This contest was co-organised with the Dutch & Japanese Trade Federation (Dujat). The contest invited students from across the Netherlands to explore "Sustainable Mental Health and Wellbeing: Exploring Dutch-Japanese Solutions for Designing a Future Society," a theme inspired by Expo 2025 Osaka’s vision for “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The evening began with a warm welcome from Prof. dr. Jeroen Geurts, Rector Magnificus of VU Amsterdam, who praised the young participants for their forward-thinking ideas in addressing sustainable mental health through a cross-cultural lens. Drawing from his recent visit to Japan in October, Prof. dr. Jeroen Geurts reflected on how Dutch commitment to wellbeing, community, and innovation aligns with Japanese values. He emphasised that these shared values make collaboration not only natural but essential for creating a sustainable future. His words set the tone for a ceremony that inspired further cooperation on pressing global challenges, especially in mental health and societal wellbeing.
Following Prof. dr. Jeroen Geurts, Mr. Luc Houben, Chairman of Dujat, took the stage to share his pride in the contest and its participants, who represent the next generation of Dutch-Japanese collaboration. Mr. Houben not only commended the students for their contributions but also underscored the significance of fostering strong intercultural ties. He then took on the role of announcing the contest winners—a moment eagerly awaited by all in attendance.
In a touching pre-recorded video message, Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague, who served as Chairman of the Jury, addressed the audience. Though unable to join in person, Mayor van Zanen expressed his admiration for the students' dedication and the high quality of the submitted essays. His words resonated with the importance of youth involvement in international understanding and cooperation, a fitting tribute to the Dutch-Japanese partnership.
The award ceremony reached its highlight as Mr. Luc Houben welcomed Prof. dr. Jeroen Geurts and Mr. Daisuke Nakano, Minister of Japan on stage for the presentations and photos with the winners, celebrating their exceptional contributions.
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First Prize – Trip to Japan
Awarded to Aylin Berna Cetintas from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for her essay E-Scape to Zen. The Minister of Japan, Mr. Daisuke Nakano, Minister of Japan presented the award, with Mrs. Wendy Freriks handing over the bouquet. Aylin’s essay innovatively examines how virtual reality (VR) can advance sustainable mental health by uniting Japanese technological innovation with the Dutch focus on reducing mental health stigma. She presents VR as a flexible and scalable solution for stress management and mental health care, blending cultural philosophies with cutting-edge technology.
Second Prize – Dinner Voucher for Two at Yamazato, Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Awarded to Irana Reverol from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for her essay Be Creative: How Art Can Contribute to Sustainable Well-Being in Our Society. Prof. Jeroen Geurts presented the award, while Prof. Meike Bartels handed over the bouquet. Irana’s essay emphasized art as a driver for individual and societal growth, redefining wellbeing through creative expression. She challenges conventional perceptions by suggesting that wellbeing should not only be seen as an end state but also as a catalyst for creative expression, fostering a positive cycle of individual and societal growth.
Third Prize – Luxurious Gift Set from TIME & STYLE
Awarded to Fildzah Hazimi Nauli from University of Amsterdam for her essay Samurai in the Windmill: Modern Solutions of Sustainable Mental Health. Mr. Luc Houben presented the award, with Ms. Fumiko Inoue from RJC/Jury handing over a bouquet. Fildzah’s essay highlights Japan's resilience and gratitude, embodied in practices like forest bathing, alongside the Netherlands' balanced lifestyle and sustainable urban planning. By blending these values into the concept of the "Windmill Samurai," Fildzah offers a cross-cultural framework that enriches global perspectives on sustainable mental health.
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The ceremony concluded with a group photo featuring all winners and jury members. Following this, Mr. Daisuke Nakano, Minister of Japan, took the stage for his closing speech, marking an inspiring end to the event. In a heartfelt speech, he spoke about the deep and long-standing friendship between the two nations, and commended the young participants for their contributions to this legacy. He encouraged them to continue pursuing knowledge and ideas that bridge cultures, reminding the audience of the positive impact that youth-led initiatives can have on both societies.
The evening concluded with a networking reception, offering guests, including students, academics, and professionals from various fields, an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss potential future collaborations. Laughter, conversations, and connections filled the room, underscoring the event’s role not only as a ceremony but also as a bridge between cultures.
We sincerely thank our jury members, partners at Dujat, the students who participated in the essay contest, their supportive friends and families, and the VU researchers involved in the MIRAI Taskforce for Japan, strengthening VU research and education collaboration with Japanese universities. Special thanks as well to the VU support staff whose efforts made this memorable ceremony possible.
The 2024 National Essay Contest and tonight’s award ceremony are a testament to the vibrant relationship between Japan and the Netherlands. Through events like these, we hope to inspire a new generation to continue exploring shared solutions for sustainable mental health and other global challenges. As we look toward future initiatives, the spirit of collaboration and understanding embodied tonight will undoubtedly drive us forward.