC). The meeting proceeded with students from Groningen University in the Netherlands and Osaka University giving a presentation on cultural comparison between Japan and the Netherlands, and answering questions from members of Japan-Netherlands Society of the Kansai. The meeting was scheduled to be held in Japanese, but with the presentation in English by Dutch students, the questions were also in English, which was an unexpected development. However, the members actively spoke and we was able to interact with the younger generation of Dutch and Japanese students in a friendly atmosphere. Members also expressed their expectations for the next event.

Date：Wednesday, 16 June 2021 16:00 - 16:45
Venue: Web conference (Zoom webiner)
Contents: Report to the resolution on General Meeting / Address by Mr. Gerard Theo Michels, Consul-General / Lottery

This year, we held the general meeting by web conference for the first time based on the situation of the Covid 19 infection. Regarding the resolution of the general meeting agenda for 2021, the members exercised their voting rights in writing in advance, and we reported the results of resolution on the day. the agenda were all duly approved. Mr. Gerard Theo Michels, Consul-General and his wife attended the general meeting and Consul-General Michels who will be leaving Japan due to his retirement this summer addressed. After that, we had a harmonious time with Q & A time for him, and Ms. Snowden's speech. Finally, we held lottery for the first time in two years, and closed.

Date: Sunday, 15 November, 2020, 14:00 - 15:00
Venue: Web conference & 3rd Floor, Panasonic Tower, Osaka Business Park
Lecturer: Mr. Tsukasa Kodera, Professor of Osaka University
Theme: Vincent Van Gogh's "Sunflowers"

The spread of the new coronavirus infection has not yet contained, so we held the first web conference of our society. This time, Mr. Tsukasa Kodera, a world-famous Van Gogh researcher, talked about Van Gogh's "sunflowers", which are attracting particular attention at the National Gallery, London exhibition. His explanations from various perspectives based on Van Gogh's research were very interesting. Consul General Michels said, "This time it was an web conference due to the influence of COVID-19, but next year I would like to meet in person and enjoy the exchange."

Our society has canceled the FY2020 annual general meeting in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and, instead of that, implemented a written resolution. Out of the total 180 voting rights by all members of our society, the majority of them, 101 approval votes and 46 letters of proxy from the members were submitted by Friday, 15 May. As the result, the proposed business report and financial report for FY2019, activity plan, budget and selection of the officers for FY2020 were all duly approved.

Message from Honorary Vice President, Mr. Gerard Theo MICHELS, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka and President, Mr. Toshihiro Sakamoto
Click here

Date: Friday, 21 February, 2020, 18:20-20:00
Venue: Guest Hall for Panasonic Corporation Head Office
Content: Tour of Guest Hall/Artworks & Buffet Party

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of our society, we held, as the first trial, the exchange meeting for corporate members who have been always supporting us. Consul-General Michels, Messrs. Jeroen Bokhoven and Yamaguchi Takashi of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency have attended. The place of the meeting was the guest hall of Panasonic. The hall has been used by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder, and other senior executives of Panasonic to invite government officials from various countries including the Netherlands as well as corporate executives such as Philips. We enjoyed great conversations, also we appreciated the paintings and other artworks displayed.

Date: Wednesday, October 16 - Thursday, October 17, 2019
Theme: The trip to visit Hirado: Japan's first Dutch trade port
Visiting place: Hirado Dutch Trading Post, Matsura Historical Museum, St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, Kyushu Ceramic Museum etc.

On the 60th anniversary trip, we visited Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture. In Hirado, Dutch ships arrived in 1609, the Dutch trading house was established, and Japan's first Dutch-Japanese trade began. We visited the Hirado Dutch Trading Spot, the ruins related to the Netherlands, and the Matsura Historical Museum which used the former private residence of the Matsura family of the Hirado domain. Mr. Okayama, Director of both facilities and Mr. Ideguchi, Curator, gave us the detailed explanation about the history of Hirado exchange between Japan and the Netherlands, and materials handed down to the Matsura family. Thanks of them, we were able to deepen our understanding of the history of Hirado as well as domestic and overseas. In St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, we felt the history of faith and admired the beautiful church architecture. It was two days of enjoying Hirado and having the delicious seafood in the rich nature.

