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On October 29, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) launched the study abroad promotion campaign "Tobitate! Study Abroad JAPAN" project and held a press conference at the ministry.
The number of students studying abroad, which was approximately 80,000 in 2004, fell below 60,000 by 2010, making the inward-looking tendencies of young people a social issue. Education Minister Hirofumi Shimomura stated, "We aim to cultivate talent that will lead Japan with a global perspective. We will double the number of students studying abroad by 2020," setting a goal with an eye on the Tokyo Olympics.
Representing the project's supporters, singer Mai Kuraki, 2007 Miss Universe Riyo Mori, idol group JKT48 member Haruka Nakagawa, and SNH48 member Sae Miyazawa attended.
Drawing on their own experiences studying abroad and working overseas, the four offered advice and encouragement: "It's important not to fear making mistakes and to speak in the local language," "I hope you'll take pride in being Japanese and venture overseas," and "Challenge yourself to try something new at least once in your life." Nakagawa delivered greetings in Indonesian, while Miyazawa did so in Chinese.
Additionally, the campaign slogan "That experience becomes your future confidence," created by Takato Fukui of Dentsu Inc. Social Solutions Bureau, and the logo depicting a pheasant—Indonesia's national bird—taking flight from the Hinomaru flag were unveiled.
Special Website:
www.mext.go.jp/ryugaku/
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