People-to-People Exchange

Japanese-Language Program for Foreign Service Officers and Public Officials

April 6, 2026

This Japanese-Language Program is a program that primarily invites foreign service officers and public officials from ODA recipient countries to Japan for approximately eight months of training in Japanese language and circumstances. This program is intended for young and mid-career officials who are expected to play an active role in their respective embassies in Tokyo or in departments handling Japan-related affairs in the future. Through the training, participants are expected to deepen their understanding of Japan, become experts on Japan, and become good partners with Japan. Many alumni are already active on the front lines of diplomacy with Japan.
The Japanese-Language Program for foreign service officers began in 1981, and by its 42nd term, 968 participants had completed the program. Furthermore, since 1997, the scope of this program has expanded to include public officials other than foreign service officers, and by its 26th term, 186 participants had completed the program.