Study Tour of Japan for European Youth 2009

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan invites young Europeans for a ten-day group study tour of Japan in September and October 2009 respectively.

The objective is, in the short term, to inspire participants' interest on Japan through experiences on many aspects of Japan (i.e. Japanese politics, economy, culture, society etc.). It is hoped that in the longer term, the participants' deeper understanding of Japan gained during this Tour will contribute to strengthening future ties between Japan and European countries.

1. Applicants are required to meet the following conditions: Nationals of the following countries: Andorra (Application at Japanese Embassy in France), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus (at Embassy in Greece), Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein (at Embassy in Switzerland), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta (at Embassy in Italy), Monaco(at Embassy in France), the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino (at Embassy in Italy), Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, EU* * “EU applicants” are limited to officers and trainees of the EU Institutions– European Commission, Council of the EU, European Parliament etc.- with the nationality of the 27 Member States. Dual nationals of Japan are not entitled to apply. Aged 20-29 as of 1 st June 2009 Able to communicate effectively in English Others Applicants have never been in Japan before and have no plan to visit Japan in the near future. Applicants are expected to be enthusiastic, sociable and well suited to group activities for the Tour. Participants are required to submit a short report and answer a questionnaire after the Tour.

2. Outline of the Tour Duration (plan) Group A: from 28 th September to 8 th October 2009 Group B: from 19 th to 29 th October 2009 Number of Participants Up to 54 persons in total (27 persons per group) Plan of Study Tour Experiencing cultural, economic and political aspects of Japan from both traditional and modern perspectives through lectures, visits and hands-on experiences. Discussions with Japanese youth. Visits to regional cities in Japan Stay with a host family.

Applications are required to be sent to the Japanese Embassy/Consulates General in the applicant's country of nationality. (This rule, in principle, applies also to applicants residing in another country.)

*“EU applicants” mentioned above are requested to send their applications to the Mission of Japan to the European Union in Brussels.

Deadline

Applications are required to be sent by 1st June 2009.