On Friday, June 14, a lecture and panel discussion titled "Advancing on the Circular Economy―Perspectives from the Netherlands and Japan" and organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tokyo was held in the Global Research Laboratory, East Research Building on Mita Campus.
Following an opening address by Vice-President Jiro Kokuryo, talks were given by State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Councillor Yutaka Matsuzawa of the Minister’s Secretariat, Japanese Ministry of the Environment. Afterward, the two were joined by Dr. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, president of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and Professor Norichika Kanie of the Graduate School of Media and Governance in a panel discussion moderated by Professor Sahoko Kaji of the Faculty of Economics to exchange views about the environmental initiatives being undertaken by the Netherlands and Japan.
State Secretary Van Veldhoven also mentioned the long and close relationship the Netherlands has had with Japan and Keio University, and an active, open, and inclusive exchange on the advancement of the circular economy was seen between the speakers and the floor.
A large number of people including members from the Dutch embassy as well as Keio students and faculty members participated on the day, making this a very successful event.