Western Balkans Meet Japan 2026/2027: Fully Funded Youth Exchange Program for Young Leaders to Japan
The Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future program is part of the MIRAI initiative, which has been running since 2018.
The exchange focuses on creating meaningful connections between young people from the Western Balkans and Japan. Through academic discussions, institutional visits, cultural activities, and interaction with Japanese society, participants will gain a broader understanding of Japan’s approaches to peacebuilding, reconciliation, international cooperation, and social development.
The 2026/2027 edition will take place in Japan from:
20–26 January 2027
A total of 13 undergraduate or graduate students aged 20 or older will be selected from the Western Balkans.
Eligible participants will come from the following six Western Balkan societies:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
What Is the Aim of the Western Balkans Meet Japan Program?
The program is more than a cultural trip. It is designed to encourage young people to develop knowledge, relationships, and skills that can contribute to peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
The main objectives include:
1. Deepening Understanding of Japan
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Japan, its society, culture, policies, institutions, and approaches to international cooperation.
The experience allows participants to move beyond learning about Japan from books or online resources by providing opportunities to experience Japanese society directly.
2. Promoting Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
A central element of the exchange is learning about Japan’s experience with peacebuilding, reconciliation, and international cooperation.
Participants will explore how societies can address difficult historical experiences and work toward peaceful coexistence.
3. Strengthening Mutual Understanding
The program creates opportunities for young people from the Western Balkans and Japan to interact, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another.
This intercultural experience is intended to reduce misunderstandings and strengthen relationships between people from different backgrounds.
4. Encouraging Regional Cooperation
Participants from six Western Balkan societies will have the opportunity to interact with one another while in Japan.
The experience can help strengthen relationships among young people from the region and encourage future cooperation across national borders.
5. Building Future International Partnerships
The program aims to create a foundation for long-term friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.
Participants can develop networks with other young leaders, academics, institutions, and people involved in international cooperation.
The program is specifically targeted at young people from the Western Balkans.
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements established for the exchange.
1. Current University Students
Applicants must currently be enrolled in:
- An undergraduate program
- A graduate program
- A PhD program
Applicants must be 20 years old or older at the time of application.
2. Applicants Must Be From the Western Balkans
Applicants must live in one of the participating Western Balkan societies and hold a passport issued by one of the WB6 countries:
Applicants who hold Japanese nationality are not eligible.
3. Good Command of English
Applicants must have a good command of English, as the program involves academic discussions, communication, presentations, cultural exchange, and interaction with participants and institutions.
4. Interest in Japan
Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in Japan and be motivated to learn about Japanese society, culture, policies, and international cooperation.
Applicants who already have demonstrated connections with Japan may have an advantage.
Such connections could include:
- Previous studies related to Japan
- Participation in Japanese cultural activities
- Academic or professional experiences related to Japan
- Other relevant Japan-related experiences
5. Academic Achievement
Applicants should demonstrate good academic performance.
Academic achievements will form part of the overall assessment of candidates.
6. Social Activism and Community Engagement
The program is also interested in young people who are actively engaged in their communities.
Applicants should demonstrate involvement in activities that show initiative, leadership, civic engagement, volunteering, advocacy, or other forms of social participation.
7. Interest in Peace and Reconciliation
Applicants should respect the principles of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
Candidates with experience or demonstrated interest in areas such as:
- Dealing with the past
- Peacebuilding
- Reconciliation
- Regional cooperation
- Intercultural learning
are particularly encouraged to apply.
8. Valid Passport
Applicants must have a valid passport.
This is particularly important because the selected participants will travel internationally to Japan.
What Will Participants Experience in Japan?
The seven-day exchange is expected to combine academic learning, cultural activities, institutional visits, and opportunities for personal interaction.
Participants can expect to learn about Japan through direct engagement rather than simply classroom-based instruction.
