2009 Hirado Holland Year
- When: 18/04/2009 - 31/12/2009
- Where: Hirado city
- Organized by: ２００９ Hirado Holland Year Executive Committee
- Admission fee: Free
- URL: http://www.hirado-oranda.jp
Born in Hirado, 400 years of Japanese-Dutch trade relations
In 1609 Tokugawa Ieyasu gave permission to the Dutch to start trading and a trading post was soon set up in Hirado as the centre for Japanese-Dutch trade under the guidance of the local Matsura clan. The Dutch VOC Trading Post flourished and especially the structures built in 1637 and 1639 were designed on a grand scale. Hirado became the main international trading port and was bustling with activity.
However in 1641 Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered the destruction and relocation under the excuse that the date on the trading post is written according to the Christian Calendar and therefore violates the ban on Christianity. The Dutch were moved to Dejima Island in Nagasaki city were trade was restricted and scaled down.
In the present day, original parts of the trading post still remain, such as the wall and the wharf. The Dutch Trading Post is being reconstructed at the moment and scheduled for completion in 2011.
2009 Hirado Holland Year
Commemorating exactly 400 years of trade between the Netherlands and Japan that started here, in Hirado, we celebrate by organising the 2009 Hirado Holland Year.
Many events will take place throughout the year centring on the theme of exchange. There will be sports exchange programmes, performances by many Dutch artists, a delegation visiting the Netherlands, Dutch food, Displays of historical items, etc, etc.
We invite everyone to come to Hirado and join in the celebrations with us to enjoy the historical sights, the events, and the hospitality. Discover the Dutch related sights and tastes of our beautiful town and island!
July 11th to July 31st・August 9th to August 11th : Panel display prints of Old Dutch Books
July 1st to December 31st : 2009 Hirado Holland Year Information Center 'De Haar'
August 1st to 31st : Pottey from the Age of the Great Voyages
August 19th to August 26th : Youth Football Exchange Programme
September 14 to 28th : 12xHolland, Intercultural Project in Hirado
September 22nd to 23rd : 12xHolland Art Festival
