This year, it was our pleasure to organize our second national essay contest for students in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The contest theme “Sustainable Mental Health and Wellbeing: Exploring Dutch-Japanese Solutions for Designing a Future Society,” was inspired by Expo 2025 Osaka’s vision for “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, and invited students to zoom in on the Dutch and Japanese perspectives of mental health and how to integrate mental health considerations into sustainability efforts.
It proved to be a challenging theme, with only 17 out of 67 applicants finishing and submitting their essay before the deadline. The entries were however of such great quality that it resulted in an interesting, exciting and challenging judging procedure, and a difficult decision for our jury.
On Wednesday 27 November, the winners were announced at the award ceremony hosted by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. We were first welcomed by Prof. dr. Jeroen Geurts, Rector Magnificus of VU Amsterdam and Mr. Luc Houben, Chairman of Dujat.
It was then our honor to give the word to Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague and Chairman of the Jury. Unfortunately he could not join this ceremony, but he addressed the contestants in his video message where he spoke about his own special connection with Japan, the contest theme mental health, and the World Expo Osaka. After his speech, the following winners were announced.
1st Place: “E-Scape to Zen” by Aylin Berna Cetintas – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Award: Trip to Japan
Aylin’s essay, E-Scape to Zen, creatively explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) to foster sustainable mental health, effectively bridging Japanese innovation in VR technology and the Dutch emphasis on mental health stigma reduction.
The essay demonstrates strong originality by proposing VR as a versatile and scalable tool for stress relief and mental health interventions, drawing on both cultural philosophies and technological advancements. Structured with clarity and supported by evidence-based arguments, the essay provides an inspiring and feasible vision for integrating VR into mental health care. Its cross-cultural perspective and innovative ideas make it a standout submission.
The author has succeeded in presenting opportunities relating to virtual reality solutions and mental health issues in a realistic and convincing manner. The paper caught the full attention and interest of the majority of our jury members and is a deserving winner of this contest.
2nd Place: “BE CREATIVE How Art Can Contribute to Sustainable Well-Being in Our Society” by Irana Reverol – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Award: Yamazato Dinner Voucher for 2p
Irana’s essay stands out as a compelling piece, nicely addressing the theme of sustainable wellbeing. It pays attention to the importance of art and the principle that art is for everyone and that it is not about talent, but about the pleasure you can get from it.
She challenges conventional perceptions by suggesting that wellbeing should not only be seen as an end state but also as a catalyst for creative expression, fostering a positive cycle of individual and societal growth.
Her argument is innovative, particularly in her emphasis on moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, highlighting the diversity of artistic expression as a universal human capacity. The essay is well-structured, persuasive, and deeply reflective, presenting cross-cultural value and actionable insights. Irana’s unique vision and eloquent delivery make her essay a top contender.
3rd Place: “Samurai in the Windmill: Modern Solutions of Sustainable Mental Health” by Fildzah Hazimi Nauli – University of Amsterdam
Award: TIME & STYLE Gift Set (Worth €150,-)
Fildzah’s essay impressed the jury for its excellent structure, well written, and a nice “personal touch”. Health, masterfully integrates Japanese and Dutch cultural characteristics to propose holistic solutions for mental wellbeing and sustainability.
The essay highlights Japan’s resilience and gratitude, embodied in practices like forest bathing, alongside the Netherlands’ balanced lifestyle and sustainable urban planning. By blending these values into the concept of the “Windmill Samurai,” Fildzah offers a cross-cultural framework that enriches global perspectives on sustainable mental health. Her thoughtful analysis, innovative ideas, and cross-cultural relevance make this essay a significant contribution to the discourse on wellbeing.
While several essays attempt to bridge the gap between the different cultural worlds of the Netherlands and Japan and the consequences for well-being, the concept of the ‘Windmill Samurai’ is an especially beautiful and striking imagery to represent these worlds. It is also well elaborated in the substantiation.
