NN Life Insurance Accompanies 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM' Participant Ms. Kojima of Kojima Orimono on Courtesy Visit to Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
On April 13, 2026, NN Life Insurance visited the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo with Ms. Erika Kojima of Kojima Orimono, a participant in its 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM' supporting traditional industries. The visit aimed to strengthen Japan-Netherlands cultural ties and discuss product development through international collaboration.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 15:31
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NN Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Marius Popescu; Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; hereinafter 'NN Life') visited the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on April 13, 2026, as part of the related activities of the 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM.' They were accompanied by Ms. Erika Kojima, Director of Kojima Orimono Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kizugawa, Kyoto; hereinafter 'Kojima Orimono'), a 2025 program participant.
Front row from left: Ms. Erika Kojima (Director, Kojima Orimono), Ms. Naoko Ikehara (Studio Samira Boon), Ms. Yumiko Hoya (NN Life). Back row from left: Mr. Martijn Hoogerwerf (Policy Officer, Communications, Policy and Culture Dept., Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Mr. Bas Valckx (Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands).
This courtesy visit was conducted to share the intent and background of the 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM,' a Japan-Netherlands collaboration support program led by NN Life for young entrepreneurs in Japanese traditional industries. It also served as an opportunity to deepen understanding of the importance of human and cultural exchange between Japan and the Netherlands. During the visit, views were exchanged regarding the program's overview and objectives, involving Ms. Kojima, who is currently collaborating with Dutch designer Samira Boon whom she met through the program.
As a company with Dutch roots, NN Life has conducted various initiatives connecting Japan and the Netherlands. The 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM' was launched in 2023 to integrate overseas creative talent with Japanese traditional techniques. Its goal is to develop products suited for modern lifestyles while promoting recognition and opening sales channels, including entry into European markets. By connecting Japan with the Netherlands—the roots of NN Life—and supporting young entrepreneurs who represent the future of traditional industries, the company aims to solve social issues such as the shortage of successors and the depopulation of regional areas.
■ About MONO MAKERS PROGRAM
The MONO MAKERS PROGRAM provides young successors and business owners in traditional crafts and manufacturing with opportunities to learn advanced Dutch design and business perspectives. Through collaboration with Dutch designers and on-site inspections in the Netherlands, the program aims for the sustainable development of businesses and the cultivation of next-generation manufacturing talent. Selected pairs of Japanese young entrepreneurs and designers are provided with about one year of support, including local achievement presentations.
For details, please visit the website:
https://www.monojapan.nl/mono-makers-program-jp
Front row from left: Ms. Erika Kojima (Director, Kojima Orimono), Ms. Naoko Ikehara (Studio Samira Boon), Ms. Yumiko Hoya (NN Life). Back row from left: Mr. Martijn Hoogerwerf (Policy Officer, Communications, Policy and Culture Dept., Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Mr. Bas Valckx (Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands).
This courtesy visit was conducted to share the intent and background of the 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM,' a Japan-Netherlands collaboration support program led by NN Life for young entrepreneurs in Japanese traditional industries. It also served as an opportunity to deepen understanding of the importance of human and cultural exchange between Japan and the Netherlands. During the visit, views were exchanged regarding the program's overview and objectives, involving Ms. Kojima, who is currently collaborating with Dutch designer Samira Boon whom she met through the program.
As a company with Dutch roots, NN Life has conducted various initiatives connecting Japan and the Netherlands. The 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM' was launched in 2023 to integrate overseas creative talent with Japanese traditional techniques. Its goal is to develop products suited for modern lifestyles while promoting recognition and opening sales channels, including entry into European markets. By connecting Japan with the Netherlands—the roots of NN Life—and supporting young entrepreneurs who represent the future of traditional industries, the company aims to solve social issues such as the shortage of successors and the depopulation of regional areas.
■ About MONO MAKERS PROGRAM
The MONO MAKERS PROGRAM provides young successors and business owners in traditional crafts and manufacturing with opportunities to learn advanced Dutch design and business perspectives. Through collaboration with Dutch designers and on-site inspections in the Netherlands, the program aims for the sustainable development of businesses and the cultivation of next-generation manufacturing talent. Selected pairs of Japanese young entrepreneurs and designers are provided with about one year of support, including local achievement presentations.
For details, please visit the website:
https://www.monojapan.nl/mono-makers-program-jp