MIRAI Program 2026/2027 | Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands

The Government of Japan will invite European undergraduate/graduate students from the Netherlands to participate in JAPAN’S FRIENDSHIP TIES PROGRAM "MIRAI" (MIRAI means 'Future' in Japanese), a short-term youth exchange program.

Objectives
(1) To deepen understanding of Japan and its policy
(2) To promote mutual understandings
(3) To build a basis for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and Europe

Program
Duration: Approximately 7 days
Contents:

(1) Online pre-exchange program (two days)
- Orientation including guidance on how to share their learning and finding about Japan by utilizing social media
- Lecture on the theme-related contents
- Virtual exchange and discussion with Japanese students / experts
(2) Program in Japan
- Lectures on the theme-related contents and discussions with Japanese students
- Site visits to educational and research institutions
- Visits to local areas
- Workshop and reporting session
- Dissemination of information on what participants learned in the program and the attractions of Japan

Applicants from the Netherlands could apply for any of these themes:

Group 2: Diplomacy and Security Policy [Dec 2 –Dec 8, 2026]
Group 4: Science and Technology [Jan 20 – Jan 26, 2027]
Online pre-exchange programs are mandatory.
* Applicants from the Netherlands is not eligible for either the Group 1: Peacebuilding, Group 3: Economy and Business, or Group 5: AI Startup

How to apply

Please apply through the special website

.

*Application deadline: August 31 at 1:00 am (Universal Time Coordinated) / at 10 am（Japan Standard Time ）. (No extension allowed)

*Important Notes for Applicants

Before applying, please carefully read the MIRAI Application Guidelines.

Key points:

• You must be 20 years or older at the time of travel.

• You must hold a nationality of an eligible country as specified in the Application Guidelines and must not hold Japanese nationality.

• You must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a university located in an eligible country as specified in the Application Guidelines.

• You must have a strong academic record and good English proficiency.

• You are not eligible if you have:

o lived in Japan for a continuous period of more than six months, or

o previously participated in MIRAI or similar exchange programs funded by the Government of Japan.

Application Schedule

August 31 at 1:00 am (Universal Time Coordinated): Application closes
Early September : Preliminary Screening
September 10: Online Interview
*Only applicants who pass the preliminary screening will be invited to the online interview. Only those who pass the preliminary screening will be notified by email by September 4.

Inquiries

Please read the Application Guidelines carefully. If you still have any inquiries, please contact JICE (Japan International Cooperation Center)

.