• Founded in 1952, the Fulbright Japan exchange program is one of the most prestigious Fulbright programs in the world and includes 10,000 Japanese

Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Celebrations were held at the US Embassy in Tokyo on Friday on the 70th anniversary of the US-Japan Fulbright exchange program.

The celebration included Emperor Naruhito and Empress Michiko as guests.

Also in attendance were US Embassy to Japan Chargé d’Affaires Raymond Greene and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Takeo Mori.

A number of private donors to the Fulbright Japan exchange program were also present, including Abitus President Toyoaki “Tony” Miwa, Seiko Watch President Akio Naito, and Glen S. Fukushima, who recently announced the largest single donation by a US citizen to the US-Japan Fulbright exchange program.

Chargé d’Affaires Greene lauded the impact Fulbright has had on the two nations: “The United States and Japan have never been closer, whether it is security cooperation through our alliance, creating economic opportunities through our businesses, or advancing our shared values. All that we accomplish today has some root in the Fulbright Program, whose participants have contributed to the peace and prosperity that we champion in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

Co-Chair of the Fulbright Commission and Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Naoko Okamura commented: “In recent years, the international community has been facing numerous challenges, making Japan’s relationship with the United States even more important for global peace, security, and prosperity. We expect that the Fulbright Program will play an even greater role in fostering the leaders of the next generation in both our countries.”

Founded in 1952, the Fulbright Japan exchange program is one of the most prestigious Fulbright programs in the world and includes 10,000 Japanese and American exchange alumni.

Japanese Fulbright alumni include four Nobel Prize winners, government ministers and university presidents.