Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) is a project sponsored by the Japanese government since 2007. This exchange program is to invite youths from overseas to Japan for promoting mutual understanding and friendship with Japanese youths and citizens. This year, since January 2017, students, young citizens of SAARC nations were invited in different groups under this program to visit this beautiful island nation in the Pacific, which is also known as “Land of the Rising Sun”. Eleven students from Bangladesh, which includes three university and eight high school students, participated in this program from 05th to 14th February 2017. Ramisa Rahman from EEE department, BRAC University was participated in JENESYS program. “We departed Dhaka on 5th February and reached Narita, Japan on 6thevening. As we stepped out of the Airport, we started feeling the taste of chill weather. Luckily we were briefed by Japan Embassy officials about the dresses required to protect ourselves from the chill and cold waves. In Narita View Hotel, we met delegates from other SAARC Nations. Participants were distributed in different groups. We, three university students from Bangladesh, were placed in one group, while rest eight high school students were placed in another group. In my group, there were three Bangladeshi and four participants from each country (Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).
This visit enhanced our knowledge on Japan’s population, ethnicity, language, religion, history and many other aspects. It is interesting to note that Japan has 127 million population but with single ethnicity which is similar to Bangladesh. While most of member countries of SAARC are represented by multiple ethnic people. So is the case of language. A large number languages are used in SAARC member countries, while Japanese and Bangladeshis are using single language. But, one thing is different in case of Japan; that is the population growth. They are expecting a decline population less than 100 million by 2044. I was impressed knowing their economic progress. This country was devastate in world war II and she did not have any natural resources but she is now one of the largest producers of steel and their industries have grown fast making the country very rich.
Our first visit was at Narita Izumi Incineration plant. This is a very interesting place to see, because it recycles the waste products and produces construction material. They also ensure overall environmental impact by using advanced technology to minimize dioxin and other harmful emissions. There is distinct difference in the concept of industrialization process in Japan. They are more concerned on the effect on human and the environment. We also visited Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, which acts as a central base of operations for disaster prevention in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Ithouses emergency response facilities including local disaster management headquarters; as well as serves as an Institution that compiles disaster related information and co-ordinates emergency disaster measures. It is because this country is frequently hit by earthquake. So, like us they have no other alternatives than to remain prepared against such natural challenges.
For the first time, I have experienced riding of Shinkansen (Japan fast bullet train). The view from the window changes with speed from a city high raised building to a snow covered countryside. Before I could enjoy diversescenic beauties en-route Tokyo to Iwate,we reached our destination very fast. Most of my group members experienced snowfalls for the first time, hence they were highly excited. There are many mountains in Iwate. It is located northeast of Japan along the Pacific Oceans. We called on Kuji city mayor and visited Kuji wave power station. This place was hit and greatly damaged by the great east Japan Earthquake and the Tsunami. The power station is a latest industry built in Japan (October 2016). People from all walks of life worked together to develop this plant. It uses tidal power to generate electricity. It’s really worth to visit there. It was also a great honor for me and my other group members to be appointed as Honorary Ambassador of Tourism of Kuji City.
The most interesting part of JENESYS program was staying with a host family. We, two Bangladeshi (me and Rupkotha)and one Afghan (Mursan Kamal),were hosted by a single family for two nights. We had wonderful time with them. They taught us how to greet, how to dress, how to eat in Japanese style. Although the Japanese eat raw foods, like shushi, salads etc; but for us they prepared well cooked foods. It appeared to me that Japanese are very hospitable nation and possesses similar to our custom and traditions. This visit also enabled us to learn about the cultures and traditions of other participating nations and make new friends.
Nine days visit in the land of sunrise was full of new experiences and sweet memories. It opened my eyes and enabled me to see lots of interesting aspects of life. I learned about a country which developed very fast from the scratches and presently dominates the world in economy. The scenic beauty of the country; discipline, patriotism and simplicity of the Japanese people amazed me a lot. It also helped me to learn about other SAARC nations. I sincerely thank Japanese government for making such endeavor for enriching the youths with diverse knowledge and experiences".