Programme Overview

 In 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has launched “Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs” which promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and other countries to encourage an understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, politics, diplomatic relations and culture. MIRAI (Mutual-understanding, Intellectual Relations and Academic Exchange Initiative) is the regional component of this exchange program, inviting groups of promising young leaders from Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus. MIRAI is a short-term youth exchange program, which aims to promote mutual understanding, to enhance intellectual discussion and to build strong networks among future leaders of Japan and the world. Each Participant is strongly encouraged to disseminate information about Japan and their experience learned throughout the Program through SNS media, such as Facebook, X , Instagram, YouTube etc.
 

Programme Details

Participants from Malta* are eligible to apply for “Diplomacy and Security Policy”.

<Pre-visit online programme>
a. On-demand streaming of the MIRAI Programme introductory video: Available during October–November
b. Joint Orientation (Lecture on Understanding Japan): Scheduled for 7 November 2026
c. Pre-departure Orientation: Approximately two weeks before the visit (twice in total) 

<Visit to Japan>
Scheduled from Wednesday, 2 December to Tuesday, 8 December 2026

*For eligible nationalities and other conditions, please refer to the Application Guidelines.
 

Eligibility

Please read carefully the Application Guidelines. At the Embassy of Japan in Malta, we only accept applications from those enrolled in university/institution located in Malta.
 

Application Procedure and its Guidelines

Please read the Application Guidelines carefully before applying. Fill out the entry form on the website and upload the necessary documents within the application period.

Japan’s Friendship Ties Program “MIRAI” Application Guidelines (Visiting Japan Program)

* Under the question “Special question of each country”, please write a short (max. 200 words) essay on “The areas of cooperation in which Japan and Malta (or Europe) can work together to address current global security challenges.”
* Result will be notified from JICE (Japan International Cooperation Center) in the mid-October 2026.

Please read the Application Guidelines carefully. If you still have any enquiries, please send an e-mail to culture@ve.mofa.go.jp