How we started
The Netherlands is home to more than 10,000 Japanese residents, with a growing diversity of people connected to Japan in various ways—through work, study, family, or shared interests.
Although there are many Japanese communities across the country, differences in roles and lifestyles often limit opportunities for people to meet and connect.
In 2019, the long-standing Go Centrum facility in Amstelveen—a key hub for Japanese community activities—closed down, leaving several groups without a place to gather. This event made many people realize again how important it is to have a place to meet, and some volunteers began looking for a new space.
Then, when COVID-19 hit in 2020, more people felt isolated and uneasy, which made it clear that a relaxed place to connect—both in person and online—was important.
Following this, the idea to create a platform where groups and communities could freely gather and connect took shape, leading to the founding of JACOP as a non-profit foundation in 2021. With the support of the city and the Chamber of Commerce, JACOP is now based at the SAKB/Ontmoeting facility in Amstelveen, expanding its activities and network.
Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the late Ms. Ikuko Osada for her generous support from JACOP’s founding to its early growth.
What we stand for
JACOP values “open connections, inspired by Dutch ways of interacting.” We aim to create a space where people can participate more freely and inclusively. Our activities are guided by the following principles:
Five ways to connect: We encourage layered interactions centered on Japanese people, children, culture, information, and international ties.
Open participation: Joining or leaving is entirely flexible. We value a relaxed and easy-going style of involvement.
Two types of connections: We support both warm face-to-face interactions (offline) and connections through information (online).
Flat relationships: We cooperate with partner organizations and facilities as equals, without hierarchy.
JACOP is not about a single organizer or leader. It is a space where everyone can participate in their own way. Each person’s thoughts and experiences strengthen the community. With trust and respect, we strive to create an open and welcoming platform for all.
Overview
| Name | Stichting Japanese Communities Platform |
| KVK | 81854749 |
| Address | Ouderkerkerlaan 15, 1185AB Amstelveen |
| Contact | hello@jacopholland.nl |
| Established | 2021 |
Board members
Mayumi Takahashi – Chair & Treasurer
Mayumi moved to the Netherlands in 2000 to join her Dutch partner, whom she met in Spain. She studied law at the University of Amsterdam and worked for several Dutch companies. She is currently employed at a Japanese company and also serves on the boards of Nichiran Net Foundation and the Furusato Huis project.
Hidetada Suzuki – Vice Chair
Hidetada is a father of three from Shizuoka prefeture. After moving 20 times, he and his family relocated to the Netherlands out of interest in living abroad. With a background in HR, he now runs a boutique firm specializing in human resources and organizational transformation. At JACOP, he focuses on managing Japanese community activities.
Shoko Mizusako – Communications
Shoko moved to the Netherlands in 2016 after years of traveling between Japan and the Netherlands. She works as a freelance editor, supporting English-language corporate sites for Japanese companies and serving as editor-in-chief of the Japanese free paper mooi-mooi. She lives in The Hague with her Dutch husband and a former street dog.
Chieko Otsuka – Secretary
Chieko moved to the Netherlands with her husband for his studies and pursued a graduate degree in linguistics herself. She became involved with JACOP after volunteering with NALC Holland and currently works at a Japanese company in Amsterdam while supporting JACOP’s administrative activities.