Young legal professionals and students from higher educational institutions in Central Asia and the Caucasus have completed a one-week internship in Tokyo as part of the MIRAI Youth Exchange Program on "Rule of Law" organized by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE).

Three students from our country were among the 24 participants of the program. They are Novruz Nurberdiev, a fourth-year student majoring in Public International Law, Dursunjemal Yylkybaeva, a third-year student majoring in International Relations and World Politics at the International University for the Humanities and Development, and Serdar Rakhimov, a fifth-year student majoring in International Relations and Diplomacy at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The MIRAI Project is a short-term youth exchange program aimed at promoting international cooperation, cultural enrichment and mutual understanding among young professionals and students in Central Asia and the Caucasus. The program includes educational components, cultural experiences and networking opportunities. Participants attend lectures, seminars, and gain insights into the legal system, culture and history of the host country.

In January of this year, an intensive program was prepared for the participants, including visits to public and private legal institutions, educational lectures and cultural experiences.

On the first day, they attended a program lecture organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The participants then visited seminars and workshops conducted by the Law Faculty of Keio University, the law firm Nishimura & Asahi, the Supreme Court of Japan, the International Justice Center of the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI).

The cultural program was also intense, allowing the participants to fully immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Japan's history, culture and traditions. They visited famous landmarks of the country, such as the Tokyo Tower, the ancient city of Asakusa, and the Senso-ji Temple, which allowed them to experience the spiritual side of Japan. Strolls through beautiful Japanese gardens showcased the close connection between the people and nature. The journey included an introduction to the culinary art of Japan and a tasting of the best dishes of the national cuisine. The highlight was the tea ceremony, where participants learned about the art of preparing and enjoying Matcha tea.

A memorable trip to Mount Fuji, specifically to the nearby village of Oshino Hakkai with its beautiful lakes, left a lasting impression. The magnificent view of the sacred Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan, filled them with unforgettable emotions, and the World Heritage Center provided a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural significance of this majestic mountain.

This combination of training and cultural leisure made a strong impression on the participants, leaving them with the best memories of a country with a unique atmosphere, centuries-old traditions and a distinctive culture.

On the final day, Turkmen students took part in a reporting session at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presenting the results based on group assignments. The presentations focused on the knowledge gained within the MIRAI "Rule of Law" Program. Participants also described program strategies for promoting an action plan to share valuable experiences and knowledge with a wider audience. In addition to enriching their educational and cultural experiences, the MIRAI Program also facilitated the establishment of friendly relationships and created new opportunities among its participants.