A group of six talented Pakistani youth are set to visit Japan from December 10 to 17, 2024, under the prestigious JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) program. This initiative, organized by the Japanese government, seeks to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between Japan and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.
The young Pakistani participants will join 41 other youths from SAARC countries for the program, which this year focuses on the theme of “Energy.”
The exchange aims to provide the students with an enriching experience, allowing them to gain firsthand insights into Japan’s economy, society, politics, history, and cultural practices. Participants will also delve deeper into the country’s energy policies and infrastructure through lectures, site visits, and cultural activities.
In a pre-departure orientation held today at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, the participants were briefed on the details of the program, as well as the key aspects of Japanese culture they would encounter during their stay.
Akamatsu Shuichi, the Ambassador-designate of Japan to Pakistan, addressed the group and expressed his hopes for their enriching experience in Japan. He said that the embassy was excited to welcome the youth as ambassadors of Pakistani culture to Japan and asked them to further promote mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan.
Ambassador Akamatsu hoped their time in Japan would be a truly fruitful one. He advised the students to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about Japan’s dynamic society and its advanced energy sector. He also encouraged them to share Pakistan’s rich and vibrant culture with their Japanese hosts.
Akamatsu highlighted the value of the homestay component of the program, which allows participants to stay with local families in Japan. “The homestay in Japan would be a highly valuable opportunity, not only to experience life in Japan but also to offer the Japanese people a unique chance to learn about Pakistan’s rich and historic culture and gain a deeper understanding of the country” he added.
JENESYS program
The JENESYS program, which invites youth from SAARC countries annually, has been instrumental in promoting cross-cultural exchange and enhancing diplomatic ties between Japan and the region. By focusing on themes such as energy, the program also aims to build the participants’ knowledge in crucial fields and support their professional development.
The Embassy of Japan also expressed confidence that the exchange would help the youth participants contribute meaningfully to strengthening Japan-Pakistan relations in the future.
This exchange program is part of Japan’s ongoing efforts to support youth development and deepen its ties with South Asian countries, particularly through cultural and educational initiatives.