Celebrating 425 Years of Japan–Netherlands Relations: The Return of "De Liefde"

In the year 1600, the Dutch ship “De Liefde” (The Love) drifted ashore near Usuki, Oita Prefecture, marking one of the earliest recorded encounters between Japan and the Netherlands. The ship, battered by storms and long voyages, was rescued by the people of Usuki, who extended kindness and care to the surviving crew.

Among the crew was William Adams, an English navigator aboard the Dutch ship. Thanks to the hospitality and support of the people of Usuki, Adams survived and went on to become an influential figure in Japanese history—serving as a diplomatic advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. His contributions laid the foundation for centuries of Japan–Netherlands relations.

To commemorate the 425th anniversary of this remarkable historical connection, a special exhibition is being held in Usuki, featuring select items from the exhibition originally displayed at Osaka Castle as part of the “Common Ground: A New Beginning” pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the roots of early international exchange between Japan and the Netherlands and highlights Usuki’s significant role in this story.

Exhibition Information 

Featured Exhibits

• A model of the Liefde ship

• A bust of Jan Joosten (a fellow crew member of the Liefde)

• A decorative plate depicting the Liefde

• Historical documents and articles from the early 1600s

• A replica of the monument commemorating the 400th anniversary of Japan–Netherlands relations

Venue 1: Notsu Government Office

Dates: Ongoing until Monday, July 21 (national holiday)

Venue 2: Usuki City Tourism Exchange Plaza

Dates: Wednesday, July 23 – Monday, August 18

This exhibition invites you to rediscover the historical ties between Usuki and the Netherlands—born from the waves of the Pacific and sustained through centuries of friendship and exchange.