Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri by Canadian Young Leaders


On December 19, commencing at 5:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a delegation of Canadian young leaders, who were invited to Japan under the Kakehashi Project, one of the Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs. A summary of the courtesy call is as follows.
- At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri welcomed the group, and stated Japan and Canada were strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Afterward, she encouraged the group to cherish the friendships and she hoped they would continue to contribute as a "Kakehashi" or ‘bridge’ to connect Japan and Canada.
- The group expressed their gratitude for the invitation to Japan and stated their impressions of Japan during their stay. Afterward, they asked Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri questions about collaboration between Canadian and Japanese young leaders on global issues, promotion of gender equality and diversity in Japan, and others.
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.