(※1) Organized by East Japan Railway Culture Foundation

　　(※2) Organized by the Asia Forum in Ishikawa Committee

Program Contents

★Keynote Speech

Dr. Shihoko NEMOTO, Associate Professor of Nihon University College of Economics, spoke on “What’s really important for individuals andsociety?- Aconsideration oncurrent Japan’s situations”. Reviewing the devastated states and aftermaths of the East Japan Earthquake in this lecture, the students examined how to createa sustainable social system under the limited natural resources.

★Student Sessions (Opening Seminar)
Joined by 8 Japanese Buddy-Students, the participants were divided into four groups and deepened their understanding of the problems currently Japan is facing through studying Japan’s modern history. They then discussed how to revitalize Japan which is often said to be losing its former attractiveness. As interim report, they conducted a brief Group Presentation on the last day of the Opening Seminar. Continuously, JAL Scholars were requested tobegin further investigation into the same group theme, focusing onthe final symposium scheduled on the 14th July.

★Field trip
“Field trip” to experience Japan’s regional culture was organized by East Japan Railway Culture Foundation. This year,JAL Scholars visited Kamaishi-City which was hardly devastated by the East Japan Earthquake, and there they experienced precious activities including a volunteer cleanup. In Tono City, they made a courtesy visit to Mayor Tono, and had a memorable exchange with local elementary and junior high school students.

★Asia Forum in Ishikawa
This program included Kanazawa City Tour, Japanese Culture Experience,Fieldwork to localleading corporations, Lectures and Group Discussions in accordance with the theme　this year, “Bringing Back a Vibrant Japan － Our proposals from Ishikawa“. The students presented their achievements at the “2012Asia Forum in Ishikawa”, an open symposium held on the last day of the program. Twelve Japanese Buddy-Students from Ishikawa Prefecture also participated in the program and played a leading role in this Fieldwork and presentation.
※Coordinator: Dr. Matsuharu KAWABATA, Lecturer, Kanazawa University& Kanazawa Gakuin University

★International Exchange Festival
After the forum, all students joined the “International Exchange Festival”.They enjoyed a powerful taiko drum performance by the “ASAKATaiko”. Some Scholars are provided opportunities to try playing the real taiko. Subsequently, all students (both international and Japanese students) also performed their regional performances and deepened friendship and exchanges with local people.

★Hakusan City Program
After the brief lessons in creating Haiku, Scholars visited magnificent natural spots in Hakusan City. Being inspired by the nature, they tried composing their own poetry using Japanese.

★Program in collaboration with “AIESEC in Japan TOLC”
Through cooperation and support by the AIESEC in Japan TOLC(*), the Scholars took part in Fieldwork in the Tokyo’s Old Town area called “Shita-Machi”, debated about preservation of these old areas, they then toured the University of Tokyo campus.
(*)AIESEC in Japan University of Tokyo Local Committee

★Student Sessions (Closing Seminar)
On 14th July Saturday, Scholars conducted open symposium under the program main theme "Bringing Back a Vibrant Japan ～ What we can propose from younger's point of view ～".Ordinary citizens such as college students also participated as audiences. Reviewing all the program, and being based on the various knowledge and experiencesthey obtained in these 18 days, the Scholars presented and told Japanese audience what they learned and thought about Japan/Japanese through the whole Scholarship Program, using only Japanese language.

★Homestay
Homestay experiences with Japanese families in Ishikawa and Tokyo, with the aim of deepening students’ understanding of Japan through first-hand experience of Japanese life and customs.This year, nineteen families of Japan Airlines employees and retirees acted as host families in Tokyo, and twelve volunteer families cooperated in the program as host families in Ishikawa.

★Farewell Ceremony　(16-Jul-12)