JAPAN’S FRIENDSHIP TIES PROGRAM "MIRAI" 2026/2027
3/8/2026
Program Overview
The Government of Japan will invite European undergraduate/graduate students from Ukraine to participate in JAPAN’S FRIENDSHIP TIES PROGRAM "MIRAI" (MIRAI means 'Future' in Japanese), a short-term youth exchange program.
Objectives
(1) To deepen understanding of Japan and its policy
(2) To promote mutual understandings
(3) To build a basis for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and Europe
Program
Duration: Approximately 7 days
Contents:
(1) Online pre-exchange program (two days)
- Orientation including guidance on how to share their learning and finding about Japan by utilizing social media
- Lecture on the theme-related contents
- Virtual exchange and discussion with Japanese students / experts
(2) Program in Japan
- Lectures on the theme-related contents and discussions with Japanese students
- Site visits to educational and research institutions
- Visits to local areas
- Workshop and reporting session
- Dissemination of information on what participants learned in the program and the attractions of Japan
Applicants from Ukraine may apply for the following theme:
Group 3: Economy and Business
Program term in Japan: December 2 – December 8, 2026
The online pre-exchange program is mandatory.
Objectives
(1) To deepen understanding of Japan and its policy
(2) To promote mutual understandings
(3) To build a basis for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and Europe
Program
Duration: Approximately 7 days
Contents:
(1) Online pre-exchange program (two days)
- Orientation including guidance on how to share their learning and finding about Japan by utilizing social media
- Lecture on the theme-related contents
- Virtual exchange and discussion with Japanese students / experts
(2) Program in Japan
- Lectures on the theme-related contents and discussions with Japanese students
- Site visits to educational and research institutions
- Visits to local areas
- Workshop and reporting session
- Dissemination of information on what participants learned in the program and the attractions of Japan
Applicants from Ukraine may apply for the following theme:
Group 3: Economy and Business
Program term in Japan: December 2 – December 8, 2026
The online pre-exchange program is mandatory.
How to Apply
Please apply through the special website
.
*Application deadline: August 31, 2026, at 1:00 a.m. (UTC) / 4:00 a.m. (Ukraine time) / 10:00 a.m. (Japan Standard Time)
(No extension allowed.)
*Important Notes for Applicants
Before applying, please carefully read the MIRAI Application Guidelines.
Key points:
• You must be 20 years or older at the time of travel.
• You must hold a nationality of an eligible country as specified in the Application Guidelines and must not hold Japanese nationality.
• You must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a university located in an eligible country as specified in the Application Guidelines.
• You must have a strong academic record and good English proficiency.
• You are not eligible if you have:
o lived in Japan for a continuous period of more than six months, or
o previously participated in MIRAI or similar exchange programs funded by the Government of Japan.
.*Application deadline: August 31, 2026, at 1:00 a.m. (UTC) / 4:00 a.m. (Ukraine time) / 10:00 a.m. (Japan Standard Time)
(No extension allowed.)
*Important Notes for Applicants
Before applying, please carefully read the MIRAI Application Guidelines.
Key points:
• You must be 20 years or older at the time of travel.
• You must hold a nationality of an eligible country as specified in the Application Guidelines and must not hold Japanese nationality.
• You must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a university located in an eligible country as specified in the Application Guidelines.
• You must have a strong academic record and good English proficiency.
• You are not eligible if you have:
o lived in Japan for a continuous period of more than six months, or
o previously participated in MIRAI or similar exchange programs funded by the Government of Japan.
Application Schedule
- August 31, 2026: Application deadline
- By the end of October: Notification of selection results
Inquiries
Please read the Application Guidelines carefully. If you still have any inquiries, please contact JICE (Japan International Cooperation Center).