People-to-People Exchange

“Japan’s Friendship Ties programs” is intended to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the various nations of Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean regions. The North American regional component of this exchange program is called “Kakehashi Project”. In FY 2021 (from April 2021 to March 2022), approximately 880 people (mainly youths) of the US, Canada and Japan will participate in this Kakehashi Project.

• To promote mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan, the US and Canada, and to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation.
• To encourage an understanding of Japan.
• To convey information about Japan to the public through participants of this project.

(1) INBOUND Program

• Target: American and Canadian high school students, college students, graduate students and young professionals.
• Number of Participants: Approximately 670 (US 600, Canada 70) (for FY 2021)
• Period: Approximately 10 days in principle.
• Content:
  • (i) Lectures on Japanese economy, society, history, culture and diplomatic relations to promote a better understanding of Japan.
  • (ii) Visits to educational and research institutions, high-tech and traditional industries, cultural heritage sites and local government offices, engaging in activities such as discussions and workshops.
  • (iii) Hands-on-learning experiences such as home-stays and traditional culture events.
  • (iv) Disseminating information about Japan through reporting sessions and social media during/after the program.
  • (v) Online exchanges and seminar.

(2) OUTBOUND Program

• Target: Japanese high school students, college students and graduate students.
• Number of Participants: Approximately 210 (US 190, Canada 20) (for FY2021)
• Period: Approximately 10 days in principle.
• Content:
  • (i) Disseminating information about Japan, including the economy, society, history, culture, diplomatic relations and Japan’s rural areas to promote a better understanding of Japan.
  • (ii) Visits to Japanese companies, educational and research institutions, etc., engaging in activities such as discussions and workshops.
  • (iii) Hands-on-learning experiences such as home-stays and home-visits.
  • (iv) Online exchanges and seminar.