International Exchanges Division, JICE

General Information of
JENESYS PROGRAMME
Japan - East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths

1. Program Outline
(1) General outline and the objective of the programme
At the Second East Asia Summit (EAS), which was held in January 2007, Mr.
Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, announced a plan to implement a
35-billion-yen youth exchange program, inviting about 6,000 young people to
Japan mainly from the EAS member states (ASEAN, Australia, China, India, New
Zealand, the ROK) every year for five years, with a view to establishing a basis of
Asia’s stalwart solidarity by expanding youth exchange. Based on this plan, the
Government of Japan has launched the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for
Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme in 2007. Various kinds of exchange
programs including inviting and dispatching youths will be implemented in
cooperation with concerned countries and organizations.
This program is expected to deepen mutual understanding among young people
who will assume important roles in the next generation in each East Asian country.

(2) Implementation structure of the program

Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Japan

Funding
ASEAN Secretariat

Subcontracting

Japan International The other organizations

Cooperation Center (JICE) in Japan

Organizations for international exchange, Local governments,

NGOs, Schools, etc in JAPAN

Youths participation

ASEAN member countries, Australia, China, India,

New Zealand and the Republic of Korea
1
 (3) Study tour to Japan: Activities
This programme is aimed to promote mutual understanding among the East
Asia region, and the invitation project is especially arranged for the
participants to deepen understanding of Japan regarding the following
matters.

*Politics: Legislative/administrative/judicial separation, local

autonomy, election system, role of mass media etc.
*Diplomacy: Visits to MOFA (diplomatic strategy for Asia, economic
cooperation, peace building), Embassies etc.
*Economics: Advanced technology, manufacturing, finance, service
industry, infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery etc.
*Society: Medical and welfare, education, science & technology,
environment & energy saving, security, disaster control etc.
*Culture: Historical & natural heritage, traditional arts, pop culture,
sports etc.

From the perspective above, the activities scheduled in Japan are as follows.
*Field visits (e.g. research institutes, museums, specialized organizations)
*Interaction with Japanese youths, etc (e.g. debates, enrolment to schools)
*Cultural experiences (e.g. home stays, visits to traditional cities and
historical sites)

2. Regulations
(1) Obligation for participants
Participants should understand thoroughly the significance of this project, that is
to establish a basis of Asia’s stalwart solidarity by expanding youth exchange.
Participants are requested to fill out the questionnaires before and after
traveling Japan, for production of fruitful outputs and smooth implementation
of the project.
Also participants are requested to write the essays in their own languages
about their experiences gained in this programme before leaving Japan and to
cooperate any further follow-up program in the future.

(2) General notes in Japan

Participants in this JENESYS programme are requested to act and behave as
representatives of youths in each country.
During stay in Japan, participants should respect the laws and regulations of
Japan, and offender is subject to Penalties of Japanese laws and regulations.
Please note that participants should always act in a group and never to be
alone.

Participants are also requested ;

2
 ・ to be punctual
・ to observe the rules and regulations
・ to treat public property carefully
・ not to drink or smoke

3. Preparation
(1) Documents to be submitted
The selected participants will be requested to submit the necessary documents
to their government soon after the notification of acceptance, which will be
around 2 month before the departure.

The documents to be submitted are:

① One (1) sheet of Entry Form

Participants should find this form and the sample sheet with this General
Information booklet. Fill in the form referring the sample and also paste
your picture on it. Use BLOCK LETTER as in sample, when you fill in the
form. Please note that information you wrote in this form will be used to
apply for visa to Japan, so make sure you write it clearly and correctly.

② Four (4) sheets of Visa Application Form to Enter Japan

A visa is an indication of the judgment that a foreigner wishing to enter
Japan should be appropriate to enter and stay in Japan
Participants should find 4 sheets of Visa Application Form to enter Japan
with sample sheet. Please refer the sample and write your full name in
BLOCK LETTER and your signature only by a ballpoint pen. Please do
NOT fill in other places of the form. Pictures that will be pasted on this
form should be 45mm×45mm,(passport type picture) that were taken
within the previous six month. Also the pictures should be taken hat off.
Make sure you paste your pictures to each form. Please note that the
signature must be the same as the one in your passport.

