Interview with Mr. Daisuke Nakano

Akmal Nazir, founder of Diplomat Link, recently engaged in a conversation with Daisuke Nakano, the Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands, at the Embassy Festival. Their discussion explored Japan’s diplomatic efforts, trade relations, and ambitions to strengthen cooperation while building stronger ties between communities. The full interview is available below.

Q. What kind of state of cultural and trade relations do you see between the Netherlands and Japan? And what kind of partner Netherlands is for Japan?

Ans. For us, Japan, the Netherlands is a very special country because we have more than 400 years of shared history. The presence of over 700 Japanese companies in the Netherlands is remarkable, especially considering its geographical size. This indicates the strong linkage of Japanese companies with Dutch expertise, business practices, and the overall business environment offered by the Netherlands.

Q. Which sectors and industries do you believe have potential for enhancing trade and business relationships between Japan and the Netherlands?

Ans. Oh, you can name everything from semiconductor to quantum, from water management to agri-tech. Plans are in motion to produce Japanese products such as Kikkoman soy sauce and Yakult in the Netherlands, catering not only to local needs but also to the broader European market. As the world evolves, opportunities extend beyond traditional fields into cutting-edge technology.

Q. Japan is one of the top tourist destinations for many tourists in the world. How can tourism and cultural activities strengthen cultural ties between the Netherlands and Japan?

Ans. People to people exchange between the two countries are the basis of good relations between the two nations. Last summer, I flew from Amsterdam's Schiphol to Tokyo, and the flights were packed with Dutch tourists eager to explore Japanese culture and cuisine. Events like today’s Embassy Festival, featuring cultural elements such as Taiko drum performances, serve as excellent gateways for mutual understanding. Additionally, exhibitions like the famous Dutch artwork, Girl with a Pearl Earring, now in Japan and Dutch mascots like Nijntje engaging with Japanese audiences foster deeper connections. Building mutual knowledge is fundamental to sustaining a long-term relationship.

Q. Looking forward over the next five years, what opportunities do you foresee in cultural and trade relations between the two countries?

Ans. Both governments already devised an action plan last year covering diverse areas: culture, trade, science, technology, and interpersonal connections. Given the rapid pace of global changes, there's room to explore new frontiers in our relations—areas we might not yet fully comprehend. The mutual reliance already in place serves as a solid foundation for uncovering new possibilities, challenges, and fields for cooperation.

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