Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) hosted a cultural exchange program in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education and local schools in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, bringing 24 high school students from Tokyo to the United Arab Emirates to foster meaningful interactions and cultural understanding between Japanese and Emirati students. 

Throughout the two-day program, from Oct. 23 to 24, Japanese students from high schools in Tokyo participated in engaging activities with UAE high school students at the Secondary Model School for Boys, Khawla Bint Tahlaba Girls’ School in Sharjah, and Zainab School for Basic and Secondary Education for Girls in Ras Al Khaimah.

IMANISHI Jun, Consul-General of Japan to Dubai, attended the program held at Khawla Bint Tahlaba Girls’ School on the 24th, alongside Amna Al Saleh, Acting Executive Director of the Education Development Sector and Director of Smart Data from the Ministry of Education. Their attendance underscored the importance of this initiative and the strong support from both countries for fostering youth cultural exchanges.

The program included a variety of activities, such as cultural presentations by Japanese and Emirati students, traditional games like the Japanese game Fukuwarai, and a field trip to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

These activities helped students foster mutual understanding and promoted cultural appreciation. Additionally, it inspired UAE students to pursue learning the Japanese language, as the direct interaction with their Japanese peers helped them to visualize the relevance of learning Japanese

“Meeting Japanese students and learning about their culture was an eye-opening experience,” said Aia Elhadi, a grade 11 student at Khawla Bint Tahlaba Girls’ School who has been studying Japanese for three years. “It made me appreciate both our similarities and differences. I feel even more motivated to continue learning Japanese and to deepen my connection with Japan.”

Similarly, ADACHI Kanon, a visiting student from Daisan Shogyo High School, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Visiting the UAE and engaging with Emirati students gave us a new perspective on Middle Eastern culture. The warmth and kindness we received here have left a lasting impact on all of us. I now have friends in the UAE, and I hope to stay connected with them.”

KANAMORI Tokuya, Managing Director of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, saying, “This exchange is a valuable opportunity for young minds to engage across cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding. We hope this experience not only enhances students’ cultural knowledge but also inspires lifelong connections and friendships.”

JICE looks forward to continuing and expanding such initiatives, supporting the vision of both nations to nurture globally minded citizens who can bridge cultures and contribute positively to an interconnected world.