
Ambassador Hiroshi Minami serves as Japan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, having assumed the position on January 23, 2025. Prior to this appointment, he held various diplomatic roles, including postings in the United Kingdom and Geneva, which have equipped him with a deep understanding of Western European cultures. Ambassador Minami is particularly enthusiastic about engaging with The Hague’s international legal community, viewing it as a new and enriching experience.
Born on April 16, 1954, Yasumasa Nagamine is a seasoned diplomat who has held several significant positions, including serving as Japan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2012 to 2013. He has also represented Japan as Ambassador to South Korea and the United Kingdom. In 2021, Nagamine was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Japan, a position he held until his retirement in April 2024.
Hidehisa Horinouchi, who served as Japan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands before Ambassador Minami, has had an extensive diplomatic career with postings in China, the United States, Cambodia, and the Netherlands. In an interview, he reflected on his experiences, noting that despite the unique cultures of each country, his diplomatic mission remained consistent: to foster friendships and promote Japan’s interests.
These ambassadors have significantly contributed to strengthening Japan-Netherlands relations, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to their roles.