Japan is known worldwide for its innovative designs and high-quality products, which continue to attract people from the Netherlands and around the world. Many visitors to Japan are keen to buy a range of uniquely Japanese products, from the latest gadgets to traditional crafts. In this article, we present ten popular Japanese brands that Dutch people love to use when visiting Japan, or that are available from the Netherlands. These brands represent Japan's world-class shopping paradise.
Reasons for the popularity of Japanese brands
Innovation and quality: Japanese products consistently lead the world in innovation and high quality. From electronics to cars, Japanese brands always offer products that reflect the latest trends and technologies.
Tradition and attention to detail: Japanese craftsmen are renowned for their traditional skills and attention to detail. From delicate washi paper products to exquisite lacquerware, traditional Japanese crafts are loved the world over.
Fashion and trends: Tokyo is one of the world's leading fashion cities and the Japanese fashion industry is constantly creating new trends. Japanese designers are known for their unique and sophisticated style, combining traditional aesthetics with modern sensibilities.
Ties to the Netherlands: the Netherlands and Japan have a long history of exchange. The Netherlands was one of the earliest European countries to reach Japan, with trade already having begun in the 17th century. This historical connection is one of the reasons why the Dutch feel close to Japan today.
10 Japanese brands that the Dutch love
Here are ten popular Japanese brands that the Dutch always check out when they visit Japan, or that are available from the Netherlands. These brands are well known and loved by the Dutch.
1. UNIQLO - fast fashion for everyone
UNIQLO is a Japanese fast fashion brand loved not only by the Dutch but also all over the world. Offering high-quality, low-priced clothing, UNIQLO is also a popular brand in the Netherlands. Known for its simple, stylish designs, wide range of sizes and use of innovative materials, the brand offers a wide range of products, from basic items such as T-shirts and jeans to functional outerwear. UNIQLO shops in the Netherlands also offer services in Dutch and are highly popular with Dutch consumers.
2. muji - a simple and natural lifestyle brand
MUJI is a Japanese lifestyle brand that is popular in the Netherlands and around the world. It offers a wide range of products essential for everyday life, such as clothing, household goods and food, with simple, natural designs and affordable prices. MUJI shops in the Netherlands offer a range of products marked in Dutch and tailored to the needs of Dutch consumers. Storage products, stationery and food products are particularly popular among Dutch consumers, who favour simple, functional designs.
3. nintendo - a globally popular video game brand
Nintendo is a Japanese video game brand loved in the Netherlands and around the world. It has created popular characters such as Super Mario and Pokémon, and enjoys worldwide popularity for its home video game consoles, portable video game consoles and video game software. Nintendo is also firmly established in the Netherlands, where it enjoys strong support from Dutch gamers, with games in Dutch and events organised for the Dutch market. Nintendo games are widely enjoyed in Dutch households as entertainment for all generations.
4. sony consumer electronics - innovative technology and design
Sony is a well-known Japanese consumer electronics brand in the Netherlands. It is known worldwide for its televisions, audio equipment and cameras, and is popular for its innovative technology and sophisticated design. Sony stores in the Netherlands provide Dutch-language services and offer products tailored to the needs of Dutch consumers. Sony consumer electronics products have earned the trust of the Dutch public as a lifestyle enabler.
5. casio - a watch brand that meets diverse needs
Casio is one of the most popular Japanese watch brands in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of products, from durable watches such as G-SHOCK and BABY-G to stylish models such as EDIFICE and SHEEN. Casio has a large number of fans in the Netherlands and is actively involved in the Dutch market, for example by providing Dutch-language instruction manuals and launching limited-edition models for the Netherlands. Casio watches are recognised as a reliable brand that meets the diverse needs of the Dutch population.
6. canon - the camera brand that captures the hearts of photography enthusiasts
Canon is a well-known Japanese camera brand in the Netherlands. Many Dutch people use ‘Canon’ cameras to capture the beautiful scenery and memories of the Netherlands. Known for its high-quality lenses and advanced image processing technology, Canon is also highly regarded among Dutch photography enthusiasts. Canon stores in the Netherlands provide Dutch-language services and offer products suited to Dutch customers, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
7. shu uemura - a cosmetics brand with an artistic flair
Shu Uemura is one of the most popular Japanese cosmetics brands in the Netherlands. Founded by make-up artist Shu Uemura, the brand is known for its artistic range of products. Shu Uemura has a large fan base in the Netherlands and has increased its presence in the Dutch market by offering Dutch-language instructions and Dutch-only products. In particular, high-quality skincare products, eye shadows in unique colours and lips in bold colours are favoured by Dutch women.
