During a visit to Los Angeles, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended talks on the morning of May 2nd with U.S. students that had participated in the KAKEHASHI Project, a youth exchange program with the United States.
The meeting was with 23 KAKEHASHI Project student participants from four schools: Loyola Marymount University; University of California, Irvine; Patrick Henry High School (San Diego); and San Dieguito Academy High School (Encinitas).
The program began with remarks from Prime Minister Abe, who shared words of encouragement with the participating students, urging them to become the next generation of “bridge builders” between Japan and the U.S. The Prime Minister suggested that perhaps “Someone here may become President of the United States someday.” Participating students introduced themselves, and spoke of their experiences on the KAKEHASHI Project, with many of the students speaking in Japanese.
One of the students from San Dieguito Academy High School, Ms. Linden Amundsen, then posed a question to the Prime Minister: “What do you believe is the biggest challenge Japan is currently facing? How do you plan to approach it?” In response, Prime Minister Abe stated that: “Japan’s population is decreasing and graying, and the nation faces a low birthrate. We are implementing a variety of measures to address these issues, but for the time being, we are unable to drastically change (the situation).” Prime Minister Abe said that in addition to adopting policies to halt the population decline, increasing productivity is a necessary measure to protect Japan’s social insurance system while encouraging vitality. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe discussed the need to nurture innovation, and to involve as many people as possible in production activities, including women, senior citizens, and talented individuals from abroad. The Prime Minister also said that it is necessary to pursue the TPP and to strengthen economic partnerships with Asia-Pacific Region countries, a region where consumers are increasing in number.
During the brief meeting the Prime Minister and the First Lady eagerly listened to the students’ stories about Japan, and seemed impressed by their keen interest in the country.
The KAKEHASHI Project -The Bridge for Tomorrow- youth exchange program is promoted by the Government of Japan, and involves a two-way exchange between Japan and the U.S. The initiative includes groups comprised of middle, high school, and post-secondary students who engage in fully funded short-term study tours. This project aims towards revitalizing Japan’s economy by promoting potential interest in and increasing visitors to Japan. At the same time it also hopes to advance global understanding of Japan’s strengths and values, as well as promote the country’s attractions, including Cool Japan. It is expected that through this program participants will gain experience which will help them grow to become a new generation of internationally-minded citizens; and that it will contribute towards the advancement of Japan-U.S. relations.
For the full version of Prime Minister Abe’s remarks please refer here. |
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