Honorable Mentions:
“Towards Sustainable Mental Health and well-being: examining mental health approaches and solutions in Japan and the Netherlands” by Liwia Waclawaska – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Solid and well written paper with the right focus and with extensive documentation references. The comparisons between Japan and the Netherlands are thoroughly elaborated, and presented in a clear and logical structure. It offers real substance that makes it interesting and informative to read.
“Swiping in Nature: Creating Authentic Connections in a Digital Age” by [anonymous] – Tilburg University
Original, concrete and a sustainable solution. The essay contains both Dutch and Japanese perspectives and was well and concisely written as it seeks a way out of the paradox of social media.
The winners were congratulated by Mr. Daisuke Nakano, Minister of Japan, who expressed his thoughts about the winners and the competition in a beautiful speech.
After the ceremony, it was our pleasure to introduce the students to the Dutch-Japanese business community at a networking reception with Dujat members and VU relations.
Thank you to all students who accepted the challenge and participated in the contest. Also those who did not win an award, your essays gave valuable insights and impressed our jury members greatly.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami, Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Gilles Beschoor Plug, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Japan, Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague and Chairman of the jury, Minister Nakano, all members of the jury, and the team at VU Amsterdam for making this essay contest possible. We will soon have a meeting with the winner of the 1st award to prepare for an unforgettable trip to Japan.
どうもありがとうございました！
Members of the Jury:
Mr. Jan van Zanen – Mayor of The Hague, Chairman of the Jury
H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami – Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Gilles Beschoor Plug – Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan
Prof. Jeroen Geurts – Rector magnificus, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Mr. Luc Houben – Chairman of Dujat, Senior Advisor of Jones Day
Prof. Seiji Kumagai – Program Director for Goal 9 of the Moonshot of Japan’s Cabinet Office, Professor, Institute for the Future of Human Society, Kyoto University
Prof. Meike Bartels – University Research Professor in Genetics and Wellbeing, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Mr. Edo de Ronde – Executive Director Japan of NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency)
Mr. Hans Kuijpers – Board Member of Dujat, Director Investment Projects & Investor Climate of NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency)
Ms. Fumiko Inoue – Chairperson Dutch Association of Japanese Language Teachers
Mr. Jens Branum – Higher Education Consultant, Edumundo NL
Ms. Wendy Freriks – Board Member of Dujat, Director Corporate Relations Ricoh Netherlands
Mrs. Christa de Kemp – Managing Director of Dujat
This event is for Dujat members and invitees only.
If your company is member of Dujat and you did not receive the invitation, please contact our office.
Earlier you may have been informed of the ongoing national essay contest we are hosting this year for students, in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Students are the future of generations and with this essay contest, we would like to inspire them to explore the long-lasting relationship between Japan and The Netherlands. The winning student will win a trip to Japan.
For this contest, inspired by the theme of Expo 2025 Osaka, the Board of Dujat decided on the theme: Sustainable Mental Health and Wellbeing: Exploring Dutch-Japanese Solutions for Designing a Future Society.
The ceremony will be combined with a networking reception afterwards, and we are pleased to invite you to join this event. For more information, please refer to the details below. We hope to see you there!
Date: Wednesday 27 November
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Venue: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – Medical Faculty (MF) Building, Room Number: MF – D146 Atrium on the First Floor of the building – Van der Boechorststraat 7,1081 BT Amsterdam
Programme:
16:45 Registration
17:15 Welcome by Prof. dr. Jeroen JG Geurts – Rector Magnificus, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
17:20 Speech by Mr. Luc Houben, Chairman of Dujat
17:25 Video Presentation of jury report by Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague
17:35 Award Ceremony by H.E. Mr. Minami, Prof. dr. Geurts, and Mr. Houben
17:45 Speech by H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami, Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands
17:50 Closing remarks by Mrs. Christa de Kemp, Managing Director of Dujat
17:55 Start of networking reception
19:00 End of event
