Deshima Business Awards

The Deshima Business Awards have been awarded since 2000 by the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Japan (NCCJ) to Dutch companies in recognition of impressive achievements in successful business development in the Japanese market.

In 2006 the NCCJ joined with the Dutch & Japanese Trade Federation (DUJAT) in awarding this prestigious prize. The Deshima Business Awards are now presented in alternate years in the Netherlands and in Japan, alternately by DUJAT and the NCCJ.

Previous winners are:

  • Randstad Japan K.K.,  
  • Agendia,  
  • ASML, 
  • Senz Umbrellas, 
  • DSM Japan K.K., 
  • Susan Bijl, 
  • Paques B.V., 
  • Océ-Japan Corporation, 
  • ING Life Insurance Comapany Ltd, 
  • Adimec, 
  • Nutreco, 
  • Control Break International,
  • Vialle, 
  • Lagerwey Windurbines B.V.

The Deshima Business Awards not only aim to recognise companies such as these that are leading the way in Japan, but also to provide a forum for companies to develop their relations in this market. Entrants benefit from overall profiling of their company in the market, networking opportunities, as well as showcasing the success of their Japanese operations within their organization and amongst peer group companies.

The business awards consist of two award categories; one award for the Large Enterprises segment and one award for the Small & Mid-sized Enterprises segment.

The 2010 awards were presented to the winners by Mr. Bernard Wientjes, Chairman of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers and the 2008 awards were presented by H.E. Maxime Verhagen, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The entries for the Deshima Business Awards are judged by a Judging Panel, consisting of representatives from both the Japanese business community and the Dutch business community in Japan. The 2010 Judging Panel consisted of the following representatives to provide a wealth and range of professional perspectives:

  • Mr. Shinji Fukukawa, Chairman of TEPIA and Former Vice Minister of International Trade and Industry; 
  • Mr Tokuyuki Sudo, Executive Vice President Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); 
  • Mr. Willem Kortekaas, Principal Founder and Managing Director of Euroact Japan Ltd;
  • Mr. Jeroen Dalderop, NCCJ Chairman and General Manager Philips Lighting Japan.

2010 winners

Agendia

The 2010 Deshima Business Award in the category Small & Mid-sized Enterprises was awarded to Agendia. They received this award as an encouragement for their tenacious and well-orchestrated efforts to launch the Mamaprint breast cancer recurrence risk test in Japan. The Judging Panel specifically applauds the ongoing commitment to a successful launch in Japan, the effective approach based on close relationships with a Japanese partner and local universities, as well as the potential for a significant contribution to society.

Randstad

The 2010 Deshima Business Award in the category Large Enterprises was awarded to Randstad in recognition of their success in building a major position in the Japanese HR Services market through the acquisition of FujiStaff. The Judging Panel specifically applauds the exemplary step-by-step approach taken by Randstad in the acquisition process, demonstrating a long-term commitment to success in Japan and a capability to deal with the cultural sensitivities of international takeovers.

Entry Form

If you wish to nominate your company for the 2012 Deshima Business Awards, we invite you to present your company and explain why you believe your company should be recognized for your success in Japan. To this end, we kindly ask you to complete the entry form here. If you know of a company that should be nominated, please send this information on to them. The Judging Panel will review these applications once the entry deadline has passed and all applicants will be informed of the panels’ decision.