Web Desk
ABU DHABI: The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) proudly coordinated a cultural exchange program that brought 24 high school students from Tokyo to the United Arab Emirates, fostering meaningful interactions and cultural understanding with Emirati students. This exchange event, held in collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education and local schools in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), aimed to deepen the bond between the youth of Japan and the UAE, promoting mutual respect and learning through shared experiences.
Over two days, on October 23 and 24, Japanese students from six high schools in Tokyo— Shinjuku Yamabuki, Engei, Adachi Koka, Daisan Shogyo, Sumida Koka, and Mizuho Nogei —participated in engaging activities with UAE high school students at Secondary Model School for boys, Sharjah, Khawla Bint Tahlaba Girls’ School in Sharjah, and Zainab School for Basic and Secondary Education for Girls in RAK. The program provided a unique platform for students from both nations to connect, learn about each other’s traditions, and develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity.
On October 24, the program held at Khawla Bint Tahlaba Girls’ School was honored by the presence of Mr. IMANISHI Jun, Consul-General of Japan to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, H.E. Amna Al Saleh, Acting Executive Director of Education Development Sector and Director of Smart Data from the Ministry of Education, and Ms. Jamila Almoqahwi, Principal of Khawla Bint Tahlaba Girls’ School. Their attendance underscored the importance of this initiative and the strong support from both countries for fostering youth cultural exchanges.
Event Highlights: The cultural exchange program included a series of interactive sessions that allowed students to explore each other’s heritage. Highlights of the event included:
- Cultural Presentations: Japanese students introduced aspects of Japanese culture, such as traditional festivals, arts, and modern technology, while Emirati students showcased UAE’s rich heritage, customs, and the spirit of Emirati hospitality. The presentations fostered a mutual understanding and sparked curiosity among students, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue and connection.
- Traditional Games and Ice-Breakers: Students participated in traditional Japanese games, including Mametsukami, a Japanese chopsticks challenge and Fukuwarai, a Japanese paper game similar to “pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.” These icebreakers helped bridge language barriers and encouraged teamwork and interaction in a fun, light-hearted manner.
- Lunch Featuring Japanese and Emirati Cuisine: Sharing a meal is an essential cultural experience, and students enjoyed a diverse lunch that featured both Japanese and Emirati dishes. This culinary exchange allowed them to explore each other’s tastes and traditions, further enhancing their understanding of cultural nuances.
- Field Trip to Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: The Japanese students had the opportunity to visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, accompanied by Emirati students. This visit provided the Japanese students with insights into Islamic art, history, and the cultural significance of the UAE’s heritage, creating a well-rounded cultural experience during their stay.
Objectives and Impact: The primary objective of the program was to promote cultural understanding and inspire UAE students to pursue Japanese language studies. By directly interacting with their Japanese peers, Emirati students could visualize the relevance of learning Japanese, while Japanese students gained firsthand exposure to UAE’s traditions and the warmth of Emirati hospitality.
Mr. KANAMORI Tokuya, Managing Director of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “This exchange is a valuable opportunity for young minds to engage across cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding. We hope this experience not only enhances students’ cultural knowledge but also inspires lifelong connections and friendships.”
Voices from the Students: Ms. Aia Elhadi, a Grade 11 student at Khawla Bint Tahlaba Girls’ School who has been studying Japanese language for three years, shared her thoughts on the experience: “Meeting Japanese students and learning about their culture was an eye-opening experience. It made me appreciate both our similarities and differences. I feel even more motivated to continue learning Japanese and to deepen my connection with Japan.”
Similarly, Ms. ADACHI Kanon, a visiting student from Daisan Shogyo High School, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Visiting the UAE and engaging with Emirati students gave us a new perspective on Middle Eastern culture. The warmth and kindness we received here have left a lasting impact on all of us. I now have friends in the UAE, and I hope to stay connected with them.”
Future Prospects: This cultural exchange program aligns with JICE’s ongoing mission to foster international cooperation and understanding through educational and cultural initiatives. The success of this program reinforces the commitment between Japan and the UAE to build strong, friendly relations that begin at the grassroots level with the youth.
JICE looks forward to continuing and expanding such initiatives, supporting the vision of both nations to nurture globally minded citizens who can bridge cultures and contribute positively to an interconnected world.
