Japan-Netherlands Collaboration Support Program "MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026" Begins Accepting Applications on April 3rd (Friday)

Japan Cultural Exchange (Representative: Emiko Chujo, Headquarters: Voorhout, Netherlands), which promotes traditional Japanese culture, crafts, and design based in the Netherlands, and NN Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Marius Popescu, Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as "NN Life") will begin accepting applications on Friday, April 3rd, for the "MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026," a collaboration support program between Dutch creators and young Japanese business owners involved in traditional industries.

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

Furthermore, prior to the implementation of this program, a kick-off event will be held online on Thursday, April 16th.

JCE, which has been promoting Japanese manufacturing culture and distributing Japanese products through "MONO JAPAN" in the Netherlands and Europe, and NN Life, which supports traditional Japanese industries facing challenges such as a lack of successors and declining demand as a "Small and Medium Enterprise Supporter," will create opportunities for international business development and innovation by the next generation of leaders.

Application Overview

Please register on the online platform "MONO MAKERS MEET" operated by JCE. This platform allows young Japanese business owners who will lead future Japanese manufacturing and Dutch creators to meet online and find collaboration partners for product development through interaction. Once a collaboration partner is found and a match is made, pairs will apply for this program and submit their ideas. Selection will be based on the submitted content.

Selected pairs of young Japanese business owners and Dutch creators are scheduled to receive support until the end of March 2027, including domestic outcome presentations. 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 procedure. The supported language is English only. Please be aware of this.

Schedule

• Application Period: Friday, April 3, 2026, 16:00 - Friday, May 22, 2026

• Selection Announcement: Thursday, June 4, 2026