③ Three (3) Passport-type Photos

Besides the pictures for Entry Form and Visa Application Forms to enter
Japan, please submit 3 more pictures. They should also be taken within
previous six months. (hat off, with names on backside of photos)

(2) Passport
PASSPORT is an official document that a person gets from his/her government,
that proves who s/he is, and which s/he needs in order to leave his/her own
country and to enter other countries.
In this case, participant’s passport will be arranged by their government and
details for this matter will be given later.

3
4. Pre-departure Orientation
Pre-departure orientation will be held at the capital city that participants must
attend. It will be held on the previous day of the departure principally. In this matter,
participants should be in the capital city one night before the orientation. JICE staff s
will be waiting at the hotel for your registration. Hotel will be prepared.

Tentative schedule of the pre-departure Orientation will be as follows:

a. To the venue of pre-departure orientation

・ Participants will go to the venue of pre-departure orientation with all
the other participants by bus from your hotel. Please follow the
instruction of the JICE coordinator.
・ Bring the receipt for domestic travel. (See 5-1)
・ When participants arrive at the venue, go to the reception and follow
the instruction of JICE staffs.
b. Contents of the pre-departure orientation
・ Explanation of embarkation procedure
・ Schedule in Japan, Japanese custom and other information
・ Secondary education system in Japan
・ Filling in the pre-departure questionnaires
c. Send-off party

Note: Hotel, date/time/place of the pre-departure orientation will be informed later.

5. Travel matters
(1) Local Transportation Expenses
Transportation expenses for traveling back and forth between the nearest
terminal station (bus / train / vessel) to each participant’ s home and the capital
city on the cheapest or well-traveled route will be provided through a travel
agency after returning from Japan. Participants are requested to use public
transportation as far as possible and to bring RECEIPTs of transportation
expenses. However, this payment arrangement for an individual has no
application to the case that schools or the government charter any vehicles for
the participants.
Transportations are prepared for traveling back and forth between the capital
city and an international airport.
The details will be given later.

(2) Arrival procedure

Participants are requested to proceed to the Arrival section after arrival at the
Narita airport in Japan according to the instruction by JICE coordinators.
The following is the arrival procedure.

4
 Participants will receive a quarantine questionnaire (a paper for checking
health condition in terms of the measures for infection disease) while on board
the aircraft. Please fill in the necessary information and submit at the
Quarantine counter on arrival. Then proceed to the Immigration counter for
foreigners and present your passport and disembarkation card (a document
used for immigration management).

Check your flight number and go to the baggage carousel. Please check your
baggage claim receipts when retrieving baggage.

In the Customs inspection section, participants who have nothing to declare

should go to the Green Counter. After customs inspection is completed, please
proceed to the arrival lobby.

(3) Baggage
①Checked baggage
The sum weight should not exceed 20 kg.
* The increased X-ray exposure for baggage inspection may affect
photographic film. Therefore, it is recommended to carry photographic
film into the cabin with a carry-on baggage.

②Carry-on baggage
A passenger may carry on board one personal belonging, such as a
shopping bag or handbag, and one baggage satisfying the conditions
below.
* Sum of three dimensions: not more than 115cm
Dimensions: W55cm×H40cm×D25cm
Total Weight: 10kg

③Prohibited or restricted Baggage

A: Baggage not accepted by carriers
・Articles that may endanger or cause any damage to aircraft, property
loaded or - inconvenience other passengers
・firearms, swords and other similar items, and explosives and other
articles likely to cause combustion or ignition
・corrosive chemicals or liquids not contained in a proper container
・live animals
・corpses
・articles of which loading or transfer in/by aircraft is prohibited by
applicable laws or regulations or governmental requests
・articles the volume, weight or number of which exceeds the limit fixed by

5
 Carrier
・articles that are not packed or packaged properly
・articles likely to be easily transmuted, wasted or destroyed
・other articles, which Carrier considers are unsuitable for carriage on an
aircraft

B: The following items are not permitted as Carry-on Baggage

・Knives of any length
・Mock weapons and mock explosives (including, but not only, pistol or
grenade - shaped cigarette lighters)
・ Any other items that an airline deems could be used to cause injury, such
as scissors, heavy or sharp tools, etc.
・ Restrictions for liquids as carry-on cabin baggage for international flights
departing from Narita International Airport:

All liquids (*1) in excess of 100ml must not be carried on board (*1).
These items will be confiscated at security checkpoint so please ensure that
they are checked in with the luggage beforehand.

