Politics, Security and Human Rights - Japan-en
The Netherlands places human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values at the core of its foreign policy. It works to protect these rights worldwide, promote open and inclusive societies, and support peace and security through multilateral cooperation.
In Japan, the Embassy engages with government institutions, civil society, and NGOs to advance these shared values and strengthen inclusive, resilient communities.
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Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The Netherlands has major economic and geopolitical interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Upholding the international legal order, promoting free trade, protecting human rights, and finding solutions for global challenges such as climate change can only be effectively tackled in conjunction with this region.
Against the backdrop of the increasing geopolitical importance of the Indo-Pacific, the Netherlands issued its own Indo-Pacific Guidelines. In order to realize the goals of these guidelines, the Netherlands is actively engaging and cooperating with the government of Japan, both through the EU and bilaterally.
NL/Minato and Shibaura House
Promoting LGBTIQ+ Inclusion
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has worked closely with Japanese partner organisations to promote understanding and inclusion of LGBTQ+ communities through a wide range of initiatives. As the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, the Netherlands remains committed to advancing equal rights and fostering greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. The Embassy continues to organise and co-host events that encourage dialogue, visibility and inclusion.
> More information on our LGBTIQ+ policy
Shared history and commemoration of World War II
The Netherlands and Japan work together to commemorate the shared history of World War II and to promote dialogue and reconciliation. Dutch prisoners of war endured great hardship or lost their lives while interned in Japanese camps. As part of these reconciliation efforts, the Government of Japan annually invites a group of former Dutch prisoners of war to visit Japan. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands supports this initiative.
In addition, the Embassy works with local partners to highlight the story of Jan Zwartendijk and Chiune Sugihara. During World War II, these Dutch and Japanese diplomats played a vital, yet often overlooked, role in helping thousands of Jewish refugees escape persecution in Lithuania. At great personal risk, and at times in defiance of diplomatic instructions, Jan Zwartendijk and Chiune Sugihara issued visas that enabled refugees to escape Nazi persecution.