The residence was built in 1928, just after the Great Kanto Earthquake. Almost 90 years have passed since then. The garden is also blessed with a splendid atmosphere. It has features elements from gardens at the end of the Edo-period and can still enjoy the leafy shade. This compound and the building symbolize the long historical ties and the friendship between the Netherlands and Japan. We hosted open! architecture events three times. We were glad to welcome many visitors and introduce the residence. In general, people tend to see an embassy as a closed place with a high level of security and therefore they are kind of nervous upon entering the location. However, after the tour their faces have relaxed and turn to smiles after the tour. It is rewarding to see their smiles.

We make intensive use of the residence. This is an official residence as well as a place to welcome our guests. We have renewed the interior of the residence recently. These chairs are works by Edward van Vliet, a Dutch designer (1965-.) He was inspired by Japanese patterns and created this unique line, entitled "Sushi collection". By breathing new life of contemporary design into this historical building, we fully utilize this space. The combination of modern Dutch art and design combined with the historical building create a synergy that is attractive for our guests; the residence is a place of heritage and innovation, a special space that introduces the special connection between Netherlands and Japan. We periodically opened the garden to the general public. We started this event in 2011 and by 2015 we received more than 3,000 visitors every year. The Netherlands and Japan are important partners, also from business perspective. We hope that the residence, its history and its interior will continue to be an inspiration for our guests.