8. issey miyake - innovative design fashion brand
Issey Miyake is a well-known Japanese fashion brand in the Netherlands. Known for its founder Issey Miyake's innovative design approach, the brand has had a major impact on the fashion industry in the Netherlands and around the world. Issey Miyake has also established a strong position in the Netherlands and has adopted a strategy of focusing on the Dutch market, including a Dutch-language website and the launch of limited-edition collections for the Netherlands. Issey Miyake clothing and accessories are loved for their unique and modern designs, which appeal to the sensibilities of the Dutch public.
9. shiseido - a cosmetics brand combining beauty and tradition
Shiseido is one of the most popular Japanese cosmetics brands in the Netherlands: since 1872, Shiseido has been presenting Japanese beauty and tradition to the world. Shiseido counters in the Netherlands offer beauty consultations in Dutch and propose products tailored to the needs of Dutch consumers. Shiseido skincare products and make-up items are highly trusted by the Dutch people as they enhance their sense of beauty.
10. suntory - the world's leading Japanese beverage brand
Suntory is a well-known Japanese beverage brand in the Netherlands. Known for its beer, whisky and soft drinks, it is one of Japan's proudest global beverage manufacturers. Suntory has a large fan base in the Netherlands and is developing its products for the Dutch market. In particular, the Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hakushu are sold in Dutch liquor shops and bars and are highly appreciated by the Dutch public. Suntory beverages add colour to the lifestyle of Dutch people.
Bringing the Japanese shopping experience to the Netherlands
These Japanese brands that the Dutch love to buy are not only available when visiting Japan, but also in the Netherlands. Specialist shops selling Japanese products, Japanese grocery shops and online shops are present in all major Dutch cities, making Japanese products accessible to the Dutch population. These shops meet the needs of Dutch consumers by providing services in Dutch and developing products for the Netherlands.
Love from the Netherlands to Japan
The Netherlands and Japan are not only historically linked, but also share many other aspects of affinity, such as a common culture and values. The Dutch love of Japanese brands also reflects the Dutch people's love and interest in Japan. Through these brands, it is hoped that the exchange between the Netherlands and Japan will continue to deepen in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I buy Japanese products in the Netherlands?
A. There are shops specialising in Japanese products and Japanese grocery shops in all major cities in the Netherlands. You can also buy a wider range of Japanese products through online shops.
Why do the Dutch love Japanese brands?
A. There are many reasons why the Dutch love Japanese brands: innovation, quality, attention to detail and fashion. The historical links between the Netherlands and Japan, as well as cultural affinity, are probably other factors that make the Dutch feel closer to Japanese brands.
What Japanese brands are particularly popular in the Netherlands?
A. The brands mentioned in this article are examples of Japanese brands that are particularly popular in the Netherlands. Fast fashion brands such as UNIQLO and MUJI, consumer electronics and game brands such as Nintendo and Sony, and cosmetic brands such as Shiseido and Shu Uemura are all loved by Dutch people.
Are there any events in the Netherlands to enjoy Japanese food and products?
A. Yes, there are many events to enjoy Japanese culture in the Netherlands. Through various events such as the Japanese Film Festival, the Japanese Culture Festival and the Japanese Food Festival, people in the Netherlands have the opportunity to experience Japanese food and products.
Are there any recommended shopping destinations when travelling to Japan from the Netherlands?
A. Major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka are shopping heaven with the latest trends and diverse brands. In particular, downtown areas such as Shinjuku, Ginza and Shinsaibashi are popular shopping destinations for tourists from the Netherlands. For traditional crafts and local brands, the ancient cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa are also a great place to look.
Through the Japanese brands that the Dutch love, we hope to deepen the exchange and connection between the Netherlands and Japan. These brands represent Japan's world-class shopping paradise and will continue to enrich relations between the two countries.