However, the following items may be carried on as cabin baggage:

Liquids stored in containers with a capacity not exceeding 100 ml
(excluding items such as lighter refill gas which are prohibited from
being carried on) and which may easily fit in a re-sealable, a transparent
re-sealable plastic bag and has a capacity of not more than 1 liter.
Medications (*2), special dietary requirements etc.

*1: “All liquids” includes gels (toothpaste, hair gel etc.), aerosols and
sprays.
*2: Passengers may be required to show proof that they need to carry on
items as cabin baggage by showing such documents as
prescriptions.

C: Prohibited articles to be imported

・ Please see attached information on Customs procedure in Japan.

* For the departure from an international airport in a participant own

country, participants need to follow a rule/regulation set by the
Government.
(4) Travel insurance
Participants are provided with the overseas travel accident insurance during
traveling (from leaving and coming back to your country) to the extent set by
JICE.

6
6. Possessions
(1) Essential items
＊ Passport
＊ money
＊ list of emergency contact
(JICE coordinators will keep participants’ air tickets.)

(2) Advisable items

＊ clothes (depending on season and areas)
＊ rain apparel
＊ toilet set
＊ medicine
＊ watch
＊ camera
＊ guidebook
＊ tools of writing
＊ photos (family, friends, school, etc)

7
 ATTACHMENT
Information on Japan

１．General information on Japan

(2) History
(3) Geography
(4) Climate
(5) Religion
(6) Language
(7) Foods
(8) Currency/Exchange rate
※ Please refer to provided materials on Japan for more details

2.Useful Information
(1) Climate
A major feature of Japan’ s climate is the clear-cut temperature changes between the
four seasons. From north to south, Japan covers a range of latitude of some 25 degrees
and is influenced in the winter by seasonal winds blowing from Siberia and in the
summer by seasonal winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean.

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

8
(2) Currency and Money Exchange
The unit of Japanese currency is yen. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10,
50, 100 and 500 yen and bank notes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000
yen.

You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers or
at the international airport’s currency exchange counters. The exchange rate fluctuates
daily depending on the money market.

(3) How to make a call

①Domestic call
Public telephones accept 10 yen and 100 yen coins and/or telephone cards. A local call
(within Tokyo's central 23 Wards and some other metropolitan cities) costs 10 yen per
minute. If you put in two 10-yen coins and speak for less than one minute, one of the
coins will be returned to you. No change is given for partial use of a 100-yen coin.
Prepaid telephone cards cost 1,000 yen from vending machines, kiosks at train stations,
and convenience stores. Charges for inter-city calls vary according to the distance.
Telephone numbers in Japan consist of an area code and a phone number (Exchange
Number + Subscriber's Number). For example: (03) 1234-5678.

②International call
[Direct Calls]: A direct overseas call can be made from a public telephone displaying an
International and Domestic Telephone sign. These phones are not widespread, but can
be found at airports, hotels, and other key facilities. Direct dial calls can be made via a
telephone company using the company's access number.

9
 Access and Inquiry Numbers
Telephone Collect &
Direct dial Inquiries
company operator-assisted
KDDI 001-010 0051 0057
SoftBank
0061-010 - (0120)-030061
Telecom
NTT
0033-010 - (0120)-505506
Communications

(4) How to send a letter

Postcards and stamps are available from post offices, convenience stores and kiosks at
train stations all over the country. Post boxes are located at street crossings, buildings
and public facilities. The opening slot of the post box may differ depending on the size
of mail that the post box is designed to accept.

①Domestic Mail
The rates for regular sized letters (14 to 23.5cm long, 9 to 12cm wide and up to 1cm
thick) and postcards are as follows: Mail that has different measurements costs 120 yen
up to 50 grams and 140 yen over 50 grams up to 75 gram.
The rates for domestic letter mail
Postcards 50 yen
Letters, up to 25g 80 yen
Letters, up to 50g 90 yen

②International Air Mail

International mail can be classified into letter post (letters, aerogramme and postcards),
parcel post, and EMS (Express Mail Service). Foreign parcel post can be sent between
Japan and most other nations. The maximum weight for a single package is usually 20
kg but it depends on the destination. The type of contents of a parcel accepted,
however, and the maximum measurements of a single parcel differ by destination.
EMS is the fastest way to send documents and parcels to over 100 countries and
territories worldwide. A tracking system, providing prompt information on a
package's delivery status, is available for 35 countries.

