MIRAI Program Personal Experiences
2023/6/30
I had the opportunity to participate in the MIRAI program, a short-term exchange initiative developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE).
I have probably never seen and experienced so many new things in such a short time. As a part of a group of university students and young professionals from 15 European countries, two of us were from Iceland. We spent a week in Tokyo and Osaka where we visited numerous places, institutions and universities.
We visited Kansai University, Kobe University and Sophia University where we discussed topics related to sustainable economic growth with students and teachers and compared what Europe can learn from Japan in that respect and vice versa. In addition to deepening our understanding of Japanese culture and working environment we visited Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza, Asakusa, UNOPS Innovation Center, the Tokyo Stock Exchange and The National Diet which is the national legislature of Japan.
We then ended the trip with a summary where we presented our findings and ideas to the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kei TAKAGI. I learned a lot and it is an experience I will never forget, it was an indescribably pleasant experience to be able to participate in this program. I will definately go back there one day and then going to Kyoto is at the top of the list.
I have probably never seen and experienced so many new things in such a short time. As a part of a group of university students and young professionals from 15 European countries, two of us were from Iceland. We spent a week in Tokyo and Osaka where we visited numerous places, institutions and universities.
We visited Kansai University, Kobe University and Sophia University where we discussed topics related to sustainable economic growth with students and teachers and compared what Europe can learn from Japan in that respect and vice versa. In addition to deepening our understanding of Japanese culture and working environment we visited Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza, Asakusa, UNOPS Innovation Center, the Tokyo Stock Exchange and The National Diet which is the national legislature of Japan.
We then ended the trip with a summary where we presented our findings and ideas to the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kei TAKAGI. I learned a lot and it is an experience I will never forget, it was an indescribably pleasant experience to be able to participate in this program. I will definately go back there one day and then going to Kyoto is at the top of the list.