Embassy of Japan in Belgium
在ベルギー日本国大使館

Study Tour of Japan

Study Tour of Japan
for European Youth 2010

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan invites young Europeans for a ten-day group study tour of Japan in November 2010. 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). It is hoped that the participants’ deeper understanding of Japan gained during this tour will contribute to strengthening future ties between Japan and European countries.

Applicants are required to meet the following conditions:

1. Belgian national
2. Aged 25-35 as of 1st June 2010
3. Able to communicate effectively in English
4. Others
   • Applicants are not student.
   • Applicants have never visited 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 essay. It is also required to answer to a questionnaire and submit a report after the Tour.
     The theme of the report is: “The future between Europe and Japan”

Applicants working for the European institutions (including interns) must submit application to
the Mission of Japan to the European Union.

Outline of the Tour

1. Duration(plan):
   Group A: from 8th to 18th November 2010
   Group B: Group B: from 29th November to 9th December 2010
2. Number of Participants: Up to 37 persons in total
3. 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.

Selection

1. Applications should include:
   • CV (free format with E-mail address & mobile number)
   • Cover letter
   • Short essay (one page in A4-sized paper) on:
     “What would you do to strengthen the relationship between Japan and your country (Europe or EU)”

   * Application documents must be typed.

2. Deadline:

   Applications are required to be sent by Friday 16 July 2010 to:

   E-mail: info@bx.mofa.go.jp (Please type "Study Tour of Japan 2010" on the subject line.)

   Fax: 02.514.53.33

   "Study Tour of Japan 2010"
   Cultural and Information Center
   of the Embassy of Japan
   Avenue des Arts 58
   1000 Brussels

   * We strongly recommend you apply early via e-mail.

3. Interview:

   Only applicants who passed the initial paper screening will be invited for an interview:

   Date: Friday 30 July 2010
   Place: Cultural and Information Center of the Embassy of Japan

For further information, please contact: Mr. Kino Cultural and Information Center of the Embassy of Japan Avenue des Arts 58 Kunstlaan, 1000 Brussels Tel: 02/511.23.07 Fax: 02/514.53.33 info@bx.mofa.go.jp

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Report written by Mr. François de Gaultier (Belgian participant 2010)

Report written by Ms. Marie Neyrinck (Belgian participant 2009)

Report written by Ms. Anne Drossart (Belgian participant 2008)

Report written by Mr. Steve Mees (Belgian participant 2007)

Report written by Mr. Daniel Garay (Belgian participant 2006)

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Sample Schedule

Attention! This is an exemple for you to understand the concept of the Study Tour.

Day 1
Arrive at Tokyo International Airport (Narita) Orientation Session and Check in by the European Policy Division, the European Afffairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Tokyo Prince Hotel	Tokyo
Day 2
Tokyo to Hiroshima by air Sightseeing in Hiroshima	Hiroshima
Day 3
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and have briefing by a survivor of A-bombing. Meet with the host families and start the home stay program	Hiroshima (Homestay)
Day 4
Hiroshima to Kyoto by JR Super Express Train Sightseeing in Kyoto	Kyoto
Day 5
Sightseeing in Kyoto Kyoto to Nara	Nara
Day 6
Sightseeing in Nara Kyoto to Tokyo by JR Super Express Train	Tokyo
Day 7
Visit Kitajimashiboriseisakusho Co., Ltd. Visit Sogetsu Kaikan for Ikebana activity Attend KABUKI performance at the Kabuki-za theater	Tokyo
Day 8
Visit "Panasonic Center Tokyo" Visit Meiji-jin-gu Visit "The Kodokan Judo Institute"	Tokyo
Day 9
Visit Diet Building Visit Hitotubashi University Japanese Drum Concert and Experience	Tokyo
Day 10
Visit Edo Tokyo Museum Visit Asakusa Area Farewell Party hosted by European Policy Division, the European Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs	Tokyo
Day 11
European Autumn Festival in Hibiya	Tokyo
Day 12
European Autumn Festival in Hibiya	Tokyo
Day 13
Leave Japan from Tokyo International Airport (Narita)	Tokyo