Minister Motohiko Kato, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan,
delivering the opening remarks during the orientation |
Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi of JICC, Ms. Konomi Jikihara of JICA, members of the APPAJU,
and the Japanese and Filipino students of ADMU, DLSU, UP, and UST |
The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Association of Philippine Private Alumni of Japanese Universities (APPAJU) , held the annual “Orientation / Get – Together for Japanese Students” on September 22, 2011 (Thursday) at the JICC Multi-Purpose Hall of the Embassy of Japan.
Thirty-seven Japanese students from universities in Metro Manila such as the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of the Philippines, attended the gathering. Student representatives from local university organizations, namely the Asian Studies Society of the University of Santo Tomas, Nihon Kenkyu Kai of De La Salle University, the Thomasian Nippon Sei of the University of Santo Tomas, the Toujin of the Ateneo de Manila University, and the UP Tomo Kai of the University of the Philippines were also present to introduce their respective associations to the Japanese students.
Minister Motohiko Kato, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, welcomed the students to the event as he delivered the opening remarks for the program. Former APPAJU President Ms. Raquel Nakayama gave a brief background of APPAJU and explained its activities and goals as an organization. Consul Kenji Endo, Chief of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan, instructed the Japanese students with essential guides to help make their daily life in the Philippines even more enjoyable. JICC Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi also graced the orientation to greet and interact with the guests and students.
The “Orientation / Get – Together for Japanese Students” is a venue for both the Japanese students studying in the Philippines and the Filipino students who share an interest in Japan to form new acquaintances outside their respective schools. In addition, it offers them valuable support in determining career opportunities, expounded by Ms. Konomi Jikihara of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Ms. Jikihara shared with the students her personal insights in studying in the Philippines, and her professional career after her studies. Through this event, Filipino students can also interact with Filipino alumni of Japanese universities, who provide first hand perspectives into student life in Japan, as well as possible careers as Filipinos equipped with knowledge and experience in having a Japanese education.
