Japan’s Friendship Ties Program “MIRAI”

Japan's Friendship Ties Program “MIRAI” (Mutual understanding, Intellectual Relations and Academic Exchange Initiative) invites groups of promising young leaders from Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus who study Diplomacy, Security Policies, Economics, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, International Relations, Environmental Sciences, SDGs related studies, Asian Studies, Japan Studies or other related fields, and also who are expected to play an active role in international society and provides opportunities to have intellectual exchanges with Japanese students of the same generations and scholars. This program is entitled as the "MIRAI" with the Japanese word MIRAI (pronounce like / "me-rye") which means "Future".

The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan and its policy, to promote mutual understanding, and thus build a basis for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and their regions. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) hopes that the program would offer a great opportunity to

• Promote a deeper understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, diverse cultures, politics, and diplomatic relations among participants,
• Foster supporters and experts of Japan,
• Strengthen public relations through proactive dissemination of Japan’s diplomatic policy and attractive points by participants,
• Strengthen relations between Japan and the participants’ regions, and build a basis for future friendship and cooperation

Program
1. Online pre-exchange program (two days)
The first program is scheduled in November, and the second program is scheduled about two weeks before the departure.
All participants are required to attend two online pre-exchange program sessions before departing for Japan. 
The online pre-exchange program consists of: (1) an overview of the program’s objectives and content; (2) participants’ missions, including sharing their learnings and findings through social media; and (3) a lecture designed to enhance understanding of Japan. The pre-exchange program sessions are designed to help participants prepare for the program and participate smoothly and confidently.

2. Program in Japan
The program may contain the following. JICE will arrange the program with consideration for the theme of each group.  
- Lectures on the theme-related contents and discussions with Japanese students at one of the most prestigious universities in Japan.
- Site visits to educational and research institutions, related to the program theme or specific area, cutting-edge technology, traditional industries, exhibitions, cultural heritage, and local governments, etc. Exchange events such as workshops and exchanges of opinions with people related to the above site visits.
- Visits to local areas which offers a courtesy visit to the local government, guided tour of the local featured industry, traditional culture experience and exchange with local people.
- Workshop and reporting session (presentation of “action plans”, i.e., activity plan after returning home)
- Dissemination of information on what participants learned in the program and the attractions of Japan, during/after the program through reporting session and Social Networking Services (online).


Graduates and undergradute students aged 20 or older enrolled at a university in Switzerland can apply for the following group:
Group 3. Economy and Business (Program term in Japan: December 2 - December 8, 2026)

Graduates and undergradute students aged 20 or older enrolled at a university in Liechtenstein can apply for the following group:
Group 4. Science and Technology (Program term in Japan: January 20 - January 26, 2027)


How to apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official MIRAI website, where you can find all additional information:
Japan’s Friendship Ties Program “MIRAI” Application Guidelines (Visiting Japan Program) 
Application deadline is August 31st, 2026, at 3:00 am (Swiss local time)
 

For any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Japan Information and Cultural Center of the Embassy of Japan.

Japan Information and Cultural Center
Embassy of Japan in Switzerland
Postfach, 3001 Bern
jicc@br.mofa.go.jp
Tel. +41 (0) 31 305 15 70