To promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and nations worldwide, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan conducts Japan's Friendship Ties Programs, which send approximately 5,000 people to or from Japan each year. The North American portion of these programs is called the Kakehashi Project. The Japanese word "kakehashi" means "bridge," symbolizing the lasting relationships participants form with Japan and its people as they become bridges between both nations and cultures.
The objectives of The Kakehashi Project are:
- To promote mutual trust and understanding among the people of Japan and Canada, building a basis for future friendship and co-operation;
- To increase global understanding of Japan's economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics, and foreign policy;
- To spark greater engagement between the youth of Japan and Canada and inspire young leaders and scholars to contribute to the development of Japan and Canada's diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationships; and,
- To broaden the network of interest in Japan as a destination for travel, study, and work using social media, word of mouth, and other grassroots outlets for communication.
On behalf of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), administers the Japan-Canada Kakehashi Project. To date, the Kakehashi Project has facilitated exchanges for over 1,200 high school students, university students, and young professionals from Canada and Japan, giving them the opportunity to learn about and explore each other’s cultures.
