As a Dutch intern in Japan, one of the most interesting parts of my experience has been seeing the differences between Dutch and Japanese culture, not just at work, but also in daily life. While stereotypes often paint the two countries as complete opposites, the reality is more nuanced. There are certainly differences, but there are also many similarities and surprises.
The Netherlands and Japan actually share a surprisingly long history. From 1609 until 1854, the Dutch were the only Western nation allowed to trade with Japan. Unlike many other European powers of the time, the Dutch were primarily interested in trade and generally did not attempt to spread their religion in Japan. This made them a more acceptable partner during Japan’s period of isolation.
Because of this unique relationship, the Dutch became Japan’s main source of information about Western science and technology. While Japanese traditionally borrowed very few words from foreign languages, a number of Dutch loanwords entered the language. Some are still used today, although many are easily mistaken for English words due to the similarities between Dutch and English.
Dutch and Japanese are very different languages, with completely separate origins and grammatical structures. However, the biggest challenge is not grammar, it is context.
In Dutch, speakers tend to communicate information directly. In Japanese, much of the meaning comes from the surrounding context rather than the words themselves. During my internship, I became much better at understanding conversations through context, but there is often still a small degree of uncertainty.
Interestingly, speaking Japanese outside of work often feels easier. In casual situations, people are generally more relaxed, making it easier to ask questions, explain misunderstandings, or admit that I did not understand something.
One of the most commonly discussed differences between the Netherlands and Japan is work culture.
In the Netherlands, people generally focus on work during working hours and value a strong separation between work and personal life. Work-life balance is considered important, and personal time is often seen as exactly that, personal.
Japan is often associated with strong company loyalty and a greater emphasis on career development. Another notable aspect is seniority. Being only a few years older, or having worked at a company for longer, can significantly influence workplace relationships and personal relationships. In the Netherlands, this plays a much smaller role.
That said, my experience at CFD did not entirely match the stereotypes. The work environment has been surprisingly flexible regarding working hours and work pace. It has been a good reminder that every company is different, regardless of the country it is based in.
Dutch people are known for being direct and saying exactly what they think. Japanese people are often described as the opposite: more indirect and careful in communication.
In practice, both approaches have advantages. Japanese colleagues and people I met were generally very welcoming and considerate, while still being capable of being strict when necessary. Communication styles differ, but that does not necessarily make one better than the other.
It is also important not to rely too heavily on stereotypes. The Netherlands has companies with excessive overtime, just as Japan has companies with excellent work-life balance. Personal experiences are often shaped by the people we meet and the environments we happen to be in.
Some of the biggest cultural differences were not the major ones, but the small everyday details.
One example is the strong “going Dutch” culture. In Japan, it is common to split the bill separately, often referred to as betsubetsu (“separate, separate”). As a Dutch person, this felt very familiar.
Another surprise was the number of festivals and public holidays. Japan seems to love celebrating, and there is often some kind of cultural event taking place, even on an ordinary weekend. Walking through the city, it is not unusual to suddenly encounter a festival, parade, or local event.
I was also surprised by how many Dutch people I encountered. The Netherlands is a small country, and very few Dutch students complete an entire degree abroad. However, short international experiences such as internships, exchange programs, and minors are very common and strongly encouraged. Combined with the Dutch love of travel, it perhaps makes sense that so many Dutch people end up in Japan. Of course, hearing Dutch abroad is also much more noticeable than hearing other foreign languages.
As a Dutch person, I naturally noticed the cycling culture.
Although Japan’s cycling infrastructure is very different from that of the Netherlands, cycling remains popular due to the density of many cities. Because I am used to sharing space with cyclists, I was never particularly bothered by bicycles using sidewalks, something that often surprises visitors.
Another similarity is the relatively low use of helmets. In both countries, infrastructure and traffic conditions play a major role in cycling safety. While helmets are certainly effective at reducing injuries, good infrastructure often has a larger impact on encouraging people to cycle in the first place.
Recent regulations have made cycling somewhat more complicated, particularly for foreigners, so I have not cycled much myself during my stay. Fortunately, Japan’s public transportation system has made that unnecessary.
Before coming to Japan, I expected to experience a culture that was very different from my own. In many ways, that expectation was correct. However, what surprised me most was not the differences themselves, but how quickly they became normal.
Whether it is communication styles, workplace customs, or everyday habits, most differences become easier to understand once you experience them firsthand. Japan and the Netherlands may seem like opposites in some respects, but both countries have their own strengths, and spending time in both has given me a greater appreciation for each.
By:
Coen den Boer
