The Government of Japan dispatched a cultural and sport exchange mission to Myanmar in collaboration with the Japan Foundation from Tuesday, June 26, to Monday, July 2.
The mission aimed to discuss future policies for the expansion and enhancement of cultural and sports exchanges and cooperation between Japan and Myanmar. The mission paid a courtesy visit to President Thein Sein and held meetings with related ministers and culture and sports organizations.
Members of the mission are as follows;
●Prof. Takashi Shiraishi, President, the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPs)
●Mr. Takashi Tajima, Former Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar
●Prof. Yoshiaki Ishizawa, Director, Sophia Asia Center for Research and Human Development, Sophia University, Former president of Sophia University, Chairperson of JCIC-Heritage (Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage), Chief of Sophia University Angkor International Mission
●Ms. Aiko Doden, Senior News Commentator, NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation
●Prof. Suzuko Nishihara, Executive Director, The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Insutitute, Urawa, President of Council for Cultural Affairs, Former president of the Society for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language
●Mr. Kazutaka Kato, President & CEO, Organization to Promote Japanese Restaurants Abroad
●Mr. Hiroshi Yanai, President & CEO, PIA Corporation (popular entertainment magazine in Japan)
●Ms. Junko Koshino, Fashion Designer, Internationally renowned fashion designer who holds fashion shows in Paris, NY, Beijing and others. Directs costumes for Operas and Broadway musicals. Held a fashion show in Yangon in 2009, as the major event for Mekong-Japan exchange year.
●Mr. Yasuhiro Yamashita, Trustee and Vice Chancellors, Tokai University Education System, Gold Medallist of Judo (Open category) at 1984 Los Angers Olympics, and Gold medallist in All Japan Judo Championships for 9 years in a row
●Mr. Tsuyoshi Kitazawa, Co-opted member, Executive Committee, Japan Football Association (JFA)Former leading player of the Japan National football team
In addition, on the occasion of the mission, cultural events, such as Japanese Film show “Always-3”, a photo exhibition featuring JUNKO KOSHINO fashion show and a lecture on JUDO by Prof. Yasuhiro Yamashita were held. Many people attended these events and enjoyed various aspects of Japanese culture and sports. The Embassy of Japan hopes that the mission further promotes culture and sport exchange and the friendship between Japan and Myanmar.
Hand-Over Ceremony of the New Operation Theatre for Mi Chaung In Station Hospital in Sagaing Region
granted under the Japanese Government`s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme
The hand-over ceremony of the newly constructed Operation Theatre for Mi Chaung In Station Hospital in Sagaing Region, granted by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, was held at Pin Le Bu Township Hospital in Sagaing Region on 31 May 2012. The hand-over ceremony was attended by Mr. Masuya Nishikuramori, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Win Thein, Pyithu Hluttaw Representative, U Myo Myint, Sagaing Region Hluttaw Representative, U San Lwin, Head of Pin Le Bu Township General Administration Department, Dr. Min Min Zaw, Medical Superintendent of Mi Chaung In Station Hospital, responsible officials from respective organizations and local residents of Mi Chaung In and surrounding villages.
At the ceremony, Mr. Masuya Nishikuramori said, “Improvement of people`s health is essential for the prosperity of a country. Facilities funded through Japan`s GGP scheme will offer better medical service for the people of Mi Chaung In and nearby villages. Although Japan is geographically far from Myanmar, the Government of Japan hopes to continue extending aid in the health sector and to enhance and strengthen the existing friendly relations between two countries.”
In reply, U San Lwin said, “There are 16 Village Tracts in Pin Le Bu Township. The Japanese Government and Japanese people have kindly granted an Operation Theatre for Mi Chaung In Village and its neighboring villages. It would have taken a long time to construct such a facility by the local people’s effort only. The construction of the new Operation Theater is significant in this remote area where there is no good access to the cities. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for their kindness on behalf of local residents.” U Maung Than, a villager of Kinpan Village, also expressed his heart-felt thanks to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for their kind assistance on behalf of the people of Mi Chaung In Village Tract.
For this project, the Government of Japan granted US$ 105,996 for the construction of the new Operation Theater (214m2) at Mi Chaung In Station Hospital. The Government of Japan will continue to provide assistance in the health sector through its GGP scheme and hopes that such assistance will strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.
THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT’S GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR GRASSROOTS HUMAN SECURITY PROJECTS SCHEME
“The Project for Construction of Water Supply System in Mobye Village Tracts in Shan State”
The hand-over ceremony of the new water supply system, constructed under the Japanese Government’s grant assistance for grassroots human security projects scheme, was held in Mobye Village Tract in Pekhon Township, Shan State on May 22, 2012. It was attended by Mr. Hideaki MATSUO, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Law Yinn, Minister of the Government of Shan State for Kayan Ethnic Group, township administration officials, officials from respective organizations and residents of Mobye Village Tracts.
At the ceremony, Mr. Hideaki MATSUO said “This water supply system was constructed after many problems and difficulties were overcome, so that safe water could be secured for local residents. The population of Mobye Village Tract is growing therefore increasing the demand for easy access to safe drinking and domestic water. I believe that the combined efforts of the water supply system implementation committee members and local residents, who yearned for a better water supply system, made this assistance by Japanese Government possible”.
A representative of the local residents also said ”There is a saying in Myanmar “A man will die in 7 days without foods, but a man cannot survive a day without water”. Mobye Village Tract have suffered greatly to obtain water for a long time”. He expressed his heart-felt thanks to the Government of Japan and its people for their kind and generous assistance rendered for them to gain easy access to inexpensive safe water.
The Japanese Government granted US$84,775 for the construction of this water supply project. The Government of Japan intends to provide this kind of grassroots grant assistance in various sectors to support the people in this country. It is expected that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relation between Japan and Myanmar.
Orientation and Farewell/Reunion Reception for Japanese Government Schoarship Students
On 30 th March, 2012, an orientation and a farewell reception hosted by H.E. Mr. Takashi Saito, Ambassador of Japan were held for Japanese Government Scholarship Students for 2012 Academic Year. The students will study at universities in Japan from this April. The students are mainly young public officials, who are expected to take part in the future nation building in Myanmar. At this event, former Japanese scholarship students were also invited as the reception was also an occasion of reunion for former Japanese scholarship students.
At the orientation, explanation was given about the life in Japan by an Embassy staff, followed by an experience talk by a former scholarship student. There were lively exchange of information with many question raised by the scholarship students regarding the academic life in Japan.
At the farewell/reunion reception, H.E. Mr. Takashi Saito, Ambassador of Japan and Ambassador U Thet Tun, Patron of the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA) gave warm congratulatory remarks. In response, Ms. Mya Sithu from the Ministry of Science and Technology delivered words of thanks on behalf of all the scholarship students. Finally, U Myint Wai, President of MAJA proposed a toast for the participants. Many former Japanese Scholarship students attended the reception, which provided a good opportunity for the outgoing students to hear stories from their seniors and seek for necessary advices.
Japanese Government Scholarship started in 1952, and so far, more than one thousand Myanmar students studied in Japan under the scheme. They have not only become prominent leaders in important fields of the Myanmar society but also served as a valuable bridge between Japan and Myanmar. We believe that this scholarship programs and the achievements by individual scholarship holders will further promote the friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.
Japan Education Seminar
On March 3 and 4, The Japan Student Services Organization ( JASSO ) , the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni ( MAJA ) and the Embassy of Japan co-hosted Japan Education Seminar in Yangon and Mandalay.
Representative from MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology) and JASSO gave presentations on the ways of preparation to study in Japan, scholarship programmes and Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students ( EJU ) . Also, former students, who recently came back to Myanmar after completing their courses in Japan, talked about their experiences of studying in Japan and how they utilized their experience in Japan in their current career.
The Embassy of Japan extends various assistance to people who are interested in studying in Japan. Ryugaku (= Study Abroad) Adviser consultation is held every month (usually second Wednesdays) free of charge. Also, the Reference Room holds many guidebooks and materials for easy reference. For more information, please contact the Information and Culture Section of the Embassy at 100 Natmauk Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, (Ph: 549644-8, E-mail: info.cul@yn.mofa.go.jp )
More information on how to study in Japan can be found at the following Web sites.
JASSO http://www.jasso.go.jp
Study in Japan http://www.studyjapan.go.jp
Japan Study Support http://www.jpss.jp
Seminars for Japanese Language Teachers
The Embassy of Japan organized the seminars for Japanese Language teachers in Mandalay HITO Center and in Yangon at the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce & Industry (UMFCCI) on February 10 and 11.