Destination Asia Oceania

Postcards 70 yen 70 yen

Aerogramme 90 yen 90 yen

Letters, up to 25g 90 yen 110 yen

Letters, up to 50g 160 yen 190 yen

10
(5) Electricity
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C.
There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60
Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka). There are no
columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs are
used instead. It is therefore advised to purchase a plug adapter beforehand.

(6) Emergency
Japan is known for its clean, safe urban areas and for the quality of its healthcare and
public safety infrastructure. Still, as is the case with travel in any unfamiliar place, it
always pays to exercise common sense, and to be familiar with the resources at your
disposal should you experience problems or need assistance.
In an emergency, your country’s embassy is often a good first point of contact.

Embassy Address Tel URL

Embassy of the 3-4-33, Moto-Azabu, 03-3403-3380 http://www.china-embassy.or.jp/
People's Republic of Minato-ku, Tokyo
China in Japan 106-0046
Embassy of India in 2-2-11 Kudan-Minami, 03-3262-3291 http://www.embassyofindiajapa
Japan Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo n.org/
102-0074
Embassy of the 5-2-9 Higashi Gotanda, 03-3411-4201 http://www.indonesian-embassy
Republic of Indonesia Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo .or.jp/
in Japan 141-0022
Embassy of Malaysia 20-16 Nanpeidai-cho, 03-3476-3840 ―
in Japan Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
150-0036
Embassy of Mongolia 21-4 Kamiyama-cho, 03-3469-2088 ―
in Japan Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
150-0047
Embassy of the 5-15-5, Roppongi, 03-5562-1600 http://www.tokyope.org/
Republic of the Minato-ku, Tokyo
Philippines in Japan 106-8537
Embassy of the 5-12-3 Roppongi, 03-3586-9111 http://www.mfa.gov.sg/tokyo/
Republic of Singapore Minato-ku, Tokyo
in Japan 106-0032
Royal Thai Embassy in 3-14-6 Kami-Osaki, 03-3441-1386 http://www.thaiembassy.jp/
Japan Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
141-0021
Embassy of Socialist 50-11 Moto-Yoyogi-cho, 03-3466-3311 ―
Republic of Viet Nam Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
in Japan 151-0062
Embassy of the Union 4-8-26 Kita-Shinagawa, 03- 3441-9291～ http://www.myanmar-embassy-t
of Myanmar in Japan Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 4 okyo.net/
140-0001
Embassy of the Lao 3-3-22 Nishi-Azabu, 03-5411-2291 ／ ―
People's Democratic Minato-ku, Tokyo 2
Republic in Japan 106-0031

11
Embassy of Brunei 6-5-2,Kita-Shinagawa, 03-3447-7997 -
Darussalam in Japan Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo141-0001
Royal Embassy of 8-6-9,Akasaka, Minato-ku, 03-5412-8521/2 http://www.cambodianembassy.
Cambodia in Japan Tokyo 107-0052 jp/

☆Emergency Numbers and Other Information

・Police: Dial ‘110’ from any telephone
(in Tokyo, the Metropolitan Police have an English help line, available Monday
through Friday except on holidays, from 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. at 03-3501-0110)
・Fire/Ambulance: Dial ‘119’ from any telephone
・Tokyo English Life Line: 03-5774-0992 (Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m.)
・Tourist Information Center: 03-3201-3331 (Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
(Also available in two locations at Narita International Airport, and at the Kansai
International Airport in Osaka)

(7) Time Differences

All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. No Daylight Saving
Time is practiced in Japan.
Shown below is a list of time differences between Japan and other major international
cities.

Country Time Differences

Brunei Darussalam -1hr
Cambodia -2hrs
India -3.5hrs
Indonesia (Jakarta) -2hrs
Laos -2hrs
Malaysia -1hr
Mongolia -1hr
(0: daylight saving time)
Myanmar -2.5hrs
Philippines -1hr
Singapore -1hr
Thailand -2hrs
Viet Nam -2hrs

12
3.Information on Japanese Lifestyle

*Please read thoroughly the following information on Japanese lifestyle/custom, which will be
very useful for home-stay in Japan. Let me remind you that you will be all by yourself with your
host family while home staying.

(1)Eating a Meal
*Most Japanese people do not have diet restriction for religious reasons, however, the JENESYS
programme will offer special meals for those with health or religious dietary requirement to the
participants if necessary (participants need to inform such information in the Entry Form).

