Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI by Asian American Youth
On March 16, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a delegation of Asian American youth, who was invited to Japan under the KAKEHASHI Project, one of Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs. A summary of the courtesy call is as follows.
- At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI welcomed the group and stated that the foundation of relations between countries lies in connections between people. He expressed his hope that the delegation’s visit would deepen their understanding of Japan.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI further expressed his hope that, during their visit to Japan, the group had deepened their understanding of Japan through their visit to Aomori Prefecture, interactions with local university students, homestays, and cultural experiences. He also expressed his expectation that the delegation would become a “Kakehashi” (bridge) connecting Japan and the United States, contributing to the development of Japan-U.S. relations.
- The group expressed gratitude for the invitation to Japan and shared their impressions of the visit. They also raised questions regarding Japan’s diplomatic strategy and their own future career paths.
(Reference) KAKEHASHI Project
The purpose of KAKEHASHI Project is to increase 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 foster supporters and experts of 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.