4 Main Activities

We collect and share information on the Dutch pension, insurance, and long-term care welfare systems, including how to access them and related personal experiences. We also gather and introduce information about the situation in Japan through our Ajisai magazine and other publications.

In addition, we plan and organize a variety of seminars and lectures. These events provide not only information on the topics above, but also opportunities for members to exchange information with one another.

For schedules of lectures, study sessions, and other activities, please refer to the Events page.

The General Meeting, The New Year Party, and The Members Gathering  are held once a year. In addition, to strengthen connections among members living nearby, regional activities are carried out across seven regions in the Netherlands.

General Meeting, New Year Party, and Members Gathering

At the annual general meeting held at the beginning of each fiscal year, reports are presented on the previous year’s activities and financial results, as well as plans for the coming year. The New Year Party, where members bring food to share, is held every January. Members Gathering is also held in June.

Regional Meetings and Tea Gatherings

As the saying goes, “a nearby neighbor is better than a distant relative.” To foster local connections, we divide the Netherlands into seven regions, each with its own regional group to promote contacts among members.

Some regular gatherings are currently held in several areas:

• Western Tea Gathering (Amstelveen)
• Eastern Tea Gathering (near Arnhem)
• Southern Group (near Eindhoven)

The aim is to establish a system that provides services in Japanese to complement elderly home care in the Netherlands. Through mutual support by volunteers—both paid and unpaid—the organization seeks to build a network that covers Japanese residents living across the country.

“How Are You?” Phone Calls

Regular phone calls are made, primarily to elderly individuals living alone. Participation is open to anyone who lives alone or wishes to communicate in Japanese, regardless of age.

Home Visit Services

We visit elderly members who find it difficult to attend gatherings, as well as those living alone.

Daily Living Support

We assist with everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping and other small needs in daily life.

Birthday Celebrations

Members aged 70 and above receive a birthday card each year. Special milestone birthdays—77 (Kiju), 80 (Sanju), 88 (Beiju), and 90 (Sotsuju)—are celebrated with a bouquet of flowers accompanied by a card, in recognition of their longevity.

One of the original goals at the time of Nichiran Silvernet’s establishment was “to explore the feasibility of facilities and housing options for Japanese residents in the Netherlands, so that they can enjoy a more comfortable life in their later years.”

However, in response to changes in social conditions, Nichiran Net has carried forward this founding idea while now working on this issue in collaboration with the “Furusato Huis Project,” which was established to envision and realize a multicultural, multigenerational living environment.