In a brand new series called: “Approaching Customers in Japan”, the NCCJ has started Luncheon Meeting events focussing on ways of how agencies in Japan create structures to approach customers. Brendan McMahon, Chief Corporate Strategist Diamond Agency started his talk with a brief review of how he transformed a “moribund domestic agency” into a powerful, creative player in the Japanese media market. In  the second part of the presentation we were shown a series of technological products such as in-store music and video programmes that can be customized for specific locations. Clients that are using these products include Lawson. During as well as after Brendan’s presentation many questions were asked, making this again a very successful NCCJ event.

Anton Knijf, a Dutch national with extensive international leadership experience in wholesale and retail operations, gave the select audience of 31 attendants an excellent and fascinating overview of the entry of METRO Cash & Carry into the Japanese market, the adoption to local customs and the marketing and expansion strategy going forward. The presentation was followed by a lively and animated Q&A session which added to more revealing insights for the audience regarding the successful operations of the METRO Cash & Carry Japan organization.

Interview with His Excellency Dr. Philip de Heer, the new Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with his view on the Japanese market, the role of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Japan and how the Dutch embassy in Japan can help foster the Chamber’s mission

On 9 December, 2008, members of the Belgium-Luxembourg and Netherlands Chambers of Commerce gathered in the Deshima Lounge of the Dutch embassy for a Business Round Table breakfast meeting with Dan Harada of the firm Nagatacho Forum.

Dan Harada, who acquired Japanese citizenship in 1987, is a member of the LDP and the founder of Nagatacho Forum, a lobbying firm which assists foreign governments and companies in their relations with Japanese legislators.

The message of Dan Harada – eminence grise and self-acclaimed Nagatacho insider with connections to Japanese ministers, committee chairmen and the LDP leadership – was clear; apart from the upcoming Diet holidays and election, which needs to be held no later than September 18, 2009, nothing is certain in Japanese politics.

The 2008 Deshima Award Ceremony and Reception was held on October 27, 2008 at TEPIA. The opening speech by Patrick van Oppen, Chairman of the NCCJ, was followed by a short introduction of the history of the awards by Leon Halders of DSM, 2006 Deshima Award winner. The Deshima Award is granted by the Netherlands [...]

On Thursday 30 October 20 NCCJ members made a trip to the Nippon Steel plant in Chiba, located on the other side of Yokohama in Tokyo bay. The name of this plant is Kimitsu and by far Nippon’s steel largest plant with a crude steel production over 10.661 tons and a workforce of 3.285. In the Netherlands the former Hoogovens (now days Corus) plant is well known. Imagine that the size of this plant is almost 3 times larger. The group left by bus from the embassy and arrived around 14.00 in Kimitsu. First a very interesting introduction film and a short presentation was given about the plant and the production process.

We will miss him all. Hereby a short video impression of the farewell speech of Henk in ‘t Hof. “After almost 3 years in Japan, I shall be leaving Japan at the end of August to take up new assignment in Singapore. To say good bye and share my appreciation for NCCJ, I would like to invite you for an informal luncheon on 29 August between 12:30 and 14:00. At this occasion, I will be happy to introduce my successor, Mr. Jeroen Dalderop to you.”

NCCJ and the Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (BLCCJ) will hold a special joint luncheon on Thursday, 13 December. Guest speaker is Karel van Wolferen, renowned Dutch journalist, writer and professor. The title of his talk is "The Big Picture is Found in the Details – Japan’s Position and Politics in a Newly Chaotic World." Author [...]

On Friday, 28 September 2007, NCCJ was very pleased to present a special program on the occasion of the Rijksmuseum Exhibition in Tokyo. Mr. Taco Dibbits, Head of the Fine Art Department of the Rijksmuseum, gave an exclusive talk to NCCJ members and guests in The National Art Center, Tokyo.
Mr Dibbits started his talk mentioning [...]

On Thursday, 13 September 2007 about 25 members and guests of the NCCJ gathered in the Deshima Lounge of the Royal Netherlands Embassy to hear Beckie Cassidy, JMEC Director, and Onno Jalink, President and Representative of Brita Japan K.K. give a presentation on the activities of their organizations.
Beckie Cassidy introduced how companies can benefit from [...]