【Project Activities】

Invited U-17 women’s football players and officials from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste to Japan to engage in exchange through football.

【Project Background】

Implemented as one of the program themes.

【Project Objective】

Identifying and nurturing pro-Japan individuals and strengthening international communication.

【Project Area】

International exchange through sports

【Methods】

Invitation of athletes and officials

【Outcomes】

Promoted understanding of Japan and mutual understanding; participants shared their program experiences on SNS and other platforms.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

Participant (Myanmar): Being in the same group as the Japan U-16 Women’s National Team allowed us to learn their techniques and tactics, which was very educational. Through matches with teams from other ASEAN countries, we identified our own challenges and areas for improvement. Making friends and interacting with players from various countries through this program was an excellent experience.
Participant (Japan): I was amazed by the intensity of physical contact, competition for positions, and differences in physical ability and strength that I had never seen before. I was so happy to have the chance to talk with overseas players using gestures, facial expressions, and simple English words! Despite the language barrier, everyone cheered for each country’s performance during the social events, and we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. These six days were very challenging, but it was a fulfilling period where both I and my team gained significant experience. I will apply this experience to the Koza High School football team moving forward.

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Since there were many parties to coordinate with, it is necessary to confirm the implementation flow at an earlier stage than in regular programs. It would have been better to provide more opportunities for interaction with players from other countries outside of matches. We will consider this in the future while maintaining a good balance.

【URL】

https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/100525252.pdf

https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/a_o/rp/page24_002161.html