MIRAI Program 2025/2026
Updated on October 10, 2025
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
Group 3: SDGs Business and Innovation
[Program term in Japan: Jan 14 – Jan 20, 2026]
Online pre-exchange programs are mandatory.
* Applicants from the Netherlands is not eligible for either the Group 1. Peacebuilding or the Group 4. Rule of Law.
How to apply
*Important Notes for Applicants
Application Schedule
Mid-October: Preliminary Screening
October 22: 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 October 20.