WESTERN BALKANS – The sixth cycle of the youth exchange program “Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future” has successfully concluded, bringing together 13 selected young representatives from the Western Balkans, accompanied by Ms. Flutura Brakaj, RYCO’s Local Program Officer, for an intensive week of institutional dialogue, peace education, and cultural immersion in Japan.
Organized under the MIRAI – Japan’s Friendship Ties Program, implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and JICE in cooperation with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), the visit took place from 13–19 February 2026. The agenda combined high-level meetings in Tokyo with a reflective study component in Hiroshima, offering participants deeper insight into Japan’s peacebuilding legacy and societal values.
During their time in Tokyo, participants engaged in an academic exchange at Sophia University, where discussions with Japanese students created space for honest conversations on regional challenges and shared global responsibilities. The cohort also met with Ms. ARFIYA Eri, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and members of the MOFA Europe Division team, exchanging perspectives on cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans and reflecting on the role of young leaders in promoting peace and stability. At JICA Headquarters, the group further explored Japan’s approach to development cooperation and peacebuilding in the region, connecting institutional frameworks with the realities of reconciliation processes back home.
“The MIRAI journey was a truly life-changing one, as I have never returned home with a complete shift in perspective on peacebuilding, culture, sociology and most importantly – myself. The people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned and the food I’ve eaten (of course) have opened some viewpoints for me, maybe even confirmed that hope really does last. Japan as a term is no longer a mere geographical designation, but rather a point of my life from which a new pathway is created. Thank you to the MIRAI program, to all the people behind it, and to all the people with whom I lived this program” – Ivana Vučetić, MIRAI participant from BiH
A central and deeply reflective component of the program was the visit to Hiroshima, including observation at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and a guided peace tour at the Peace Memorial Park. These visits provided space for reflection on the consequences of conflict and the responsibility of young generations in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. MIRAI participants also experienced elements of Japanese cultural heritage through visits to Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, and traditional craft activities, as well as cultural landmarks in Tokyo such as Sensoji Temple and the Imperial Palace area.
“A trip to Japan always seemed like a dream out of reach, something reminiscent to a film. To actually get there and experience it through MIRAI perfectly within a week seems unreal even now after it has happened. I am always going to be grateful for the lessons I got and for the knowledge I gained about Japanese culture, people, educational system, food, economy, and history. I feel closer to Japan more than ever. And without any doubts, I am going to keep in my heart all the precious memories with the other participants and the organizers who took such good care of us” – Hatixhe Misini, MIRAI participant from Kosovo*
Beyond the institutional agenda, the program offered a rich cultural immersion experience. Through everyday interactions, cultural visits, and exchanges with local hosts, participants experienced Japan’s culture of hospitality, respect, and attention to detail. These moments went beyond observation; they fostered deeper mutual understanding and strengthened regional bonds among the group, reinforcing the values of cooperation, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence within the Western Balkans itself.
“During our trip to Japan, we experienced its traditional side at Miyajima or Senso-ji, but also the modern face of Tokyo and historical and very important aspects of Hiroshima. Meeting with people from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan and students from Sophia University gave me a deep understanding of Japan, and I surely feel like we lived through Japan at its fullness” – Aleksandar Jakovljević, MIRAI participant from Serbia
With the conclusion of this edition, the MIRAI alumni network in the Western Balkans has grown to 91 young leaders. The program’s long-term impact continues beyond the visit, as alumni remain engaged in youth initiatives, intercultural dialogue, and regional cooperation efforts supported by RYCO.
About the Program
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office are collaborating for the sixth consecutive year on the youth exchange initiative Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future. Implemented under the MIRAI Program since 2018, the initiative aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan and its policies, promote mutual understanding and reconciliation through intellectual and cultural exchange, and strengthen the foundation for long-term friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.
This year’s open call attracted 1,223 applications from across the region, reflecting the increasing recognition and relevance of the program. The selection procedure included eligibility screening, detailed evaluation of applications, structured interviews with shortlisted candidates, and assessment of applicants’ motivation and alignment with program objectives.
Through six consecutive years of cooperation, the MIRAI program continues to invest in young leaders as key actors in building sustainable bridges between Japan and the Western Balkans.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
