People-to-People Exchange
Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, the Spouse of the Prime Minister Welcomed Princess Delegates
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On January 23, commencing at 10:00 a.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, the Spouse of the Prime Minister, received the Princess Delegates from the United States, who were invited to Japan under the Kakehashi Project, one of the Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs. A summary of their visit is as follows.
- At the outset, Mrs. Ishiba welcomed the group, and expressed her condolences to all the victims of the wildfires in California.
- Mrs. Ishiba stated that she was pleased that Princess Delegates have been contributing to the development of Japan-U.S. friendship over the years. Mrs. Ishiba stated that relationships between countries are built on people to people relationships, and she hoped they would deepen their understanding on Japan through the visit.
- The group expressed gratitude for the invitation to Japan and expressed their aspirations for the visit.
- Afterwards, Mrs. Ishiba had a conversation with the group about various topics including activities of Princess Delegates, balancing work and childcare, and their dreams for the future. Mrs. Ishiba encouraged them, with an expectation that they will become “Kakehashi” a bridge to connect the two countries to further develop Japan-U.S. relationship.
The purpose of KAKEHASHI Project is to increase the interest in and understanding of Japan among outstanding young leaders in the North American region. By having them engage in activities that make the most of their visit experience, it aims to expand an interest in, understanding of, and support for Japan. The project promotes participants' understanding of Japan's politics, economy, society, culture, history, and foreign policy in accordance with their areas of expertise and interest, and enhances their external communication about Japan.
Princess Delegates are participants of an exchange program called “Cherry Blossom Program.” This program takes place during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of Japan-U.S. friendship, held annually in Washington D.C. from March to April. Princess Delegates were selected from each state to participate in various cultural programs.