400 Years' relations between Japan and the Netherlands

The Commemoration On April 19, 1600, the Dutch ship the "Liefde" (Charity) was shipwrecked on the coast of Bungo, which is now Usuki in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The local people took care of the men on board and through this first friendly gesture, began a relationship that would benefit both Japan and the Netherlands. The date of April 19, 2000, four hundred years later, will herald a new cycle of friendship between our two nations. The Thoughts behind the Logo Two flags, two nations. The one fan-shape represents Japan, with the Netherlands being represented by the fan-shape of Deshima. Looking at the globe the Netherlands lies to the North-West and Japan to the South-East. A ship with two sails, two nations together. A small flag at the top of the ship, a waterline at the bottom. The number 400 stands for the 4 centuries that Japan and the Netherlands have been connected.

The Design of the Logo The logo has been designed by a Dutch designer, Mr. Anne Stienstra, and a Japanese designer, Mr. Daisaburo Murai. The designers were selected by Mr. Jan Lucassen, Chairman of The Design Academy in Eindhoven and Mr. Kenji Ekuan, Chairman of GK Design Group in Tokyo. The development of the design has been pursued with the use of the latest communication technology available. The Face of the Logo All official projects will show the logo in red, white and blue, representing the two flags of Japan and the Netherlands. Variations on the logo can be used for specialized projects, but only after specific authorization has been given. Logotype Design graphA Amsterdam GK Graphics Inc. Tokyo the source; Royal Netherlands Embassy 400 Years

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