The main objective of the event is to exchange experiences on narrative and collection decolonization in the Netherlands and Japan, and to new build connections between museum and collection professionals in both countries. This event is part of a working visit of representatives from Japanese museums and educational institutions to the Netherlands in October 2026, which is co-organised by DutchCulture. This working visit is a direct follow-up of the annual programme Sharing Stories on Contested Histories of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands and Reinwardt Academy. It is part of an advisory trajectory to which Wereldmuseum also contributes.
Lezing bij de RCE - Contested histories in museums: a Japan–Netherlands exchange
Museums in Japan are taking first steps towards decolonizing their narratives and collections. During this networking event, three Japanese museum professionals will present personal reflections about the challenges they face, and their hopes for the direction the museum sector in Japan will take.
Registration
This event takes place on location, and will not be streamed online. Registration is needed for attendance. You can register via the button below.
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Programme
13:30 Doors open at Smallepad 5, Amersfoort. Coffee and tea.
14:00 Welcome and opening by Remco Vermeulen (senior advisor international cooperation collection management RCE), Jenny Chiu (research fellow, National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka), and Ian Yang (advisor Japan, DutchCulture).
14:10 Personal reflection - Ms. Yamaki Kasumi (curator, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo)
14:25 Personal reflection - Mr. Murano Masakage (associate professor, Shizuoka University)
14:40 Personal reflection - Ms. Matsuo Mizuho (professor National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka)
14:55 Break
15:15 World café discussion on challenges presented by the three speakers, three rounds
16:00 Plenary wrap-up and closing
16.30 Opportunity to network with drinks