Announcement: MIRAI programme 2019

On behalf of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Norway is happy to announce that we are accepting applications for the short term invitation program MIRAI 2019, a programme inviting graduate and undergraduate students from Europe and Central Asia to Japan.

The MIRAI programme is intended to offer an opportunity to (i) promote mutual trust and understanding among the people of Japan and Europe to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation, (ii) promote a global understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics and foreign policy, and (iii) disseminate information on Japan’s attracttions through communication tools including social media. Accordingly, the scheme should help to set in place a solid foundation for the relationship between Japan and these regions in the future.

The chosen candidates will participate in a one-week tour of Japan. Visits may include top-tier technological and infrastructural sites, unique historical and cultural sites, and some academically beneficial opportunities.
 

1. Applicants are Norwegian nationals and do not have Japanese nationality
2. Applicants (University students, Graduate school students) must be enrolled at a university/college in one of the following countries

• Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan

3. Applicants have a valid passport that is valid during the entire period of the program. If you do not have a valid passport, you have to obtain one before the submission of the application form.
4. Applicants do not have experience of residing in Japan for more than six months. Or had never be accepted Japanese government sponsored scholastic exchange programs before.
5. Applicants must be aged 20 or over.
6. Applicants submit photocopy of certification of your latest academic grade.
7. Applicants can communicate with other participants in English without difficulty.
8. Applicants must be healthy physically and mentally.
9. Applicants are ready to commit to share their experiences and knowledge of Japan during and after the program through Social Networking Services, mainly Facebook with Open privacy status concerning MIRAI experiences.

Students at Norwegian universities/colleges are invited to apply for a place in the following groups:

1. Politics & Security
Period: 27 November-4 December 2019
Application deadline: 5 October 2019

2. Economics & Business
Period: 11-19 December 2019
Application deadline: 15 October 2019

Participants will attend lectures on Japan and its major policies and exchange views with Japanese students. They will also travel to local areas and learn about local industries and traditional culture, then in Tokyo they will have sessions to report the outcome of the visit.

Please apply on this website within the deadline spesified above (5 or 15 October). Applications received after the deadline will not be taken into consideration.

Please make yourself available for a remote interview (by Skype or similar services) during the week after the deadline.