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Atago Exchange Program: Bridging Cultures through Culinary Arts and Cinema

The Atago Rotary Club, located in Minato, Tokyo, is gearing up to host an innovative cultural exchange program aimed at fostering ties between young people from Japan and India. Scheduled for October 18 and November 15, 2025, the "Atago Exchange Program" seeks to build friendships and mutual understanding through shared experiences in cooking and film appreciation. The program is supported by the non-profit organization ZESDA, dedicated to promoting cross-cultural dialogue.

Purpose and Overview

The Atago Rotary Club operates with a mission to serve both local and international communities. The Atago Exchange Program is specifically designed to connect Japanese youth interested in Indian culture with young individuals from India hoping to make friends in Japan. Comprising two interactive events, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore each other's cultures.

First Session: Experiencing Indian Culture

On October 18, participants will gather at the Minato City Gender Equality Participation Center, located at Shibaura, for a day filled with activities that include making authentic Indian spice curry and watching culturally significant films. Participants will take part in a World Cafe-style discussion, allowing for deeper interactions and exchanges of ideas.

The day's schedule will include:

• - Ice-Breaking Activities: Participants will introduce themselves and engage in team-building exercises.
• - Culinary Experience: Everyone will collaborate to cook and enjoy a traditional Indian spice curry, catering to both halal and vegetarian preferences.
• - Film Viewing: Attendees will watch a movie that highlights the cultural nuances of India, with Japanese subtitles provided for better understanding.
• - Discussion: After the film, participants will share their thoughts and perceptions, further enhancing the cultural exploration through dialogue.

Second Session: Presenting Cultural Insights

On November 15, the program will shift focus to cultural presentations at the LEC Tokyo Legal Mind Nakano School. This session will not only allow participants to showcase their understanding of Japan and India but will also feature presentations that focus on unique contributions of both cultures on a global scale. This session will include:

• - Presentation Workshops: An informative ice-breaking session will relay the format and expectations for the presentations.
• - Competitive Presentations: Participants will deliver talks about the unique strengths of Japanese and Indian cultures, judged by representatives from the Rotary and the Indian Embassy.
• - World Cafe Discussion: A thought-provoking roundtable on the unique roles India and Japan can play in the world.
• - Awards: A highlight of the program will be recognizing the best presentation as voted by the audience and judged by esteemed attendees.

Target Audience and Participation

The Atago Exchange Program invites applications from young individuals aged 15 to 25, specifically those interested in Indian culture, Japanese youth eager to make friends from India, and youth from other Asian countries with similar interests. A total of 36 spots are available for participants, and attendance for both days is a requirement, free of charge.

Application Process

Interested participants can sign up through the following link: Registration Form. It is important to note that the two events are part of a single program, emphasizing the need for commitment from those who enroll.

Media and Future Engagement

Both events will be covered by the media, with the intention of sharing recorded discussions and highlights on platforms like YouTube after the completion of the program.

For any inquiries regarding the Atago Exchange Program, please reach out to the organizing committee at: [email protected].

Conclusion

The Atago Exchange Program is more than just an event; it is a doorway to mutual understanding and lifelong friendships between the youth of Japan and India. By merging culinary arts with cinema, participants will embark on a transformative journey that bridges cultures and ignites dialogues. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a vibrant cultural exchange that aims to create a better understanding of our diverse world.