Japan-Netherlands Collaboration Support Program 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026' Starts Accepting Applications on April 3 (Fri)

Japan Cultural Exchange (Representative: Emiko Chujo, Headquarters: Voorschoten, Netherlands; hereinafter 'JCE'), which disseminates Japanese traditional culture, crafts, and design from its base in the Netherlands, and NN Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Marius Popescu, Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter 'NN Life') will start accepting applications for the 'MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026', a Japan-Netherlands collaboration support program between Dutch creators and young managers leading Japanese traditional industries, on Friday, April 3.

This program aims to develop products that fit modern lifestyles and cultivate sales channels and enhance brand value with an eye on expanding into the European market by fusing Japanese manufacturing techniques with Dutch creative talent. Participants will receive hands-on support, including participation in a Netherlands study tour, until the end of March 2027.

Furthermore, ahead of the program's implementation, an online kickoff event will be held on Thursday, April 16.

JCE, which has been disseminating Japanese manufacturing culture and distributing Japanese commercial materials in the Netherlands and Europe through 'MONO JAPAN', and NN Life, which conducts support activities as an 'SME Supporter' for Japanese traditional industries facing challenges such as a lack of successors and declining demand, will create opportunities for international business expansion and innovation by the next generation of leaders.

## Application Overview
Please register on the online platform 'MONO MAKERS MEET' operated by JCE. On this platform, young managers who will lead the future of Japanese manufacturing and Dutch creators can meet online and find collaboration partners aiming for product development through interaction. Once you find a collaboration partner and a match is established, you will submit a pair application and your ideas for this program. Selection will be made based on those contents.

The selected pairs of young Japanese managers and Dutch creators are scheduled to receive support until the end of March 2027, including presenting their achievements in Japan. For details, please visit the website.

- MONO MAKERS PROGRAM Website
- MONO MAKERS MEET Website

Those who wish to apply should proceed to 'Pre-register' from 'Become a member' on the top page of the MONO MAKERS MEET website to complete the procedures. Please note that the supported language is English only.

## Schedule
- Application Period: April 3, 2026 (Fri) 16:00 to May 22, 2026 (Fri)
- Selection Announcement: June 4, 2026 (Thu)