On November 8 and December 6, 2020, JICE hosted the 1st and the 2nd KAKEHASHI Project alumni online events to promote networking among the ex-participants of the project targeting North America. KAKEHASHI Project is under Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs launched by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). JICE has been commissioned by the MoFA to implement the KAKEHASHI Project since FY2015.
A total of 36 alumni from the United States, Canada and Japan attended the 1st event held on November 8. They were split into small groups and shared their own experiences of the KAKEHASHI Project after introducing themselves. In addition, they discussed “life in the COVID-19 era”, and deepened their understandings of countermeasures against new coronavirus infections in each country and Japan’s safety in terms of the measures against the infectious disease. Also, they had an opinion exchange about “prospective international exchanges in the post COVID-19 era” to uplift their motivation for alumni activities and international exchanges. At the 2nd event held on December 6, a total of 26 alumni from above mentioned three countries enjoyed exchanging their opinions under the same themes discussed at the 1st event.
These are some comments from the attendees: “It was a very fruitful time. I am happy to make new friends from different walks of life.” “In this COVID-19 situation, we can’t travel abroad. But by attending this online event, I think I can keep my motivation upward.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still challenging to conduct face-to-face inbound/outbound programs. However, JICE determines to make every effort to promote mutual understanding, and plan more online exchange programs that will keep and enhance the friendship between Japan and foreign countries.

OBAYASHI Yuki
Youth Exchange Division, International Exchanges Department