Japan Outreach Initiative’s courtesy visit
2023/8/8
On August 2, Consul-General Murabayashi received a courtesy visit from eight members of the 21st Japan Outreach Initiative Coordinator (JOI) program, who were in Houston for post-arrival training.
The JOI program, which has been jointly implemented by Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institution (a U.S.-based non-profit), since 2002, sends coordinators to the U.S. for two years in order to promote community-based exchange with the aim of deepening interest in and understanding of Japan at the grassroots level.
Consul-General Murabayashi began his remarks by citing the activities of past JOI coordinators within the Consulate General of Japan in Houston’s mission area, then explained how the strong U.S.-Japan alliance is supported by exchange between the people of the two countries, and how the contributions of JOI coordinators conducting grassroots exchange activities in local cities have been tremendous. He also encouraged the members of the 21st JOI Program to begin by working in their area of expertise and expand the scope of their activities.
Afterwards, the meeting moved to the official residence for a luncheon. The gathering was held in a friendly atmosphere from beginning to end, and opinions about future cooperation were exchanged.
The Consulate General of Japan in Houston sincerely hopes that the eight members of the 21st JOI Program will be active in their respective endeavors.
The JOI program, which has been jointly implemented by Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institution (a U.S.-based non-profit), since 2002, sends coordinators to the U.S. for two years in order to promote community-based exchange with the aim of deepening interest in and understanding of Japan at the grassroots level.
Consul-General Murabayashi began his remarks by citing the activities of past JOI coordinators within the Consulate General of Japan in Houston’s mission area, then explained how the strong U.S.-Japan alliance is supported by exchange between the people of the two countries, and how the contributions of JOI coordinators conducting grassroots exchange activities in local cities have been tremendous. He also encouraged the members of the 21st JOI Program to begin by working in their area of expertise and expand the scope of their activities.
Afterwards, the meeting moved to the official residence for a luncheon. The gathering was held in a friendly atmosphere from beginning to end, and opinions about future cooperation were exchanged.
The Consulate General of Japan in Houston sincerely hopes that the eight members of the 21st JOI Program will be active in their respective endeavors.