The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), of the Embassy of Japan, through its local partner, the National Youth Commission (NYC), organized a pre-departure orientation for the Filipino participants of the Japan-ASEAN-Oceanian Student & Youth Exchange Program last December 1, 2013 at the NYC Conference Room.
JICC Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi gave the opening remarks, emphasizing the role of the Filipino representatives as goodwill ambassadors, especially their part in initiating social change, closing his speech with the immortal words of Jose Rizal, placing hope for the future on the youth. NYC Assistant Secretary Earl P. Saavedra, Commissioner representing Mindanao, delivered a welcome message, while NYC staff headed the orientation, discussing the background of the JENESYS 2.0 program and the objectives of the Japan-ASEAN-Oceanian Student & Youth Exchange Program, as well as the guidelines for first-time travellers to Japan. Researcher / Advisor Shinichiro Kato of the JICC also laid out their itinerary, to give the members a preview of their activities and destinations.
The Philippine delgation, comprised of 20 students from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, are joining representatives from ASEAN member states, and Australia, New Zealand, and Timor Leste, on December 2 to 10, 2013, divided into nine groups, assigned to the Chiba, Shizuoka, Ibaraki, Shimane, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Wakayama, Kochi, and Yamaguchi Prefectures. As part of the program, the youth goodwill ambassadors will be participating in homestays and farmstays, visiting cultural and historical sites and facilities, touring companies, and engaging in school exchange. Their culminating activity will be a Japan-ASEAN-Oceanian Festival, where they will perform Japanese songs or folk dance, to demonstrate their appreciation of Japanese heritage.
The Japan-ASEAN-Oceanian Student & Youth Exchange Program belongs to the umbrella program of JENESYS 2.0, revitalized by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this year, from its precursor JENESYS in 2007, or the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth. JENESYS 2.0 offers opportunities for enthusiastic youths to visit Japan and embrace the culture through intensive immersion, resulting in a well-rounded and holistic experience of the country’s strengths. Upon their return, participants are endowed with their new learnings, enabling them to promote the unique and cool Japan Brand in their home countries.
