Summary by Alex after successful participation in the program
The program’s name is both an acronym - standing for Mutual understanding, Intellectual Relations, and Academic exchange Initiative - and the Japanese word for “future”, aptly capturing its overarching objectives.
Participants in the program visit some of Japan’s most prestigious universities, meet with leading companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and customs. The program’s goal is to foster mutual understanding and friendly relations between strong future European researchers and experts, and Japan. This objective is further strengthened by the establishment of numerous personal connections through enriching discussions. By encouraging future academic and economic exchange, the MIRAI Program aims to lay the foundation for robust international relationships.
Participant Groups and Topics
For the 2024/2025 batch, 121 young individuals will participate, of whom I was among the 44 students who already traveled to Japan (Tokyo) in November 2024. Participants are divided into six thematic groups, each visiting Japan at different times and following unique, tailored programs. This year’s thematic groups are:
- Peacebuilding
- Diplomacy and Security Policy
- Economy and Business
- Science and Technology
- Environment and Green
- Rule of Law
I was part of Group 5 – Environment and Green, comprising 14 participants. Reflecting the broad scope of the theme, our academic backgrounds were equally diverse, ranging from agricultural sciences, architecture, and marketing to law, environmental engineering, and economics. Among the participants, 12 were master’s students, while one each was an advanced bachelor’s student and a PhD candidate.
Pre-departure Preparations
Before the trip, we attended two virtual sessions via Zoom. These sessions covered details about the program and travel logistics, as well as essential information on Japanese customs, culture, and language. The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), the organization responsible for program implementation both online and on-site, handled all flight-, hotel-, and other arrangements. This allowed participants to focus entirely on the program’s content and maximize their learning.
Program Highlights in Japan
During the intensive program, held from November 6 to November 11 under perfect autumn weather, our group focused on various aspects of sustainability in Japan. We explored the current state and future ambitions of sustainability initiatives from both research and business perspectives. Additionally, we immersed ourselves in Japanese culture, both through the official program and during informal evening activities. Below are some standout highlights from Group 5’s official program:
Visit to Waseda University
At Waseda University, Professor NOZU Takahashi delivered an insightful lecture on the environmental awareness of the Japanese population. Following the lecture, we engaged in discussions with local students, exchanging viewpoints and learning firsthand about shared challenges and areas where Europe and Japan can learn from one another. Topics ranged from overarching themes like environmental consciousness to specific practical insights.
One fascinating anecdote for me, as an avid home cook, was learning about a Japanese method of thickening leftover cooking oil with powder for disposal in household waste - contrast this with the more complex disposal practices in Europe.
Lecture by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
NEDO presented its mission to transition Japan from reliance on fossil fuels to a
hydrogen-based society. While the Japanese government has set ambitious goals for 2030, broader public support and recognition of these efforts remain limited. However, NEDO remains steady in their overall vision and believes in a positive future development.
Kawasaki City Environment Research Institute (LiSE)
At LiSE, we learned how Kawasaki City, once dominated by heavy industry, transformed into one of Japan’s cities with the best air quality. In the 1960s, the city suffered severe air pollution, leading to high rates of asthma, many deaths annually, and significant public protests. Hearing about the journey from that period to today, where such improvements were achieved despite the ongoing strong density of industry, was both inspiring and hopeful. This case demonstrated that local interventions can drive substantial change and highlighted the potential for similar approaches in other communities worldwide.
Cultural Excursions
Among the many cultural experiences, to me, a visit to the World Heritage Oshino-Hakkai Park and the Yamanashi Prefectural Fujisan World Heritage Center stood out. Although the iconic peak of Mount Fuji was, for the first time in 130 years, not snow-capped due to the effects of human-made climate change, its majestic presence over the vibrant autumn landscape was breathtaking.
Visits to Government Ministries
On the final day, we visited two ministries. At the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), we learned about regulatory interventions aimed at decarbonizing Japan’s most polluting industries. The session concluded with a lively discussion with officials, comparing European and Japanese approaches. Later, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MOFA), we presented our personal insights during the closing session, attended by Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. FUKAZAWA Yoichi. Meeting such a high- ranking official and engaging in direct dialogue was a true honor for all of us.
Post-Program Responsibilities/Action Plan for Dissemination
Upon returning, we are tasked with sharing our experiences and promoting the program to interested peers at our universities (for students like myself) or workplaces (for employed participants). I hope this report provides a helpful overview. For further details, I have compiled an FAQ, opens a file in a new window, which can be accessed below. Should you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the JASEC team, who will forward your inquiries to me. I will both respond directly to you and incorporate your questions into the FAQ.
どうもありがとう。
Alexander Schweitzer