The Government of Japan has sponsored a short-term youth exchange programme involving 150 graduate students from leading universities in Europe and Central Asia, studying in the areas of politics, international relations, economics, Asian studies.  The programme named “MIRAI” - the Japanese word for “future”- aimed at fostering a solid foundation of Japan-Europe relations by promoting mutual understanding, enhancing intellectual discussions and building networks among future leaders of Japan and Europe.  To manage and implement the programme, the Government of Japan appointed secretariats in Japan (AFS Japan) and Europe (EFIL – European Federation for Intercultural Learning).  

The students have visited Japan from 15 to 22 December 2015.  A highlight was a visit to one of the most prestigious universities in Tokyo (Keio University), where they attended lectures and engaged in discussions with Japanese students.  Further highlights in Tokyo included a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, to the Mori Building Company, and to Japanese mega corporations to learn about the methods of management and working styles that help spread Japanese brands globally.

Next to the Tokyo activities, students split in groups and enjoyed a trip to a distant provincial region for a weekend-long local homestay programme to get a taste of Japan’s traditional culture and experience authentic Japanese family life.

All participants took part in a training course in Intercultural Learning, facilitated by EFIL.  The training follows the licensed “Global Competence Certificate” course from Sentio, which is a combination of self-guided online learning and in-person training, designed to helping learners develop intercultural competence.