Strengthening Ties Between Japan and SAARC Nations Through JENESYS Online Program

Exploring Japan's Role in SAARC Nations: The JENESYS Online Program

The JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) online program aims to foster deeper understanding and collaboration between Japan and the seven SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries. Participants include high school students, university students, graduate students, and young professionals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. Through lectures, discussions, cultural experiences, and school exchanges, this initiative aims to cultivate mutual appreciation and strengthen diplomatic relations between Japan and these neighboring nations.

Overview of the Program

The JENESYS program is sponsored by the Japanese government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of its efforts to enhance human exchanges between Japan and countries across Asia and the Pacific. The program not only enhances the interest and understanding of Japan among foreign youth but also aims to encourage these participants to share their experiences and knowledge about Japan domestically and internationally. This year, the program will be conducted entirely online from February 2 to February 5, 2026.

Program Schedule

- February 2 (Monday): Orientation Day
- February 3 (Tuesday): Theme-related lectures from the Gifu Women’s University South Asia Research Center, featuring special researcher Daisuke Akimoto.
- February 4 (Wednesday): School exchange with the Hokkaido Adachi Gakuen Sapporo Manga, Anime & Voice Acting College.
- February 5 (Thursday): Cultural experience program focused on making traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) and a final reporting session.

This initiative is an excellent opportunity for youths from SAARC countries to gain insights into Japan’s contributions to the region and to brainstorm ways to collaborate for a better future.

Insights on SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) serves as a framework for promoting regional cooperation among its member countries, which include eight nations: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan. Established in 1985, SAARC aims to improve the welfare of people in South Asia through economic and social development, cultural cooperation, and mutual assistance.

Overall, the JENESYS program exemplifies Japan’s commitment to building long-lasting relationships with its neighbors, fostering dialogue and understanding that can contribute to regional stability and cooperation. The dreams of future collaborations lie in the hands of today’s youth, and through programs like JENESYS, these young individuals can become the next bridge between cultures.

For further information about the JENESYS program and its objectives or the SAARC organization, interested individuals can refer to the official websites of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the SAARC initiative.

The JENESYS program represents a significant investment in the future of international cooperation, aiming to empower the next generation with the tools they need to foster goodwill and understanding across cultural divides. The young participants not only gain knowledge about Japan but also become ambassadors of cultural understanding, equipped to share their experiences with their peers back home, thus reinforcing the bonds of friendship between nations.