2004 Global Youth Exchange Program
1. General Theme:
Discovering True Cultural Wealth - Future of Culture in the 21st Century
2. Dates:
21 November to 4 December, 2004
3. Venues:
Tokyo, Kyoto and Okinawa
4. Participants:
37 participants from 34 countries and UNESCO
- Asia-Pacific: Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Vietnam
- North America: United States
- Latin America: Argentina, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Peru
- Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine
- Middle East: Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey
- Africa: Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Libya, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia
5. The Program:
Through the events that made up the program, the participants deepened their understanding of the general theme and, at the same time, this group of young people formed true friendships by building dialogue and overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. In addition, exchanges with local citizens enabled the participants to deepen their understanding of Japan.
(1) Discussions in Okinawa (From 29 November to 1 December)
Following a lecture on the "'Great East Asian Sphere' as Seen from Okinawa" by Prof. Masaaki Gabe of the University of the Ryukyus, the participants undertook group discussions for three days in Okinawa under the general theme of "Discovering True Cultural Wealth - Future of Culture in the 21st Century." Participants actively exchanged their views in group discussions on the sub-themes of this year's program: (1) Culture and Identity; (2) Modernization and Tradition; and (3) Globalization and Culture. After far-reaching and thorough deliberations, the participants drew up a final proposal. In the process, the young people who had travelled to Okinawa from around the world as representatives of the international community strengthened their solidarity - while still respecting each others' individual beliefs - and accomplished cooperation amid diversity.
(2) Public symposium (2 December 2004)
(3) Lectures
To better understand the general theme, the participants attended following lectures:
(a) Dr. Alexander Bennett, Research Associate of International Research Center for Japanese Studies, on the theme "Bushido" (Way of the Warrior)
(b) Mr. Seiichi Kondo, Director-General, Public Diplomacy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on "Discovering True Cultural Wealth - Future of Culture in the 21st Century."
(4) Visits to Japanese cities and districts, exchanges and homestays
To better understand Japanese culture, the participants visited Kyoto and experienced traditional performing arts (kyogen) and the tea ceremony. They also toured the city's Golden Pavillion, Nijo-jo Castle and other historic sites.
In Okinawa, the participants paid a courtesy call on Vice Governor Mr. Hirotaka Makino of Okinawa Prefecture, who introduced Okinawa's intention to play a large role in the development of the Asia and Pacific region. The participants also attended a lecture on the indigenous culture of Okinawa. They subsequently visited Ryukyu-mura Cultural Theme Park, Shuri-jo Castle and a distillery of Okinawan sake (Awamori). Furthermore, they experienced traditional Ryukyuan dance, which enabled them to come in touch with the cultural heritage of Okinawa. Over the weekend, each participant stayed at the home of a host family and enjoyed a warm welcome and a typical daily life of a Japanese family.
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