Date: Wednesday, 25 September, 2019, 15:15-19:00
Venue: Horie Orgel Museum, Netherlands Consul-General's Residence
Contents: Horie Orgel Museum and garden tour, Anniversary Reception

We held the 60th anniversary celebration at the Netherlands Consul-General's Residence with special support from Mr. Gerard Michels, Consul-General and his wife. We received a heartfelt hospitality from them. She served us homemade dishes and desserts. Everyone was impressed with the honor and precious opportunity.At Horie Orgel Museum, Matsuura president greeted us, and during the tour, we were very interested in playing music boxes, unusual pianos and violin automatic musical instruments. It was a wonderful and memorable day.

Date：Wednesday, 29 May 2019 17:00 - 19:50
Venue: 5th Floor, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: H.E. Mr. Takashi Koezuka, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Theme: "The Netherlands and its history

At the general meeting, proposals for FY2018 business and financial reports, FY2019 business plans, budget, officer appointments were approved. Also, from this year, which marks the 60th anniversary of our society, we award the Long-time Membership Award to individual members enrolled for over 30 years, and 10 people have been awarded this time. At the lecture, former Ambassador Takashi Koezuka delivered a lecture. The party began with congratulations from H.E. Mr. Jota Yamamoto, Ambassador in charge of Kansai region and then a toast from Consul-General Michels. Participants enjoyed buffet time and excited by the customary lottery.

Date: Tuesday, 9 April, 2019, 10:30-11:30(Lecture)/11:45-(Viewing)
Venue: ABENO HARUKAS Conference room, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Lecturer: Mr. Masahiro Shino, Director, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Theme: "VERMEER: New visual world"

The works of Vermeer, depicting daily life at that time, have a historical context unique to the 17th century Netherlands and also incorporate visual technique as if seeing through a lens. The interesting lecture by Mr. Masahiro Shino, Director made the subsequent viewing of the Vermeer exhibition more enjoyable.

Date: Saturday, 30 March, 2019, 10:00-13:30
Venue: Panasonic Museum, HOTEL AGORA OSAKA MORIGUCHI
Content: Celebrating JNSK's 60th Anniversary Talk, Museum Tour

The Japan-Netherlands Society of the Kansai was established in March 1959 and marks its 60th anniversary this year. The programme of this meeting consisted of a lecture by Mr. Kiyomu Ennokoshi who is former emplyee of Panasonic, and a tour of the Panasonic Museum through which we looked back on the story of the establishment of JNSK by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial (now Panasonic Corporation), who took on the role of the organization's chairman. We deepened our friendship at the luncheon and became a meaningful meeting that reaffirmed the background leading up to the birth of JNSK.

Date: Saturday, 12 January, 2019, 17:00-
Venue: ABENO HARUKAS Conference room, ABENO HARUKAS Art Museum
Lecturer: Mr. Tadanori Fujimura, curator, ABENO HARUKAS Art Museum
Theme: "The Miracle of M.C. Escher: Prints from The Israel Museum, Jerusalem"

Mr. Fujimura's commentary deepened our understanding of the works of M.C. Escher, including his well-known trick art or trompe l'oeil that Esher was good at. After that, in Miracle Escher Exhibition that was members only, we were able to appreciate and enjoy over 150 treasured collections including works being shown in Japan for the first time.

Date: Friday, 16 November, 2018, 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: 38th Floor, Panasonic Tower, Osaka Business Park
Lecturer: Mr. Shunji Morimoto, Deputy Manager, Cultural Projects and Business Development Department, Osaka Head Office, The Asahi Shimbun
Theme: "Dick Bruna : 60 years walking with Miffy

In the lecture of Mr. Morimoto who had been interviewing Dick Bruna, we were surprised to see Bruna's reputation as an excellent artist in the Netherlands, noticing the additional appeal of Miffy's (Nusako-chan, Nineche) picture books. It was a meaningful lecture that enabled us to know new aspects of Bruna and his works. Miffy's navy blue hoodie that Mr. Morimoto was wearing was very good looking and impressive.

