KAKEHASHI Project Pre-Departure Session 2016
On November 17th, students from Carleton University and the University of Ottawa convened at the Embassy of Japan for a briefing session on the 2016 Kakehashi Project.
Kakehashi Project, “bridging” in Japanese, is North American version of the Japan’s Friendship Ties Programme, which is an international initiative to promote people to people exchanges between Japan and regions around the world. Among about 100 Canadian students who are expected to take part in this programme in FY2016, a group of 17 students were selected from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Ambassador Monji welcomed the participants with a speech on the importance for Canada and Japan to deepen their understanding with one another. He also encouraged the participants to explore various cultural aspects of Japan including culinary delights.
Other speakers included Minister Yasunari Morino from the Embassy of Japan, as well as Christopher Burton, Director of the Japan Division and Allen Brown, Deputy Director of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Division from Global Affairs Canada. The speakers provided insight into this year’s topic of nuclear non-proliferation.
The meeting was concluded by Ms. Christine Nakamura, Director of Public Relations at the Asia-Pacific Foundation Canada. She reviewed a number of cultural topics unique to Japan that the participants will encounter on their trip, such as gift-giving (omiyage) and proper Japanese meal etiquette.
