TOKYO, July 1, 2025 /Kyodo JBN/ --
JTB Corp., a Japanese travel agency, implemented the "JENESYS2024" people-to-people exchange program for young people from Pacific Island countries from January to March 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the University of the South Pacific. Meanwhile, Japanese university and graduate school students visited Papua New Guinea in February 2025 under the same program.
The participants from Pacific Island countries engaged in exchanges and visited facilities related to their themes in Japan to deepen their understanding of relevant fields. Through homestays and various events, they immersed themselves in Japanese culture and society.
On the other hand, the Japanese participants to Papua New Guinea gained insights into Japan-Papua New Guinea relations including international contributions made through Japan's official development assistance (ODA) and the public and private sectors in areas such as Japan's economy, technology, environmental protection, and education. Additionally, they broadened their understanding of Papua New Guinea's culture and way of life.
On the final day, the participants from both Japan and Pacific Island countries held separate workshops to discuss activities they wished to pursue based on their experiences on the program. At subsequent debrief sessions, they presented their achievements and outlined action plans for implementation upon returning home. Throughout the program, they also shared their experiences and highlights of Japan's charms via social media.
The program aims to foster a deeper understanding of Japan, strengthen the bond between Japan and its partners as well as among Japan's partners, and enhance international cooperation and friendly relations.
Program overview (invitation of people from Pacific Island countries to Japan): https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108719/202506271293/_prw_PA1fl_7i0uR23j.pdf
Program overview (visit from Japan): https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108719/202506271293/_prw_PA2fl_B328D4z0.pdf
About JENESYS2024 The JENESYS2024 program aims to promote understanding toward Japan regarding its politics, economy, society, culture, history, and diplomatic relations by inviting to Japan the bearers of the future who have external dissemination capability in the Asia-Pacific region while dispatching overseas future Japanese leaders capable of external communication, or facilitating online exchanges.
Additionally, the program encourages participants to convey information on the learnings of the program and the charms of Japan to the general public in the region through social networking services and others by participants and promote mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, and to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation.
