JAPAN-NETHERLANDS SOCIETY OF THE KANSAI
JAPAN-NETHERLANDS SOCIETY OF THE KANSAI

Overview of the Japan-Netherlands Society of the Kansai

Overview of the Japan-Netherlands Society of the Kansai

The Society was established in 1959, following a proposal by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial (currently Panasonic Corporation), which deepened the bond with the Netherlands through business and cooperation of industry, government and academia in Kansai. Since then, we have continued enlightenment and exchange activities between Japan and the Netherlands for over 60 years.

EstablishmentMarch 1959
PurposeTo promote cultural and economic exchange and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the Netherlands
MembershipCorporate Members 39 / Individual Members 74 (As of April 1, 2023)
Activities*General Meeting/Fellowship Banquet
Held each year. Reports on activities in the past year, plans for the next year and a summary of accounts are made.
*Regular Meetings
Held 3 times a year. A lecture on cultural, economic and historical themes related to the Netherlands and Japan is made by a guest lecturer each time.
OfficersHonorary President

H.E. Mr. Peter van der Vliet, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan

Honorary Vice President

Mr. Marc Kuipers, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka

President

Mr. Toshihiro Sakamoto

Vice Presidents

Mr. Masayuki Kusumoto
Mr. Mamoru Fujiwara

Auditors

Ms. Yasuyo Tominaga
Mr. Ad Blankestijn

Successive Presidents / Title at the time The first
1959-
Konosuke Matsushita
President, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
The 2nd
1989-
Toshihiko Yamashita
Executive Advisor, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
The 3nd
2001-
Masayuki Nakagaki
Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
The 4th
2004-
Keiishi Akiyama
Senior Advisor, Retela Crea Securities Co., Ltd.
The 5th
2006-
Tetsuo Shiba
Professor Emeritus, Osaka University
The 6th
2009-
Yukio Shohtoku
Associate, Panasonic Corporation
The 7th
2018-
Toshihiro Sakamoto
Associate, Panasonic Corporation