This seminar was the ninth seminar since it started six years ago in Myanmar, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation. Ms. Miki Shibuya, a Lecturer from the Japanese Cultural Center at the Japan Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand gave lectures on “How to Teach Grammar; target on the use in real-life situations”.
A total of 48 Japanese language teachers, 36 from Yangon and 12 from Mandalay attended the seminar and learnt methods and device for teaching grammar, particularly “Can-Do statement”. The participants expressed their satisfaction by the following comments, “Teaching grammar with an aim to use in real-life situation is very fresh for me”, “I learnt the Can-Do statement was good guide to teaching Japanese language.” As these comments showed, the seminar is very beneficial for Japanese language teachers in Myanmar.
The Embassy of Japan is willing to hold similar seminars in the future with the aim of promoting the Japanese Language education and further disseminating the Japanese Language in Myanmar.
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Handing-Over Ceremony of Medical Equipment for Pauk Khaung Township Hospital in Bago Region Granted under Japan`s Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme
The handing-over ceremony of medical equipment for Pauk Khaung Township Hospital in Bago Region, which was granted by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects(GGP/GGA)Scheme, was held at Pauk Khaung Township Hospital on 31 January 2012. The handing-over ceremony was attended by Mr. Yoshinori YAKABE, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan, U Khin Latt , Head of Pauk Khaung Township General Administration Department, U Myint Thein Htun, Pauk Khaung Township Medical Officer, responsible officials from respective organizations and local residents.
At the ceremony, Mr. Yoshinori YAKABE said “We hope that this assistance will offer the better medical treatment for Pauk Khaung people using equipments funded through the Japan`s GGA. The Government of Japan hopes to continue extending aid to the health sector and to enhance and strengthen the existing friendly relations between our two countries.”
In reply, U Khin Latt , Head of Pauk Khaung Township General Administration Department said “Until now, there were only old medical equipments at Pauk Khaung Township Hospital. The new equipment received will directly benefit the Pauk Khaung people. We would like to express sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people.”
U Myint Thein Htun, Pauk Khaung Township Medical Officer added “Among the many equipment provided, the X-ray machine is particularly useful. It can operate with ten-times more power than the old one and show correct results in shorter exposure time, which protects patient`s health.”
For this project, the Government of Japan granted US$ 67,290 for 16 kinds of equipment such as ultrasound and x-ray facilities to Pauk Khaung Township Hospital. The Government of Japan will continue to provide assistance in the health sector through its GGA scheme and hopes that such assistance will strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.
Handing-Over Ceremony of New School Building of Zay Ya Thu Kha Monastic Middle School in Myingyan , Mandalay Region
The handing-over ceremony of the new school building of Zay Ya Thu Kha Monasti c Middle School in Mingyan , which was constructed by the Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP/GGA) Scheme, was held in Mingyan on 30 January 201 2 .
The handing-over ceremony was attended by Mr. Kiyotomi TADA , Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan .
At the ceremony, Mr. Tada said “ It is a great honor and pleasure to have the opportunity to attend this h anding-over ceremony. We hope that the children from the Zay Ya Thu Kha Monasti c Middle School will grow up to shoulder duties and responsibilities of the country in the future .”
In response , Dr. Tin Hlaing , Chairman of Zay Ya Thu Kha Middle School Construction Committee , said, “ My children and grandchildren have also attended this school, so I am glad of the c onstruction of the new school building funded by the Government of Japan . We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the continued assistance from the Japanese people in spite of the difficult situation concerning the recovery from the earthquake and Tsunami. ”
T he Government of Japan, under its GG P scheme , has implemented altogether 5 5 9 projects in Myanmar to date and among them, 2 1 7 schools such as this one have been completed .
For this project , the Government of Japan granted US$ 106, 121 to construct a two-stor i ed school building including 6 class rooms, desks & chairs and toilet.
The Government of Japan will continue to provide support in the education sector through its GG P scheme, and hopes that such assistance s will strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.
Handing-Over Ceremony of New School Building of Kan Tet Kone Ma Soe Yein Monastic Primary School in Mandalay Region
The handing-over ceremony of the new school building of Kan Tet Kone Ma Soe Yein Monastic Primary School in Mandalay which was constructed by the Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP/GGA) Scheme, was held in Mandalay on 30 January 201 2 .
