Niek Kaptein (51) is a master-baker of bread and pastry. He runs a 55 year old bakery with two shops in Wassenaar (near The Hague). 27 Years ago he took over this family business. For his assortment he is always looking for new products and challenges. During last years solar eclipse he produced a so called ‘eclipse roll’. Every once and a while he receives students from countries as far as Tibet. In the educational field he is quite active in teaching and workshops on making bread, both at schools and in his own bakery. His wife Tony will accompany him to Hirado. They have two daughters and a son.

Summary of his 12xHolland activities:

• co-operation with the local bakery in Hirado: both bakers intend to develop a special product.
• bread workshop in the bakery of Hirado.
• open air presentation of special bread products in the Harbour Park.
• demonstration lessons in bread baking at several schools.
• bread colouring competition.
• he will take sado (Japanese tea) and shodo lessons (Japanese calligraphy) in Hirado.