For better cooperation and understanding, interactions are the key. Experience the rich heritage of Japan through exchange programs that promote international diplomacy and are supported by the government. Through exchange programs, you can get an enhanced and guided experience of Japanese culture while sharing your own.
Table of Contents
- What are cultural exchange programs?
- Cultural exchange programs in Japan
- Funding, Costs Covered and other information
- Summary
What are cultural exchange programs?
Cultural exchange programs involve interaction of various nationalities in various fields and endeavors, such as in the arts, in sports, music, and in academics, for the purpose of establishing channels for these nations to familiarize themselves with each other’s cultures and develop ongoing meaningful and mutually-beneficial cross-country connections. In Japan, such programs aim to enhance social and cultural harmony among participant nations for greater global understanding and coordination, particularly through the involvement of Japanese colleges and universities.
The Japanese government and affiliated organizations have launched such programs as a means to fund exchanges that involve and will mainly benefit the youth who will eventually take over as the leaders of tomorrow. Preparing them with a wider understanding and clearer perspective of the world and the various cultural diversities represented lends to building a better and more responsive global community.
We will introduce two programs, the Japanese International Cultural Exchange Program (JICE) and the Tomodachi Initiative.
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Cultural exchange programs in Japan
The Japanese International Cultural Exchange Program (JICE)
The Japanese International Cultural Exchange Program (JICE) is a government-sponsored exchange program with two components, namely:
A.The Invitation Program
The invitation program of JICE, which lasts around ten days, is conducted in Tokyo and other participating Japanese cities, involving the youth from other nations from North America and Asia. Specific activities include imbibing values and skills by observing innovative technology, visiting manufacturing companies, touring historic and rustic locations, and engaging in traditional and contemporary cultural immersions.
Participants also have the opportunity to interact closely with Japanese citizens through school exchanges and foster-family programs in order to form deeper and more meaningful personal relationships among all participants.An example itinerary of the program may be as follows;
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Days 1 to 3: The first three days are usually allocated for the arrival, and general introductions to the program.
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Days 4 to 5: The activities after the initial introductions are usually followed by enriching tours in local sceneries, having cultural, regional and historical experiences, with specific focus towards establishing cultural understanding. This helps in making the succeeding activities be more effective.
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Days 6 to 8: Participants can truly experience the daily life of a Japanese student. The activities include both a wide range of school activities and staying at a Japanese home under host family.
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Days 9 to 10: The last few days are reserved for collecting the results of the program, giving presentations and the returning home of the participants.
The programs include the Kakehashi Project, the JENESYS program, the MIRAI program, and so on. To participate, please contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate to see if any of these, or any other programs are available to your country or region.
B.The Visit Program
Under this program, young Japanese citizens visit other countries or regions to expand their understanding of other world cultures, about their social norms, their unique way of life and ethnic beliefs and practices and, at the same time, promote Japan and the participant’s own town through educational exchanges, field trips, and foster-family programs.
Thus the Japanese government also encourages its own citizens to go out and experience other cultures as well. You may find yourself on the hosting end of this program if that’s something you’re interested in.
※JICE, JICE’s International Exchange
The Tomodachi Initiative Programs
Certain Japanese exchange programs focus on specific sports, musical instruments, or typically shared interests among participant nations. For example, the Tomodachi Initiative, a cultural exchange program exclusively between Japan and the US, engages a variety of cultural exchange activities for young people, such as through sports like Major League Baseball or music and dance.
For example, one such program is the Dance Exchange, which was conducted in Japan between Wakaba High School and Intrepid Dance Company, a student-centered dance company from the United States. Such multifaceted activities provide color and ethnic diversity to the Japanese cultural exchange program, as well as opportunities for participant nations to appreciate the innate value and beauty of other nations’ identities.
The point of these programs is that you will participate not just to experience Japanese culture, but that you also have the opportunity to share American culture while interacting with Japanese youth. You can find a full list of cultural programs on their website, as well as a list of other educational and leadership programs. If you’re from the United States, you can find ways to get involved in existing programs near you, or even in Japan, perhaps through their Summer Camps as a counselor, and various other programs, including online. Make sure to check out their Get Involved tab on their website.
Tomodachi Initiative - Get Involved
※ Tomodachi, "Cultural"
Funding, Costs Covered and other information
These JICE programs are generally fully-funded, whether by the government agencies, such as the MEXT, MOFA or by private entities, such as private companies and universities. Most of the exchange programs offer full funding during the duration of the program, which includes free plane tickets, airport pick-up, living accommodations and expenses, meals (usually breakfast and lunch), local transportation, entrance fees at local destinations, and other costs while in Japan.
However, some cultural exchange programs, both mentioned above and in general, require a registration fee in order to participate and be admitted. Prospective candidates can check the links provided in this article to get further details on any of the specific cultural programs for which they wish to apply.
Summary
Japan certainly possesses a uniquely-special character and ample cultural-and-historical treasures to become qualified as the unofficial Cultural Ambassador of the World through its untiring efforts in promoting greater understanding among all nations through its international cultural exchange programs.
A land of opportunity does more than present itself as a progressive and modern place that people long to visit and even live in. It also lives up to its benevolent desire to offer its land, its people and its culture in the service of humanity by providing the youth from overseas exciting opportunities to learn from its unique ways, to enjoy its many bounties and to promote its enduring positive values back in their own homelands. Japan has certainly done this for many years through its cultural exchange programs and offers opportunities to you to get involved.
