My JENESYS Experience

-????????? Syed Yusuf Saadat

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I am excited to share my recent participation in the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) (SAARC) Japan Exchange Programme, Batch 1, which focused on Connectivity and Economic Cooperation. As an economist deeply invested in studying regional dynamics and international cooperation, this programme was a thrilling opportunity to delve into the intricate network of connections between SAARC nations and Japan.

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The start of our trip was marked with a thorough orientation session on 5 December 2023. This session, which included a briefing on our travel to Japan and a lecture about Japanese society and culture, provided an essential basis for our future interactions. As an individual deeply fascinated with socio-economic dynamics, I found this workshop to offer interesting perspectives on our host country's cultural and socioeconomic subtleties.

Upon our arrival in Japan on 12 December 2023, we received a kind reception and more guidance. This first step gave us the essential resources to manage our upcoming interactions efficiently, establishing the foundation for meaningful connection.

A significant highlight of our programme was a presentation by Ms Kotake Yoko, a member of the South Asia Department Planning Division of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on 13 December 2023. Ms. Kotake's profound understanding of regional development and cooperation complexities offered enlightening and thought-provoking insights. Her comments illuminated potential avenues for collaboration between SAARC nations and Japan. In our conversation, I proposed the establishment of a South Asian Development Network by JICA to foster research cooperation between think tanks and universities of South Asian countries.

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?An essential component of our schedule was a formal visit to Ms Ito Yukari, the Deputy Mayor of Iiyama City, on 14 December 2023. This diplomatic engagement facilitated communication and interaction between local authorities and foreign delegates, promoting mutual understanding and establishing the foundation for future partnerships in economic development and connectivity efforts. During my discussions with the Deputy Mayor, I asked her what steps she and her city authorities were taking to keep the streets of Iiyama City so clean. To my surprise, she replied that the Iiyama city authorities did not take any measures since the Japanese people naturally do not litter on the streets and tend to carry their garbage home.

On 15 December 2023, our observing tours allowed us to see and learn valuable information about Japan's efforts in environmental conservation and technological breakthroughs. The trips to Eco Park Samukawa, Nishiootaki Dam, and the Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum tour highlighted Japan's dedication to sustainable development and creativity. As an economist, these experiences resonated with my professional interests.

The homestay experience on 16-17 December 2023 provided a unique chance for us to engage with Japanese culture and establish significant relationships with locals. Through shared dining, cultural interactions, and sincere dialogues, we developed a more profound knowledge of the intricacies of Japanese culture and the significance of human relationships in promoting cross-cultural comprehension and collaboration.

During the homestay, we got the opportunity to make Moochi, a Japanese rice cake made of short-grain japonica glutinous rice. We also learned about origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, and made a crane and a spinning top out of paper.

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Our adventure culminated on 18 December 2023 in Tokyo with a debriefing session. The briefing session allowed us to work directly with participants from other South Asian countries, which helped increase our understanding of each other’s countries. The purpose of this workshop was to allow participants to combine their experiences and create practical plans for enhancing connectivity and economic cooperation between SAARC nations and Japan. I found this session interesting as it emphasised the possibility of joint efforts to bring about positive changes on a regional level, and I am committed to pursuing these plans in the future.

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?In conclusion, my participation in the JENESYS SAARC-Japan Exchange Programme has been a transformative journey, equipping me with invaluable knowledge, meaningful connections, and avenues for personal growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in discussions on regional collaboration and economic progress. I am inspired and eager to leverage these experiences to drive positive transformations in the future.

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