Q&A
Why Is There a Large Japanese Community in Amstelveen?
Why Is There a Large Japanese Community in Amstelveen?
If you’re exploring Amstelveen, you might notice Japanese grocery stores, restaurants, and signs — this is no coincidence. Amstelveen has become the heart of the Japanese community in the Netherlands, offering an ideal environment for families and professionals working in nearby Amsterdam.
Why Amstelveen Attracts Japanese Expats
The connection began in the 1970s when Japanese companies expanded into the Netherlands. With many offices located in Amsterdam Zuid and the Zuidas business district, nearby Amstelveen offered a peaceful, green, and family-friendly place to live.
Today, it remains the preferred home for employees of companies like Canon, Mitsubishi, and Yamaha.
Learn more about the area: Gemeente Amstelveen – Living in Amstelveen
Education and Community
One of the strongest reasons Japanese families choose Amstelveen is the Japanese School of Amsterdam (JSA), which offers education fully in Japanese for children up to junior high.
Japanese School of Amsterdam (JSA)
In addition, local Dutch and international schools such as the Amity International School and ISA are nearby, providing flexible options for multilingual families.
Shops, Food, and Culture
Amstelveen offers authentic Japanese shopping and dining experiences:
- Isshindo Supermarket and Shilla for groceries and daily products
- Restaurants like Tanuki and Kokusai serving traditional Japanese dishes
- Annual Japan Festival in Stadshart Amstelveen celebrating culture, food, and music
Japan Festival Amstelveen
This cultural network makes life easier — and more familiar — for new arrivals.
Daily Life
Amstelveen combines a safe, green lifestyle with proximity to Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, and international schools. Most areas are reachable by tram, bus, or bicycle in under 20 minutes.
Public transport info: 9292 Journey Planner
If you’re exploring Amstelveen, you might notice Japanese grocery stores, restaurants, and signs — this is no coincidence. Amstelveen has become the heart of the Japanese community in the Netherlands, offering an ideal environment for families and professionals working in nearby Amsterdam.
Why Amstelveen Attracts Japanese Expats
The connection began in the 1970s when Japanese companies expanded into the Netherlands. With many offices located in Amsterdam Zuid and the Zuidas business district, nearby Amstelveen offered a peaceful, green, and family-friendly place to live.
Today, it remains the preferred home for employees of companies like Canon, Mitsubishi, and Yamaha.
Learn more about the area: Gemeente Amstelveen – Living in Amstelveen
Education and Community
One of the strongest reasons Japanese families choose Amstelveen is the Japanese School of Amsterdam (JSA), which offers education fully in Japanese for children up to junior high.
Japanese School of Amsterdam (JSA)
In addition, local Dutch and international schools such as the Amity International School and ISA are nearby, providing flexible options for multilingual families.
Shops, Food, and Culture
Amstelveen offers authentic Japanese shopping and dining experiences:
- Isshindo Supermarket and Shilla for groceries and daily products
- Restaurants like Tanuki and Kokusai serving traditional Japanese dishes
- Annual Japan Festival in Stadshart Amstelveen celebrating culture, food, and music
Japan Festival Amstelveen
This cultural network makes life easier — and more familiar — for new arrivals.
Daily Life
Amstelveen combines a safe, green lifestyle with proximity to Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, and international schools. Most areas are reachable by tram, bus, or bicycle in under 20 minutes.
Public transport info: 9292 Journey Planner