400 Years of Dutch-Japanese Interaction
From 23-25 March 1998, the Netherlands State Institute for War Documentation (RIOD) organized a seminar about contemporary methodologies and shifting perceptions in 400 years of Dutch-Japanese interaction. The following is an edited version of the opening speech, held by His Excellency Mr Tadashi Ikeda, Ambassador of Japan in the Netherlands.
By T. Ikeda
The long-standing relations between Japan and the Netherlands are about to reach a unique milestone in history. We are going to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first Dutch-Japanese contact in the year 2000. These 400th anniversary celebrations offer an excellent opportunity for us to reflect upon the past relationship, while at the same time they provide an important stimulus for future relations. Looking back at the last 400 years of our relationship; it really is a long and unique one. It is so very precious in that we can hardly see a relationship of similar magnitude in the history of exchanges between the East and the West. These days, 'the conflict of different civilizations' is a very popular topic in academic discussion. However, the Dutch-Japanese relations in the Edo period are good examples that different civilizations can co-exist with each other, benefiting mutually from each other, through contacts and exchanges. Yet, the relationship was something like a marriage: we had good days and bad days. We benefited a great deal from the good days, endured the bad days, and our relations are now in excellent shape.
When we look back upon the 400 years relations between the two countries, for the sake of convenience, I would like to categorize our relations into four different stages; namely the first stage is a glorious stage of a very special, unique period, which lasted for more than 250 years. During the Meiji and Taisho eras, the relationship of both countries became less unique. The third stage is the unhappy period of World War II in the Netherlands East Indies; the fourth one is the present period, in which we are witnesses to an excellent development of relations, especially in the field of economics.
Tafel Anatomia
In the first stage, the Dutch played a vital role in Japan's modernization process. During this period, through the narrow channel of Deshima, the Dutch were literally the 'eyes and ears' of Japan. They could provide knowledge and information which the Japanese were eager to acquire. The translation of a Dutch book: Tafel Anatomia by Sugita Gempaku in the middle of the 18th century, was a revolutionary event, not only in the history of Japanese medical science, but in the history of the Japanese way of thinking.
The Japanese tried to absorb Western knowledge and civilization through the Dutch connection with medicine, ship building, astronomy, and mathematics, to mention but a few subjects. Of course, of the many historical figures who played important roles in Japan's modernization, Dr Von Siebold was one of the most remarkable.
From the Dutch point of view, it may be safe to say that the Dutch could enjoy the privilege of monopolizing the trade with Japan for more than 200 years. And even during the period of the French occupation, Deshima was the only place where the Dutch flag continued to be hoisted. In this way, Japan owes a great deal to the unique connection with the Dutch in its modernization process: and the Netherlands has also benefited substantially from this relationship.
It appears to me that there are not so many Dutch people who are aware of the history of these special Dutch-Japanese exchanges. One of the reasons for this, I suppose, is the fact that Japan was only one of the many trading partners of the Netherlands during the Golden Age.
The other reason could be the strong negative effects of the Second World War on the Dutch people, tending to obliterate the previous fine historical relationship. Needless, to say, the relationship of one stage should not be overshadowed by the relationship of another stage.
War victims
It is our good fortune to have enjoyed a long and glorious relationship. However, at the same time we cannot close our eyes to the negative and tragic period in our history, Second World War in the former Netherlands East Indies. If we seriously are to consider further advancement of the Japanese-Dutch relationship, it is important for the Japanese to continue to try to mitigate the harsh feelings toward Japan, which are felt by some people in this country.
Since December 1994, the Embassy of Japan here in the Netherlands has had friendly dialogues with representatives of war victims from the former Dutch East Indies, namely, the Foundation of Japanese Debts of Honour which was established for the sake of claiming compensation from the Japanese government. I, myself, have spoken frequently with representatives from this group since I assumed this post two years ago. It seems to me that a relationship of mutual trust and respect based on frank exchange of dialogue is now developing between us.
While this dialogue was in the process of transpiring, the government of Japan extended invitations to members of the Foundation and other members of war victims groups, to visit Japan, hoping that they would see the Japan and the Japanese people of today. When I first proposed such a visit, they considered this invitation very carefully. I was very much moved to hear them say, 'we will visit Japan as friends of Japan and not throw hatred at the Japanese'. Twenty-two leading members of the Foundation visited Japan in 1997, and last week, a second group, of 27 people, returned from Japan. They were warmly welcomed everywhere in Japan and they returned to the Netherlands with a favourable impression of present-day Japan. We will continue this programme for several more years.
The position of the Japanese government concerning the war-time compensation is that this was settled by the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the bilateral agreements such as the Yoshida-Stikker agreement in 1956. However, we understand that the emotional aspects of the war issues still remain unresolved. Needless to say, it is impossible to reshape history. What we are trying to do is to reduce these emotions through friendly dialogue and exchange. I have made it clear to the representatives of war victims that I am always ready to listen to whatever matter they wish to raise.
At present we are dealing with the 'Past issues' of World War II in three ways: one is to invite Dutch people to Japan to provide opportunities to become more acquainted with today's Japan and the Japanese people. Not only the war victims, but also museum directors, high school students and other people have been invited. Second, is to assist the research of bilateral history during the Second World War. The Government of Japan is now financially supporting the so-called 'diary project' which will translate Dutch documents into Japanese and publish diaries and documents owned by the National Institute for War Documentation, RIOD, about the former Netherlands East Indies. Third, is to establish a joint committee to take care of the former 'comfort women' in the area of medical and social welfare. This committee is going to be funded by the Japanese 'Asia Women's Fund', which was set up to help those women in Asia and Europe who suffered deep wounds to their dignity and honour during the Second World War. I hope that within a few months from now, the joint committee will be officially established.
Perception gap
On these matters, there is also a perception gap. In Japan, the Japanese know very little about Japan's role and the facts concerning the Second World War in the former Netherlands East Indies. Taking this into account, the Japanese government is determined to face the past squarely and to ensure that those historical matters are accurately conveyed to future generations. In my own way I will continue to endeavour to promote our relations by meeting with members of war victims' groups with sincerity and compassion. Few people know that even today, they are still demonstrating in front of the Embassy, every month, and they are filing lawsuits at the Tokyo District Court for compensation. However, our talks are open and frank, and most importantly, there are no more taboos between us.
Now as we prepare to celebrate 400 years of Japanese-Dutch relations, it is the ideal time to fill the perception gap between us. As to the fourth stage, namely present relations, which are undoubtedly excellent, this RIOD Seminar and the 400-year celebrations will provide tremendous opportunities to continue and enhance our ties for our future relations.