People-to-People Exchange
Welcome Reception of the 2025-2026 Japanese-Language Program
for Foreign Service Officers and Public Officials
hosted by State Minister for Foreign Affairs FUJII
October 15, 2025
On 15 October, State Minister FUJII Hisayuki hosted a welcome reception for the participants of the 2025-2026 Japanese-Language Program for Foreign Service Officers and Public Officials.
- State Minister FUJII, in his opening speech, extended a heartfelt welcome to all of participants, coming to Japan from 32 countries and regions around the world. Mr. FUJII, based on his experience of interacting with leaders of many countries and experiencing their cultures as a State Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that the Japanese language is Japanese culture itself, and learning about Japanese culture leads to understanding the Japanese way of thinking. Furthermore, Mr. FUJII expressed his hearfelt wish that the participants have a fulfilling experience in Japan through the eight-months’ program.
- H.E. Ms. Aleksandra KOVAC, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Japan, who is an alumnus of the program, and Mr. SHIMOYAMA Masaya, Executive Vice President of the Japan Foundation, which operates the program, spoke respectively of the importance of this long-standing program, and welcomed and encouraged all the participants, wishing them success through their training.
- On behalf of the participants, Mr. Abdul WAFI, a diplomat from Malaysia, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan Foundation for organising this program and his enthusiasm for the next eight month program.