Date: Wednesday, 12 September, 2018, 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: 38th Floor, Panasonic Tower, Osaka Business Park
Lecturer: Fuyuko Matsukata, Ph.D., Associate professor of Historiographical Institute, The University of Tokyo
Theme: "The 1609 Tokugawa Pass for the Dutch"

In 1609 Tokugawa Ieyasu issued a pass with a vermilion seal (a shuinjo) addressed to a Dutchman, Jacques Groenewegen. "In this talk, I will analyze it as not only a pass but also as a set of regulations similar to the “capitulations” issued to Europeans by the Ottoman Empire." Fuyuko Matsukata, Ph.D. who was this meeting lecturer said. While seeing the documents from that time in a slide, we listened a very interesting story. After that, The party began with a toast from H.E. Mr. Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador in charge of Kansai, we had a good time.

Date : Monday, 14 May 2018 17:00 - 19:40
Venue: 5th Floor, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer: Mr. Gerard Theo Michels, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka
Theme: "Europe and Brexit: a personal view"

At the general meeting, proposals for FY2017 business and financial reports, FY2018 business plans, budget, officer appointments were approved. At the lecture, Consul-General Michels delivered a lecture. The party began with a toast from Consul-General Michels. Participants enjoyed buffet time and excited by the customary lottery.

Date: Wednesday, 11 April, 2018, 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: 38th Floor, Panasonic Tower, Osaka Business Park
Lecturer: Mrs. Kris Schiermeier, Director of the Japan Museum SieboldHuis and Chairman of the Leiden Friends of Nagasaki Foundation
Theme: Japan Museum SieboldHuis past, present and future activities

SieboldHuis in Leiden, the Netherlands not only exhibits the collection brought back by Siebold, but also strives to spread contemporary Japanese art, culture and life to the Netherlands through close collaboration with other museums, cultural instituteons and universities in the Netherlands and Japan, and annual events such as 'Japan Market'. We got a good understanding that SieboldHuis plays a major role in Japanese-Dutch exchange.

Date: Saturday, 16 September, 2017, 17:00 -
Venue: National Museum of Art, Osaka
Lecturer: Mr. Masahiro Yasugi, the head researcher of the National Museum of Art, Osaka
Theme: Interpretation and Viewing of Bruegel's "The Tower of Babel"

The 233rd Regular Meeting was a great success, with Mr. Gerard Theo Michels, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and his wife; H.E. Mr. Yoichi Suzuki, Ambassador in charge of Kansai and his wife; and Dutch members of the Netherlands Society in West Japan in attendance. Mr. Masahiro Yasugi, curator, provided the explanations of "The Tower of Babel," which enabled meeting us to appreciate the masterpiece with a more in-depth understanding of its must-see points. We also fully enjoyed marvelous pieces of art, including Pieter Bruegel I's masterpiece "The Tower of Babel," Jheronimus Bosch's precious oil paintings, and other 16th century Dutch artworks.

Date: Monday, 26 June, 2017, 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: 38th Floor, Panasonic Tower, Osaka Business Park
Lecturer: Ms. Jeanette A. Taudin Chabot, Interpreter, Coordinator and Writer
Theme: Euthanasia in the Netherlands as Palliative Care

"Euthanasia is not choosing a way to die, but a choice made by people who want to live." Her first words symbolize the status of euthanasia in the Netherlands, meaning that euthanasia fosters a willingness to live a better life. Ms. Jeanette A. Taudin Chabot talked about the features of euthanasia in an easy-to-understand manner: euthanasia is far from a lonely death since patients can engage in deeper dialog with their family and be surrounded by people who understand and feel empathy for them. Following her lecture, the party began with a toast speech by Mr. Gijs van Schayk, Vice Consul, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As always, members of the Japan-the Netherlands Student Conference joined the event.

Date : Wednesday, 10 May, 2017, 17:00 - 20:00
Venue : 5th Floor, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer : Mr. Koji Takada, Script writer
Theme : My thoughts on the novel "Hydrangea otaksa"

At the general meeting, proposals for FY2016 business and financial reports, FY2017 business plans, budget, officer appointments were approved. At the lecture, Mr. Koji Takada, script writer delivered a lecture. The party began with a toast from Consul-General Wols. His wife, Ms. Nene attended JNSK event for the first time. And then the customary lottery was very excited.