The most traditional Japanese meal is a serving of plain white rice, along with a main
dish (fish or meat), some kind of side dish (often cooked vegetables), soup (either miso
soup or clear broth), and pickled vegetables.
Before eating, Japanese people say "itadakimasu," a polite phrase meaning "I receive
this food." This expresses thanks to whoever worked to prepare the food in the meal.
After eating, people once again express their thanks for the meal by saying "gochiso
sama deshita," which literally means "it was quite a feast."

A typical morning meal A typical evening meal

[How to Use the Chopsticks]

First, hold the upper chopstick like a pencil, about one-third of the way from its top.
Next, place the second chopstick against your ring finger, holding it with the base of
the thumb. It should be pointing the same way as the first chopstick. Move the upper
chopstick with your thumb, index, and middle fingers. Grab food between the lower
and upper chopsticks.

13
(2) Visiting Japanese house

When you enter a Japanese house, you remove your shoes and put on slippers to
avoid getting the floor dirty. When you go into a tatami room, you take off your
slippers and leave them in the corridor.

(3) How to take a bath

The Japanese are very fond of the furo, the hot Japanese-style bath, because they can
not only cleanse themselves but also relax and soak away the stress of the day. Besides
a tub, the bathroom also has space with a drain to wash one's body.
When the Japanese take a furo at home, they normally heat the water in the tub to
around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). They clean themselves with soap
outside the tub first, washing themselves down with a hand-held shower. They do not
wash themselves in the tub. This way, the water will stay clean and can be used by
others later.

(4) How to use the toilet

There are two types of toilets in Japan: "Japanese style" toilets and "Western style"
toilets.
Public washrooms are usually equipped with Japanese style toilets, but the number of
public washrooms with Western style toilets has been increasing especially in tourist
areas. Public washrooms with both, Japanese and Western style toilets are also
commonly found.
In Japan, people use toilet paper and do not use water for cleansing. As toilet paper is
sometimes not provided in public washrooms, it is recommended to always carry a

14
small package of tissues with you. Similarly, as paper towels or dryers are not always
provided to dry your hands, it is recommended to carry a handkerchief.
Many modern toilets feature luxury options such as a heated seat, a built-in shower
and dryer and an automatic lid opener. And you can flush only toilet paper.

Japanese style toilets:

* Face the hood of the toilet when you use it.

.

Elevated Japanese style

(5) Bedroom
At night, people may sleep on either a bed or a soft, cotton-filled mattress called a
“futon”. Beds are standard pieces of furniture in many homes, but those who use a
futon fold it up and put it away in a special closet. This allows the bedroom to be used
as a living room or dining room during the day.

(6) Transportation
Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and
between the large cities.

[Trains]
Japan's four major islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are covered by an
extensive and reliable network of railways. Trains are a very convenient means to explore
Japan for foreign visitors.
Also, Japan is very proud of its high-speed train
system, “Shinkansen”, or "bullet train," which is
known and admired throughout the world. It
transports large numbers of people to faraway
destinations quickly and safely.

The 500-series Shinkansen. (JR West)

①buy a ticket
for short distance trips, tickets are best purchased at vending machines
for long distance trips, tickets can be purchased at ticket counters in train stations.

15
 Ticket vending machines with map of lines and stations

②Enter the paid fare zone

After buying the ticket, you can proceed through the ticket gate. Automatic
ticket gates can be found in busy stations: Insert the ticket into the slot, walk through
the gate and pick up the ticket on the other side. If you insert an invalid ticket, the
gate will close and an alarm will sound.

③Go to the Station platforms and ride the train

Find your platform by looking for your train line and direction. Most important
signs are written in Japanese and English, and increasingly also in Chinese and
Korean. Wait for passengers to exit before entering the train. Be careful not to block
the door at stations, especially if the train is crowded.

Passengers waiting in lines on the platform

[Traffic Signals]
There are lots of signals in Japanese transportation system.
Following is the basic meaning of three-colored signals for the pedestrian.

16
Red – Don’t cross a street
Yellow − Pay attention and stop crossing a street
Green − look both ways and go/ cross a street

Streets in Japanese cities are narrow, so pedestrian should walk carefully on the
sidewalk. Where a sidewalk is not available, pedestrian should walk on the right side
of a street.

17