Representatives from Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Europe) headquarters in Amsterdam recently took part in the amsterdam inbusiness Cherry Blossom Lunch 2025, hosted at the Blossom Park-Amsterdamse Bos and Museum Jan.
The gathering commemorated two significant milestones: the 425th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Japan, alongside the 25th anniversary of the planting of the sakura trees that serve as a living symbol of the partnership.
Attendees heard from several dignitaries, including His Excellency Mr Hiroshi Minami, Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands; Mr Tjapko Poppens, Mayor of Amstelveen; Mr Adam Elzakalai, Deputy Mayor of Amstelveen; and Mr Hiroshi Kurihara, Chairman of JCC.
For Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Europe), this celebration was of particular importance as the company continued to expand its European operations whilst maintaining strong connections to its Japanese heritage. The cherry tree grove at Blossom Park - comprising 400 trees each named after Dutch and Japanese women in equal measure - was established in 2000 to mark the 400th anniversary of "The Netherlands – Japan Friendship Treaty" through a donation from the Japan Women's Club.
The event provided valuable networking opportunities for our team members, who engaged with numerous contacts within the Dutch-Japanese business community. These cultural exchanges reinforce our corporate identity and underscore the robust foundation upon which our international collaborations continue to flourish across Europe and globally.