MIRAI Program Personal Experiences (Snæbjört Pálsdóttir)
2026/3/16
This January, I had the honor of participating in the MIRAI Program, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). As part of the Diplomacy and Security Policy group, I joined students and young professionals from across Europe to engage in dialogue on security, defense, and international cooperation.
Through briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Defense, we gained firsthand insight into Japan’s approach to regional security and diplomatic strategy. These sessions highlighted how historical experience, legal frameworks, and geopolitical realities shape policy decisions in practice.
Our discussions continued at Keio University, where academic perspectives added further depth. Engaging with professors and students allowed us to connect theory with real world policy challenges. The diversity of viewpoints from policymakers to academics to young professionals from Japan and Europe underscored how shared security concerns can be understood differently depending on regional context and experience.
Beyond institutional visits, the program also offered meaningful cultural exchange. Experiencing traditional tea ceremony, visits to museums, the Asakusa shrine, and the area near Mt. Fuji provided insight into its cultural and symbolic significance. While everyday experiences from shared meals to informal conversations gave us a deeper appreciation of Japanese hospitality, respect, and attention to detail.
The true strength of the MIRAI Program lies in the people it brings together. The dedication of the JICE team, the openness of our Japanese hosts, and the thoughtful engagement of fellow participants created an environment where dialogue and mutual understanding flourished.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which broadened my perspective on security and diplomacy in East Asia and reinforced the importance of dialogue and cross-cultural exchange in international relations.
Through briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Defense, we gained firsthand insight into Japan’s approach to regional security and diplomatic strategy. These sessions highlighted how historical experience, legal frameworks, and geopolitical realities shape policy decisions in practice.
Our discussions continued at Keio University, where academic perspectives added further depth. Engaging with professors and students allowed us to connect theory with real world policy challenges. The diversity of viewpoints from policymakers to academics to young professionals from Japan and Europe underscored how shared security concerns can be understood differently depending on regional context and experience.
Beyond institutional visits, the program also offered meaningful cultural exchange. Experiencing traditional tea ceremony, visits to museums, the Asakusa shrine, and the area near Mt. Fuji provided insight into its cultural and symbolic significance. While everyday experiences from shared meals to informal conversations gave us a deeper appreciation of Japanese hospitality, respect, and attention to detail.
The true strength of the MIRAI Program lies in the people it brings together. The dedication of the JICE team, the openness of our Japanese hosts, and the thoughtful engagement of fellow participants created an environment where dialogue and mutual understanding flourished.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which broadened my perspective on security and diplomacy in East Asia and reinforced the importance of dialogue and cross-cultural exchange in international relations.
