Fukushima Prefecture, whilst initiating a variety of exchanges with various regions of the world, also looks to create a network of information, goods and people with a rounded global understanding.

As we progress towards laying the foundations to a society dedicated to peaceful co-existence, respectful of individual cultures and values, we also aim to create a region that is suitable as a staging ground for global exchange.

These basic ideals are contained in the Internationalization Promotion Plan of Fukushima Prefecture,which aims to coordinate the efforts of the cities, towns and villages of Fukushima Prefecture, along with various related organizations, private enterprises and the citizens themselves.

We hope to unite the strands of these various policies and activities which are helping to advance the internationalization of Fukushima as we approach the 21st century.

 

CURRENT EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS AROUND THE GLOBE

 

・Canada (Agreement ratified 27th October 1993)
・China (Agreement ratified May 1994)
・New Zealand (Agreement ratified October,1996)

Through the JET Programme, the Fukushima Prefectural Government employs CIRs (co-ordinators for International Relations) from each of these 3 countries. In addition, 27 municipalities within the prefecture are linked with 34 regions overseas, and are currently enjoying sister-city or friendly cooperation exchanges.


YOUTH IN INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION MEETING

 

Junior and high school students in Fukushima usually stay at the JICA Nihonmatsu Training Center (This year the place will change) and deepen their understanding of cross culture, international cooperation and volunteer activities.

 
FUKUSHIMA GLOBAL SEMINAR

 

In local communities and schools, we raise people's awareness of global issues, such as the environment, poverty and human rights and nurture human resources to be engaged in measures towards a solution.
SEMINAR ON DEMAND & DISPACHING LECTURERS

 

We hold seminars on demand by sending CIRs (Coordinators for International Relations), people from abroad, and former Overseas Volunteers as lecturers. Please contact the International Affairs Division for more information.


GLOBAL CITIZEN'S FESTIVAL

 

In addition to an activity report and a panel exhibition of NGOs that are engaged in international exchange and cooperation in and out of Fukushima prefecture, there are various corners, including foreign food and folk music from around the world and a counseling corner for those who are interested in volunteer activities for international cooperation, studying overseas and working holiday programmes.
JAPAN EXCHANGE & TEACHING PROGRAMME

 

The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations(CLAIR) administers the JET programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, and Local Governments. The programme invites participants from overseas to live and work in Japan , assisting with regional level exchange and English language instruction.


AMBASSADOR OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

 

Fukushima Prefecture delegates people as an ‘Ambassador of International Exchange' to JICA Overseas Volunteers from Fukushima in order to ask them to work as a bridge between Fukushima residents and people around the world by introducing the life-style and culture of the countries where they were dispatched.


FUKUSHIMA NEW ZEALAND PROGRAMME

 

International Languages Aotearoa New Zealand (ILANZ) and the Prefecture of Fukushima, Japan, share a mutual interest in promoting educational initiatives between the two countries. During September/October, Fukushima hosts 2 New Zealand teachers of Japanese who get to experience the "real" Japan and visit schools over a period of 10 days while also trying out some traditional Japanese cultural and historical experiences.


THE FOUNDATION OF A GLOBAL CITIZEN NETWORK

 

The foreign participants of all the projects detailed above form part of what is known as the Global Citizen Network, facilitating exchange with local residents actively involved with internationalization.


 

　
Correspondence Address:
International Affairs Division, Fukushima Prefectural Government,2-16 Sugitsumacho, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan 960-8670
Tel: (Int.+81) 024-521-7182 Fax 024-521-7919 e-mail: kokusai@pref.fukushima.jp
　


　

You Can Contact Us:
kokusai@pref.fukushima.jp or cir_au@pref.fukushima.jp
Copyright (C) International Affairs Division
Fukushima Prefectural Government, Japan