On December 6, the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan arranged a pre-departure orientation for delegates of the Japan-Asean Student Conference, in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC), at the NYC Conference Room.

 

Seiki Furudate, cultural attaché of the Embassy of Japan, gave the welcome remarks. NYC staff led by Mark Fernandez, presided over the program proper.

 

The 15 representatives from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are now attending the Japan-Asean Student Conference, which opened Dec. 7 and  runs until Dec. 16.

 

Some 150 participants from 10 Asean member countries are joined by 30 Japanese participants in an extensive discussion program for four days and three nights in Tokyo.

 

The event will also be graced by Akie Abe, First Lady of Japan, Friday, Dec. 13.

 

The participants are likewise following an itinerary of courtesy calls and a tour of sights and attractions, with visits to Shiga, Wakayama, Tottori, Hokkaido and Kagoshima prefectures to expose them to Japanese culture.

 

The focal point of the student conference is “the cooperative role of youth in Asean and Japan toward peace, stability, and development, and prosperity in Asia.”

 

When the conference ends, a summary will be presented, and a plan of action, as a result of the discussions, will be submitted to the Asean Secretariat.

 

The Japan-Asean Student Conference coincides with the Asean-Japan Special Summit Meeting from Dec. 13-15, in celebration of the 40th year of Asean-Japan Friendship, with the theme “Thoughts Connected, Future Connected.”

 

President Benigno S. Aquino III will be present during the meeting, and will call on Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

 

Jenesys 2.0, an offshoot of the original Jenesys program in 2007, was opened this year by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with the purpose of offering varied youth exchange opportunities to Japan.

 

As part of Jenesys 2.0, the Japan-Asean Student Conference is instrumental in paving the way for intercultural dialogue, highlighting the crucial involvement of youth in building the Asian community.