日本オランダ年 / Nederland in Japan 2008 2009

Mr. Nobuo Takei, Japan representative of DUJAT, and Mrs. Nori Nagasawa, a volunteer for the POW Research Network Japan, were awarded high distinctions for their long standing dedication to relations between Japan and the Netherlands. In an award ceremony at the Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo on April 28th, Ambassador Philip de Heer, conferred the Order of Orange-Nassau to Mr. Takei and Mrs. Nagasawa on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Mr. Takei was awarded a decoration as a direct result of his extensive contribution to Dutch society through his many activities both for DUJAT and for the Chambers of Commerce -the JCC and NCCJ – in Japan and the Netherlands. Congratulating Mr. Takei, Ambassador De Heer also lauded his personal dedication to promoting Japanese-Dutch friendship as an active board member of the Japan-Netherlands Society. In 2009 the Netherlands and Japan commemorate 400 years of trade relations, providing an excellent opportunity for the Netherlands government to express its appreciation for Mr. Takei’s great contributions to these relations.

Mrs. Nagasawa was awarded this decoration for her personal dedication to helping Dutch War victims cope with their past. Mrs. Nagasawa contributes to the process of reconciliation by helping different generations of War victims trace their Japanese relatives. It is her compassion, empathy and her kind and positive nature that earned her this high distinction, Ambassador De Heer emphasized in his congratulatory remarks.

Surrounded by their friends and relatives, both recipients were happily surprised and deeply moved by the honour bestowed upon them by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix.