Japan’s Friendship Ties “MIRAI” Exchange Program 2025/2026

If you are a promising young leader studying in fields such as International Relations, Diplomacy, Environmental Science, SDGs-related fields, Arts and Culture, Japan Studies, etc., applications are now open for Japan’s Friendship Ties Program “MIRAI” (Mutual understanding, Intellectual Relations and Academic Exchange Initiative). Backed by the Japanese government and arranged via the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), this program offers an intensive in-Japan exchange, online pre-exchange activities, site visits, and opportunities to build a basis for future cooperation between Japan and your region. The application deadline is October 15, 2025. Here's everything you need to know.

🌎 Programme Summary

• Organizer: Government of Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), implemented by Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE)

• Program Name: Japan’s Friendship Ties Program “MIRAI” Visiting Japan Program 2025/2026

• Target Group: Undergraduate students, Graduate students, and young professionals from eligible countries in Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Applicants must be 20 years old or older; for certain groups (e.g. Rule of Law), applicants aged 20-30.

• Fields of Focus: Diplomacy, Security Policies, Economics, Science & Technology, Arts & Culture, International Relations, Environmental Sciences, SDGs-related studies, Asian Studies, Japan Studies, or other related fields.

• Themes & Duration in Japan:

  • Peacebuilding (Western Balkans): Feb 13–Feb 19, 2026 (14 participants)

  • Diplomacy and Security Policy: Jan 14–Jan 20, 2026 (17 participants)

  • SDGs Business and Innovation: Jan 14–Jan 20, 2026 (26 participants)

  • Rule of Law (Central Asia and Caucasus Region): Jan 14–Jan 20, 2026 (12 participants)

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025, at 1:00 AM UTC / 10:00 AM Japan Standard Time

• Program Start Date in Japan: Varies by theme (January–February 2026)

• Eligible Countries: Applicants from Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus (including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and many others)

📚 Programme Overview and Themes

The MIRAI Visiting Japan Program is organized around specific themes. Each group has a tailored program itinerary including lectures, workshops, site visits, and cultural immersion. For 2025/2026, the themes are:

• Peacebuilding (Western Balkans)

  • Duration: Feb 13–19, 2026

  • Participants: 14

  • Focus: Conflict resolution, reconciliation, post-conflict development, diplomacy, and regional cooperation

• Diplomacy and Security Policy

  • Duration: Jan 14–20, 2026

  • Participants: 17

  • Focus: Geopolitics, Japanese foreign policy, security challenges, and international relations

• SDGs Business and Innovation

  • Duration: Jan 14–20, 2026

  • Participants: 26

  • Focus: Sustainable business, innovation, circular economy, and Japan’s contribution to SDGs

• Rule of Law (Central Asia & Caucasus Region)

  • Duration: Jan 14–20, 2026

  • Participants: 12

  • Focus: Legal systems, governance, public administration, business law, and rule of law in development

🧭 What’s Expected from Participants

Participants must commit to several things before, during, and after the program:

• Pre-exchange participation

  • Attend two online pre-exchange sessions (December & pre-departure)

  • Participate in orientation, lectures, and virtual exchanges with Japanese students/experts

• Active participation in Japan

  • Join all scheduled lectures, site visits, cultural exchange events, and workshops

• Action Plan & Reporting

  • Develop and present an action plan in Japan

  • Implement the plan within 3 months after returning home (or explain longer timeline)

  • Submit an After-Action Report (AAR) online

• Dissemination

  • Share experiences on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) during and after the program

  • Present findings at your institution or in public forums

• Feedback & Surveys

  • Answer questionnaires before, during, and after the program

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Citizens of eligible countries in Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia - See here

• Undergraduate or graduate students, or young professionals (status must remain unchanged through program)

• Age: 20 years or older (20–30 years for Rule of Law group)

• Academic excellence (top 20%)

• English proficiency sufficient for discussions and presentations

• Must be in good health (physically & mentally, able to manage intensive schedule)

• Not eligible if:

  • You have lived in Japan more than 6 months

  • You have already participated in MIRAI or other Japanese government-funded exchange programs

🎁 Benefits & Coverage

• Fully funded by the Government of Japan (via JICE)

• Covers international travel, accommodation, internal transportation, and program activities

• Access to lectures, cultural activities, university exchanges, and research site visits

• Hands-on experience with Japan’s traditions and cutting-edge innovations

• Networking with Japanese students, professors, experts, and peers from other countries

• Recognition and certification of participation

📝 Application Procedure

How to Apply

• Apply via the designated online application portal provided by your local Japanese Embassy/Consulate

• Submit all required documents by October 15, 2025

🗂️ Documents Required - Download forms here

• Valid passport copy (photo page)

• Signed “Letter of Understanding”

• Signed “Handling of Personal Information & GDPR Privacy Policy” (Annex 2/3)

• Academic transcript + Certificate of enrollment (students) OR Certificate of employment (young professionals)

• Recent headshot (within 3 months)

📆 Important Dates

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 (1:00 AM UTC / 10:00 AM JST)

• Program Dates in Japan: January–February 2026 (varies by theme)

• Result Notification: End of November 2025 via email

🔗 Official Website

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