Yanmar at Japan Festival: celebrating culture & connecting

On Sunday, June 29th, the Stadsplein of Amstelveen hosted the annual Japan Festival. A celebration of Japanise culture, music, cuisine, and activities for all ages. This year’s held special significance, marking 425 years of Japan-Netherlands relations, a long history of ongoing friendship and cultural exchange.

Yanmar was once again proud to be an active and visible part of this event. Our presence at the Japan Festival is more than just sponsorship; it’s about being part of the story connecting with people, celebrating our Japanese roots, and sharing the spirit of Hanasaka in a way that’s both meaningful and fun.

A booth full of discovery

Our booth this year was a crowd favorite. At the center of attention stood the Yanmar YT4 tractor. All day curious visitors eagerly climbed aboard to snap a photo and experience Yanmar engineering up close. Especially for children, this is always a great adventure.

We also brought something new and special: our very first engine, the HB model from 1928. Though not running on-site, it stood proudly as a symbol of where we began nearly a century ago, and how far we’ve come in sustainable innovation. Still operational, this historic engine is a powerful reminder of Yanmar’s long-term commitment to solving challenges through new technology.

The magic of MIRU

Another highlight was Yanmar’s photobooth, which returned by popular demand. This year’s version once again drew a lot of visitors  with lines forming all day. The booth invited guests to step into the story of MIRU, a robot that takes on a time-traveling journey, helping humanity to take meaningful steps forward. The  story of MIRU is full of possibilities, kindness, and future-forward thinking. It represents Yanmar’s vision: “to be kind to people while tackling challenges head-on.”  

Many visitors of the festival took the chance to meet MIRU at the photobooth. With a life-sized paper cut-out inviting visitors in and MIRU-style props, the experience generated plenty of smiles, and tangible memories.

Looking Ahead

The Japan Festival is a fantastic platform for cultural exchange and a great chance for us to connect with communities across Europe. With our eyes on the future and hearts rooted in tradition, we’re already looking forward to next year, and to continuing our journey of innovation, sustainability, and shared experience. See you at the next Japan Festival. Let’s build a brighter future together.