The Dutch maintained their position as one of the world’s happiest countries in annual United Nations survey in 2023. The report, which is published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks countries based on factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

The Japanese reportage highlights the Netherlands’ access to quality healthcare, education, and housing, as well as a good quality of life and inclusiveness. The Dutch have a strong cultural emphasis on work-life balance. This means that companies are expected to prioritize the well-being of their employees. Additionally, Dutch employers and employees share the belief that maintaining such balance makes employees more productive, motivated and happy, the report explains.

For the Japanese production company TV Man Union, NTV organises filming in the Netherlands for a reportage to find out why the Dutch are so happy. A Japanese director and cameraman interview and portray a Dutch mobile bike repairman, a 94 year old inhabitant of the famous Dutch village Giethoorn and a young ditch jumping champion.

For this production Featurez has accompanied the filming, booked a rental car and did the driving.