Press Releases
Courtesy Call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII by Students Participating in the "Think of Okinawa’s Future in the United States" (TOFU) Program
March 18, 2026
On March 18, at 5:50 pm, for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from the students participating in the "Think of Okinawa’s Future in the United States" (TOFU) program. The summary of the courtesy call is as follows:
- At the outset, State Minister HORII emphasized the significance of the TOFU program which supports Okinawa’s further international engagement. He stated that this year’s TOFU program is timely as Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan is making her first visit to the United States since taking office. He also stressed that it is especially meaningful for the TOFU students to hear directly from U.S. representatives and reflect on Japan-U.S. relations and security issues. State Minister HORII encouraged the students to develop further through the one-week program and grow into talents serving as a bridge in the world.
- On behalf of the participants, Ms. ONAGA Hinano from Meio University expressed her strong determination for the upcoming visit to the United States. Then State Minister Horii and the TOFU students had a fruitful exchange of views. During the exchange, the TOFU students expressed their expectation and determination for their visit to the United States.
(Reference) "Think of Okinawa’s Future in the United States" (TOFU) Program
- The TOFU program aims to provide Okinawa’s younger generation (e.g., high school and college students) with an opportunity to learn about the United States and to have a first-hand experience about Japan’s role in the international community.
- Since its inception in FY2017, a total of 170 students have taken part in the program.
- This time, a group of 30 students are visiting Tokyo, Washington D.C., and New York from March 18 to March 25, 2026. The itinerary includes the following:
- March 18: Courtesy calls on Chief Cabinet Secretary KIHARA Minoru, State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII Iwao, State Minister for Defense MIYAZAKI Masahisa as well as senior officials at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the U.S. Forces Japan. [Tokyo]
- March 19: Arrival in Washington D.C. Visits to the U.S. State Department, the Capitol Hill, the Embassy of Japan, and the Arlington National Cemetery. Interaction with local American students. [Washington D.C.] (March 19-21)
- March 21: Arrival in New York. Visits to the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations and the Consulate-General of Japan in New York. Lecture by Japanese staff at the UN. [New York] (March 21-24)
- March 25: Return to Japan.