Consulate-General of Japan in Miami
在マイアミ日本国総領事館

Remarks by Mr. Eiichi Kawahara, Consul General of Japan at the orientation meeting for the “Kizuna Project” and “Jet Memorial Invitation for U.S. High School Students
On June 18 at the CG’s residence

Congratulations on being selected for the “Kizuna Project” or the “Jet Memorial Invitation for High School Students!”

Japan suffered an unprecedented large scale earthquake and tsunami on March 11, last year. Overpowering demonstrations of sympathy and solidarity to Japan were conveyed to the Japanese victims by the United States and many other countries.

The Kizuna Project was established to promote the understanding of Japan’s recovery efforts and current situation by giving the next generation the opportunity to visit the disaster affected areas, now undergoing recovering.  KIZUNA is a Japanese word that means “human bonds” or “friendship.”  

The Jet Memorial Invitation for U.S. High School Students was created in memory of two young American teachers of English who lost their lives in Japan as a consequence of the disaster.  Both Programs were founded upon profound appreciation for the overwhelming and immediate support Japan received after the catastrophe, and we anticipate they will boost the friendly engagement of Japan with the United States and the world through culture exchange.

This year on April 30, after the Summit meeting in Washington, the Japanese Prime Minister announced Japan’s initiative for the exchange between Japan and the United States of two thousand “next generation” people. Fostering stronger relationships among peoples, communities and countries takes far more than government-to-government cooperation; it takes individuals working together to find common ground.

Over the course of your program, you will experience culture, traditions and friendship in Japan. That experience will not only enrich your lives, but will enrich relationships between Japan and the U.S. You will return home with irreplaceable stories and experiences that will be with you forever.

I hope you are as excited for the experience that lies ahead as we are for you. And I hope you would use this orientation as an opportunity to prepare yourselves. Please take advantage of this extraordinary time in Japan for you. This is your moment to do something special, to learn about a new culture, to explore the common bonds that unite all of humanity. I wish you the very best as you embark on your Japanese experience.  

 
Thank you.