JENESYS Program Marks 70 Years of Japan-Laos Diplomatic Relations

Celebrating 70 Years of Japan-Laos Diplomatic Relations

In 2025, Japan marks the significant milestone of 70 years of diplomatic relations with Laos. To commemorate this anniversary, the JENESYS program is launching an initiative aimed at promoting local revitalization and regional development through cultural exchanges. This special program invites Laotian graduate and undergraduate students to visit Japan, where they will engage in thematic lectures, site visits, and homestay experiences designed to deepen their understanding of Japanese society.

Purpose of the Program

The main goal of this initiative is to foster friendship and trust between the two nations. During their stay, the Laotian students will gain insights into Japan's approaches to local revitalization and community promotion, particularly in the context of addressing pressing social issues in Laos such as urban migration among youth and a shortage of individuals to carry forward agricultural and traditional cultural practices. The program aims to facilitate mutual understanding between Japan and Laos, fostering a sense of global solidarity and cooperation among future generations.

Program Overview

The JENESYS exchange program will take place from September 30 to October 7, 2025. A select group of five university students from Laos will be hosted in major Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The program will consist of activities that provide a comprehensive educational experience:

- September 30: Arrival in Japan, orientation, and a lecture on urban development leveraging historical and cultural assets, facilitated by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
- October 1: School exchanges with Aoyama Gakuin University, followed by a site visit to the Furusato Kaiki Support Center in Tokyo, focused on promoting domestic migration and local community exchange.
- October 2: Travel to Osaka to explore the Osaka-Kansai Expo's regional significance.
- October 3: Further site visits in Kyoto, including meetings with MP-Strategy Co., Ltd., and an introduction to host families as part of the homestay experience.
- October 4: Continuation of the homestay, allowing students to immerse themselves in local Japanese culture.
- October 5: A farewell gathering hosted by the host families, followed by a visit to Toji Temple and a workshop to prepare for reporting on their experiences.
- October 6: Return to Tokyo for a reporting session where students will present their learnings and experiences during their stay.
- October 7: Departure from Japan back to Laos.

Language and Implementation

The program will be conducted in both Japanese and Lao languages, allowing participants to engage fully with the material and interact with their hosts and peers. It will be organized by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), which oversees projects under the JENESYS framework. This initiative, backed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to strengthen people's connections between Japan and various countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Engaging for the Future

The JENESYS program represents an invaluable opportunity for Laotian students to foster global perspectives and enhance their understanding of Japan's societal dynamics. By laying down the groundwork for future collaborations, this program aims to inspire young leaders capable of addressing the challenges both nations face. Through these exchanges, the hopes of bridging cultural gaps and fostering economic and social cooperation will be amplified, ensuring that the next generation is well equipped to nurture and celebrate their shared histories and futures.

To learn more about the JENESYS program and its ongoing projects, visit Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For inquiries regarding this specific initiative, reach out to the JICE International Exchange Department via their contact form here.