Last year, Aylin Berna Çetintaş won the 1st award at the NLJP National Essay Contest 2024 organized with VU University. Her prize was a trip to Japan together with the Dujat delegation this year. In this article she writes how she experienced this trip.
Last June, I had the privilege of joining the DUJAT delegation on their trip to Japan. As a medical student, stepping into the world of international business was completely new to me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the very beginning, the delegation welcomed me with incredible openness. Throughout the week, I learned a lot—not only about the companies we visited, but also about Japan’s culture and the subtle dynamics of doing business across borders. The conversations I had, both formal and informal, offered insights I do not think I could have gained anywhere else.
This year’s trip was particularly special thanks to our visit to the World Expo in Osaka. One of the highlights was a guided tour of the Netherlands Pavilion by Consul-General Marc Kuipers. The Pavilion’s theme, “Common Ground,” emphasized collaboration, sustainability, and shared innovation.
After the tour, I was struck not only by the innovation and design, but by the clear message it conveyed: progress begins when people approach one another with openness and a willingness to work toward common goals. It was a thought that resonated in that moment and continued to resurface throughout the trip.
We explored businesses across different cities, engaging with industries ranging from advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge innovation centres. We also participated in a roundtable at Deloitte Tokyo, where we discussed the EU Data Act and the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s global economy. At each stop, we were warmly welcomed by professionals who shared their expertise and perspectives. One of my favourite visits was to Nikon Corporation Headquarters, particularly the Nikon Museum. With a strong interest in regenerative medicine, I found their work with iPS cell technology especially compelling and was fascinated by their BioStation CT, which plays a key role in supporting scalable, high-quality stem cell research.
What stood out just as much as the visits themselves was the dynamic within the delegation. Whether exchanging ideas on the bus, sharing meals, or reflecting during the Shinkansen ride to Tokyo, there was a genuine sense of connection and curiosity that made every experience more meaningful. One memorable moment was the evening reception at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador to Japan, where I had the chance to meet him in person. It was especially meaningful, as he told me he had read my essay. Outside the business programme, we also had time to take in Japan’s rich cultural and natural beauty, from walking through Kobe’s neighbourhoods to enjoying serene views from the Rokko ropeway.
Staying longer after the official programme gave me the chance to wander, reflect, and discover more of the culture that make Japan so unique. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have travelled with DUJAT. What I gained from this trip will stay with me well into the future and although it was my first time in Japan, it certainly will not be my last. This experience left a lasting impression, and I look forward to returning with even more curiosity and appreciation for everything the country has to offer.