The handing-over ceremony was attended by Mr. Kiyotomi TADA , Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan.
At the ceremony, Mr. Tada said “Schools are where children who will shoulder duties and responsibilities of the country in the future learn their lessons. Therefore, we believe that school education is very important for the development of Myanmar. The Japanese Government intends to continue providing assistance in the education sector of Myanmar.”
In response , U Win Hlaing Oo , Chairman of Kan Tet Kone Ma Soe Yein School Construction Committee , said, “ with the number of schools funded by the Government of Japan being over 200, we are so proud that our school is one of them. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Japanese people . ”
T he Government of Japan, under its GGA scheme , has implemented altogether 558 projects in Myanmar to date and among them, 216 schools such as this one have been completed .
For this project , the Government of Japan granted US$ 106,065 to construct a two-stor i ed school building including 6 class rooms, desks & chairs and toilet.
Handing-Over Ceremony of New School Building of Mingalar Yar Ma Monastic Middle School, Bago Township, Bago Region
The handing-over ceremony of the new school building of Mingalar Yar Ma Monastic Middle School in Bago Township, which was constructed by the Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP/GGA) Scheme, was held in Bago on 26 January 201 2 .
The handing-over ceremony was attended by Mr. Kiyotomi TADA , Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan , Dr. Kyaw Oo , Minister for Social Affairs of Bago Region, U Ye Myint Tun , Minister for Development Affairs of Bago Region , other responsible officials from respective organizations and local residents .
At the ceremony, Mr. Tada said “Schools are where children who will shoulder duties and responsibilities of the country in the future learn their lessons. Therefore, we believe that school education is very important for the development of Myanmar. The Japanese Government intends to continue providing assistance in the education sector of Myanmar.”
In response , U Myint Tun , Chairman of Mingalar Yar Ma Monastic Middle School Construction Committee , said, “Before, we had the problem of not having sufficient classrooms, however, thanks to the Japanese people and the Government of Japan, I'm happy to see that children are able to take classes in the new school building. On behalf of the school committee, I would like to express my sincere for gratitude for this assistance . ”
The Government of Japan, under its GGA scheme , has implemented altogether 5 57 projects in Myanmar to date and among them, 2 15 schools such as this one have been completed .
For this project , the Government of Japan granted US$ 106,258 to construct a two-stor i ed school building including 6 class rooms, desks and chairs .
Handing Over Ceremony of Nat Mauk Vijja Sippan Monastic Primary School in North Okkalapa Township, Yangon Region
The opening ceremony of the new Ye Ga Lote Bridge in Kyaung Kone Township, which was constructed by the Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP/GGA) Scheme, was held at Ye Ga Lote village on 22 January 2012.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, Minister-Counsellor/ Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nanissara, Dr. Htain Win, Deputy Speaker of Ayeyarwady Region Hluttaw, U Than Tun, Ayeyarwady Region Minister for Transport, U Than Tun Aung, Chairman of Ye Ga Lote Bridge Construction Committee, responsible officials from respective organizations and local residents.
At the ceremony, Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, in his address at the ceremony to inaugurate the new bridge, said “We firmly believe that there are good prospects for Myanmar to develop in the near future. So the Government of Japan has decided to cooperate economically with Myanmar, which is striving to bring about development, to the best of its abilities.”
U Aung Tun from Ye Ga Lote Village, in his address at a ceremony to inaugurate Ye Ga Lote Bridge, said “As the new bridge has been inaugurated, we can now cross the bridge at any time. So we believe that there will be development in economic, health and education sectors due to the completion of the new bridge. We promise that they will strive to maintain the bridge to endure forever. We also thanked the Embassy of Japan very much for granting aid to construct the new bridge.”
Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nanissara, in his address at a ceremony to open the new bridge, said “Local residents can now cross the bridge by car instead of travelling by boat. Due to poor road and communications before, people each other were like strangers. Due to the completion of the new bridge, they now become closer and friendlier than before, which is very important in nation building.”
For this project, the Government of Japan granted US$ 87,850 to construct this Ye Ga Lote Bridge, which is 160ft long and 10ft wide.
The Government of Japan will continue to provide assistance in the infrastructure sector through its GGP/ GGA scheme and hopes that such assistance will strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.
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