Prof. Dr. Barbara Oomen

Ir. Leo van Gelder

Peer de Rijke 

Peer de Rijke, Sandra Pellegrom, Karen van Gemerden - van Burg

Yuka Yoshida, Wageningen University Research.

13.00-13.05 NL| 8PM JPT | Welcome

Prof. Dr. Barbara Oomen – Watersnoodmuseum (Flood Museum)

13:05–13:15 | Introduction ‘Johannis de Rijke and the New Watermasters’

Ir. Leo van Gelder – Stichting Blauwe Lijn

Welcome to an international gathering of students, researchers, water professionals and partners from the Netherlands, Japan and England. Stichting Blauwe Lijn introduces the purpose of the symposium: connecting lessons from the past with the challenges of the future and exploring how international cooperation can contribute to resilient water and landscapes towards 2100.

13:15–13:25 | The Challenge Towards 2100 – A World Under Pressure

Prof. Dr. Albert Klein Tank – Delta Climate Centre

Floods, drought, heat, wildfires, typhoons, sea-level rise and changing climate patterns are placing increasing pressure on societies and landscapes around the world. No country, discipline or generation can address these challenges alone. How can we strengthen cooperation between knowledge, policy and practice – and learn from the experiences of previous generations?

13:25-14.35: | Johannis de Rijke – connecting Japan and the Netherlands

13:25–13:35 | Introduction to our Japanese Guests (online – connection)

Introduction Japanese guests, special guest Ambassador Mr. Rokuichiro Michii Embassy Japan in the Netherlands

Drs. Richard Cornelis de Boer (from Japan)

Introduction of Richard’s contribution to the project Johannis de Rijke, and a special welcome and short introduction to the Japanese partners and participants joining the symposium, both in person and online.

13.35–13.50 | New perspectives on Delta Solutions - Study Kakamigahara City

Ir. Luca Iuorio & students TU Delft, Delta Urbanism, Urbanism

The historical connection between the Netherlands and Japan through Johannis de Rijke – and to today’s New Watermasters. Explanation of the work and the perspective of Delta Urbanism of the TU Delft, explanation of the study case Kakamighara City for the 15 students of the TU Delft 2026.

13:50–14.00 | Johannis de Rijke – A Legacy Connecting Japan and the Netherlands

Helenus (Peer) de Rijke – descendant of Johannis de Rijke / Karen van Gemerden – van Burg

Peer de Rijke and Karen introduce the Johannis de Rijke project briefly and reflect on their journey through Japan from 1 September to the end of September 2026, travelling together with the TU Delft students and Dr. Luca Iuorio. During this journey, the story and memories of Johannis de Rijke were shared with many new Japanese friends, connecting his historical work in Japan with today’s generation of Dutch and Japanese students, researchers and water professionals. The journey became more than a historical exploration: it created new personal connections and brought the legacy of Johannis de Rijke into a new generation of cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands.

14:00–14:10 | Research in the Netherlands – Water Management and Landscape

Ir. Taichi Fujii (from Japan – online) / Yuka Yoshida

Reflections from the Japanese perspective on water management, landscape and knowledge exchange with the Netherlands.

14:10–14:20 | Japan, the Netherlands and International Cooperation

Koos Wieriks, former advisor Ministry of Infrastructure and Water, former advisor of King W.A van Oranje

A reflection on the long-standing relationship between Japan and the Netherlands and the opportunities to strengthen an international knowledge network around future water challenges.

14:20–14:30 | Water, Society and the Aqua City of Osaka

Mr. Kaoru Fujii – Society of the Aqua City Osaka (from Japan – online)

The relationship between water, urban development and society, with Osaka as an example of an evolving water city.

14:30-14:40 | Deltaprogram and Japan

Drs. Jos van Alphen, former member of the National Deltaprogramme.

14.40–14.50 | [information follows]

15.00-15.25 | COFFEE BREAK

15:25–16:40 | New Watermasters after 1953

15:25-16.10  | The Study Group of 1972 – Rediscovering a Forgotten Vision (in Dutch, translation if needed)

Drs. Hans Waardenburg (Waardenburg Ecology)
Ing. Ruud Louwes (Rho ADVISEURS)

In 1972, a group of young TU Delft students developed ideas for the future of Zeeland and the Oosterschelde. Their study “Zeeuws Meer?” reflected a generation that dared to think beyond existing boundaries. Fifty-four years later, their work offers an opportunity to reflect on how young professionals can contribute to long-term thinking about water, landscape and society.

16:10–16:15: Serious Game – Flood Museum

16.15-17.00 | Wrap-up – Lessons for the Future 

Drs. Yuka Yoshida – Wageningen University Research / Barbara Oomen – Flood Museum / Luca Iuorio / Anne – Beth Derks – van Damme, Ambassador Mr. Rokuichiro Michii & Leo van Gelder & Albert Klein Tank & Barbara Oomen & Martijn Waardenburg. 

Reflection on the student research and on how an interdisciplinary and international approach can contribute to thinking about water and landscapes towards 2100. The session also explores opportunities to develop this approach further through cooperation between students, researchers, governments, ministries and international knowledge networks.

What can we learn from the generations before us? From Johannis de Rijke, to the 1972 TU Delft generation, to the New Watermasters of 2026, several lessons emerge: the importance of integral thinking and doing, collaboration across disciplines and generations, and connecting knowledge with practice. 

The symposium closes with a perspective towards 2100 and the possibility of developing a stronger international knowledge programme connecting the Netherlands, Japan, England and wider international networks.

17:00 | Closing & informal gathering