Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI by Inouye Program Delegation
On March 16, commencing at 10:40 a.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a delegation of Inouye Program (Students of Illinois Institute of Technology), 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 noted that cooperation between Japan and the United States spans a wide range of fields, including security, the economy, education, science and technology, and culture. He emphasized that strengthening people-to-people exchanges is important for further solidifying Japan–U.S. relations, and expressed his expectation that, after returning home, the delegation would serve as “Kakehashi” (bridge) connecting Japan and the United States, contributing to the development of Japan-U.S. relations.
- The delegation expressed their gratitude to the Government of Japan, noting that they had been given a very valuable experience through the “Kakehashi Project”. They also raised questions regarding how architects can contribute to Japan–U.S. relations and the role the next generation can play in the bilateral relationship, leading to an active exchange of views.
(Reference1) 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.
(Reference2) Inouye Program
Inouye Program is one of the programs of KAKEHASHI Project which is dedicated to university students in the United States, taking place in cooperation with U.S.-Japan Council. Students learn the accomplishment of the late Senator Daniel Inouye, who made efforts for developing Japan-U.S. relationship.