Date: Tuesday, 14 February, 2017, 15:00 - 17:15
Venue: Kitahama FORUM <Lecture> / Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka/Kobe <Gathering / buffet>
Lecturer: Mr. Jun Kawakami, Managing Director, OGATA KOUAN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
Theme: Ogata Kouan, Dutch Medicine and the Fight Against Smallpox - Activity of the Small Pox Vaccination House -

We received a lecture on Ogata Kouan and Dutch medicine in the fight against smallpox using smallpox vaccination in Japan in the closing days of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The gathering was held at the new consulate in Kitahama that was moved to last year. Consul-General Roderick Wols gave a speech and introduced the members of the consulate, and the representative of the Japanese government, Yoichi Suzuki, ambassador for the Kansai Region, led the toast. The event was attended by seven university students and was a harmonious meeting.

Date: Monday, 17 October, 2016, 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: 38th Floor, Panasonic Tower, Osaka Business Park
Lecturer: Mr. Yoshihiro Sameshima, Visiting Professor, Kagoshima University and Senior Advisor, Satsuma Shuzo Company limited
Theme: Japanese distilled spirit and the Netherlands

"Japanese distilled spirits and the Netherlands"- They don't give you an impression that they have something in common. However, it was interesting to know through the lecture that Satsuma Shochu is actually associated with the Netherland, where gin was originated, and Europe in various ways. Thanks to the generosity of Satsuma Shuzo, we sampled Kannoko Black, a premium shochu that is not available in the market, in the recommended way to enjoy the distilled spirit. The meeting was a good fun with a lot of things going on, and we even had a souvenir to take home.

Date : Wednesday, 15 June, 2016, 17:00 - 20:00
Venue : 5th Floor, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer : H.E. Mr. Aart Jacobi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan
Theme : "The EU and its challenge"

At the general meeting, proposals for FY2015 business and financial reports, FY2016 business plans, budget, officer appointments and the setting up a website were approved. At the lecture, Ambassador Aart Jacobi delivered a lecture. The party began with a toast from Consul-General Wols. After Mr. Hans Kuijpers, NFIA Executive Director gave an address, and then the customary lottery was very excited.

Date : Tuesday. 7 June, 2016, 18:00 - 20:00
Venue : Hall on the 5th Floor, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer : Mathilde E. Boon, MD, PhD, FIAC
Theme : Von Siebold and the Art of Microscopy

As 2016 is the 220th year since Von Siebold's birth, we invited Dr. Mathilde E. Boon from Leiden, the Netherlands, a well-known researcher of Von Siebold, as the lecturer.
The meeting is co-hosted by the Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology Osaka Branch, we had good opportunity to promote exchanges among the doctor and the medical personnel.

Date : Monday, 7 March, 2016, 18:00 - 20:00
Venue : Hall on the 5th Floor, Chuo Denki Club
Lecturer : Mr. Gijs van Schayk, Vice Consul, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Theme : Dutch Videogame Industry

In the Netherlands, video games are not just a form of entertainment, but are used to improve physical and mental health, for medical treatment or to improve the skills of physicians. This lecture, which incorporated images, introduced us to the status of the Dutch video game industry.

Date : Tuesday, 17 November, 2015, 14:00 - 16:00
Venue : 3rd/38th Floor, Panasonic Tower, Osaka Business Park
Lecturer : Mr. Katsuhiko Matsumoto, Sales Director, Heineken Kirin K.K.
Theme : Global No.1 premium beer Heineken's attractiveness

Following President Martijn's address, the Society learned about the history of Heineken, which originated in Amsterdam, and, together with some commercials of the company, heard about the beer's attractiveness plus policies for the quality and marketing of Heineken, which is loved in 192 countries worldwide. It was a great day for enjoying Heineken to the full, including a social gathering while drinking Heineken and souvenirs as well.

Date : Thursday, 20 August, 2015, 14:00 - 16:15
Venue : 24th Floor, South Tower Grand Front Osaka
Lecturer : Ms. Kinuko Nagae, Representative, Kinuko Hindeloopen Studio
Theme : "Workshop" Experience in painting on pen tray using the technique of Hindeloopen from the Netherlands traditional culture

Under Ms. Nagae's instruction, both adults and children become fully entranced in Hindeloopen, losing all track of time. They took home the pen trays which they had worked hard on, plus Dutch waffles as souvenirs of the day. After the workshop they visited the Panasonic Center Osaka, and enjoyed a memorable summer's day.