Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri by Princess Delegates
On January 23, commencing at 2:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, 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 the courtesy call is as follows.
- At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri welcomed the group, and expressed her condolences to all the victims of the wildfires in California.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri highlighted the significance of people-to-people exchanges for further developing the Japan-U.S. relationship, referring to the Japan-U.S. Joint Leaders’ Statement released last April. 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 the United States.
- The group expressed gratitude for the invitation to Japan and expressed their aspirations for the visit. Afterward, they asked Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri questions about women’s empowerment in society, disaster response and management efforts, and the cultural difference between Japan and the U.S.
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.