ISLAMABAD, Monday, December 8, 2025 (WNP): Five Pakistani university students will travel to Japan later this month under the Japanese government’s Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) programme, aimed at promoting youth engagement, cultural exchange and mutual understanding across the Asia-Pacific region.

The students are scheduled to visit Japan from December 16 to 23 as part of a delegation of 35 high school and university students from SAARC countries.

This year’s programme is themed “Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience,” reflecting shared regional challenges and Japan’s expertise in disaster preparedness and environmental management.

Established by the Government of Japan, the JENESYS programme facilitates youth exchanges between Japan and countries across Asia and the Pacific, with the objective of strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering long-term cooperation. During their stay, participants will take part in a range of activities, including lectures, discussions and site visits, designed to enhance their understanding of Japan’s economy, history, political system and diplomatic engagement, alongside exposure to Japanese culture and society.

Ahead of the visit, the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad hosted a pre-departure orientation session for the Pakistani students, providing practical guidance and an overview of the programme’s objectives and activities.

Interacting with the students, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi conveyed his best wishes and expressed hope that the visit would be a meaningful and enriching experience. He encouraged the participants to make the most of the opportunity, highlighting the importance of the homestay component, which allows students and their Japanese host families to share and appreciate each other’s cultural traditions.

Ambassador Akamatsu also underscored the role of the visiting students as cultural ambassadors, noting that such exchanges help deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the longstanding friendship between Japan and Pakistan.

Held annually, the JENESYS programme focuses on capacity building and youth empowerment while nurturing dialogue and collaboration among young people from Japan and SAARC countries, contributing to stronger regional connections and shared learning on global challenges.