The Dutch Trading Post in Hirado
- reconstruction of the 1639 warehouse -
Opening ceremony
Parade
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The Dutch Trading Post in Hirado was founded on September 20 in 1609. September
the 20th was therefore picked as the opening date for the reconstructed
1639 warehouse. Because the day fell on a tuesday, the opening ceremony
was held on Saturday September 17th, and the festivities lasted till the
20th when the Hirado Dutch Trading Post opened it's door officially for
the general public.
Hirado had the honour to welcome Their Imperial Heighnesses Prince and
Princess Akishino during the opening ceremony, parade and reception. Many
other distinguished guests attended the opening celebrations, such as the
Ambassador and the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to
Japan and the Governor of Nagasaki prefecture. We would like to thank all
the guests that were able to attend and hope to be able welcome everyone
else at the trading post in the near future.
Below you can find an impression of the opening celebrations.
Short video of the opening ceremony and the parade. Video by Asahi Shimbun
Preview opening of the Hirado Dutch Trading Post
Official opening to public
Opening Reception
Opening celebrations of the `Holland Week in Hirado` Festival
Tulpi chairs unveiling ceremony
Signing of the sister city agreement with Noordwijkerhout
Speech by His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino
Presentation of certificate of gratitude to the main sponsors
Speech by the Mayor of Hirado
Local children waiving to the parade
Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino arriving at the
parade.
Local dances as part of the parade
Mr. Matsura and Mr. Kuroda in the parade
Dutch Ship with 8 historical characters played by 8 mayors from
various cities in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Enjoying the parade
Ceremony at the opening reception
Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino watching the ceremony
at the opening reception
Banquet of local Hirado specialities
Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino
and other distinguished guests enjoying the opening
reception.
Newly developed sweets with the theme of the trading post.
Members of the delegations from the Dutch Embassy and Consulate General,
as well as Hirado's Sister City Noordwijkerhout.
Children playing the Dutch game `Sjoelen` in the trading post.
Overview of a part of the exhibition space
Temporary Exhibition Space
Visitors enjoying the exhibits
Visitors trying out the hoisting wheel
Visitors in the museum shop
Dutch Tulip stall and Noordwijkerhout booth
Dutch Cheese stall
Stalls selling Dutch inspired food
Yosakoi dances on stage
Many people watching the dances and live broadcast
Enjoying the festival
Enjoying the festival
Taiko drumming
Many visitors came to watch the performances
Kids performance right before the live broadcast
Unveiling ceremony of the Tulpi chairs donated by the Dutch Consulate General
in Osaka and the Dutch Ambassy in Tokyo
Kids trying out the new Tulpi chairs
Signing of the sister city agreement
Playing the national anthems of Japan and the Netherlands.
Planting of the `Hirado Tulip`, a tulip created in Noordwijkerhout and
named after Hirado.
Former participants of the exchange programmes talk over a live internet
connection
Performaces of local High School Students
Japanese Taiko drumming followed by a drum group from Noordwijkerhout via
the live internet connection.
Dancing in Hirado to the anthem of Noordwijkerhout, sang by a choir
Opening remarks
Presenting the logo, the work clothes and the ladies of a local community
project related to the trading post.
Tape cut to open the Dutch Trading Post to the public.