Activities may include opportunities to:
- Visit Japanese institutions
- Participate in academic discussions
- Learn about peacebuilding and reconciliation
- Explore Japanese culture and society
- Engage with Japanese students and young people
- Learn about international cooperation
- Participate in cultural exchange activities
- Visit locations connected to Japan’s history and peacebuilding experience
- Develop relationships with other participants
- Exchange ideas about the future of the Western Balkans
The previous edition provides an indication of the type of experience participants may receive.
Highlights From the Previous Western Balkans Meet Japan Exchange
During the 2025/2026 exchange, 13 young people from the Western Balkans travelled to Japan from 13–19 February 2026.
They were selected through a competitive process involving more than 1,000 applicants.
The previous participants visited important institutions and locations, including:
- JICA Headquarters
- Sophia University
- Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
Through these activities, participants explored Japan’s approaches to:
- Peacebuilding
- Reconciliation
- International cooperation
- Intercultural dialogue
- Conflict resolution
The previous exchange combined academic discussions with cultural activities and personal reflection.
The experience also helped participants create international connections and encouraged them to become promoters of peace and cooperation within their communities.
Costs Covered by the Program
One of the major advantages of the Western Balkans Meet Japan exchange is that many of the major costs associated with participating in the program are covered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Covered expenses include:
International Airfare
The program covers round-trip international economy-class airfare to Japan.
Travel Insurance
Participants will receive overseas travel and accident insurance during the program.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Japan during the official program will be covered.
Transportation in Japan
Transportation required for scheduled program activities in Japan will be covered.
Meals
Meals during the official program are covered.
Admission Fees
Admission fees associated with scheduled activities and visits in Japan will also be covered.
Expenses Participants Must Pay
Although major program-related expenses are covered, participants should understand that not every personal expense is paid for by the organizers.
Participants are responsible for their own:
- Passport costs
- Visa application and acquisition costs, where applicable
- Vaccination expenses
- Excess baggage charges
- Travel expenses between their home and the designated airport
- Souvenirs
- Personal purchases
- Other personal expenses before or during the program
Applicants should therefore prepare financially for expenses that fall outside the official program coverage.
Visa Information
Participants from some of the participating Western Balkan societies will need a visa to travel to Japan.
According to the program information, participants from:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
will need to apply for a visa.
The organizers will provide selected participants with further information about the visa application process once the relevant arrangements have been determined.
Applicants should therefore ensure that they have sufficient time to obtain the necessary travel documents if selected.
Why This Youth Exchange Is Important
The Western Balkans has a history of complex political, social, and cultural relationships. Programs that bring young people together can play an important role in encouraging dialogue and building relationships across borders.
The Western Balkans Meet Japan program provides young people with an opportunity to examine these issues from an international perspective.
Through exposure to Japan’s experience with peacebuilding and reconciliation, participants can gain new perspectives that may be relevant to their own communities.
The program also places considerable emphasis on people-to-people connections.
Rather than focusing only on formal academic learning, the exchange encourages participants to communicate, share experiences, understand different perspectives, and develop lasting relationships.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future |
| Program Type | Youth Exchange Program |
| Organizers | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and RYCO |
| Framework | MIRAI Program |
| Program Dates | 20–26 January 2027 |
| Duration | 7 days |
| Number of Participants | 13 |
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Graduate or PhD |
| Eligible Countries | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia |
| Language | English |
| Location | Japan |
| Nationality Restriction | Applicants must hold a passport from one of the WB6 societies; Japanese nationals are not eligible |
| International Flight | Covered |
| Accommodation | Covered |
| Meals During Program | Covered |
| Transportation in Japan | Covered |
| Travel/Accident Insurance | Covered |
| Activity Admission Fees | Covered |
| Visa | Required for participants from certain countries |
| Application Deadline | 31st August,2026 |
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before applying, prospective participants should carefully consider the following requirements:
- You must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
- You must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program.
- You must live in one of the six participating Western Balkan societies.
- You must hold a passport issued by one of the WB6 countries.
- You must have a good command of English.
- You should have good academic achievements.
- You should demonstrate social activism or community engagement.
- You should have a genuine interest in Japan.
- You must respect the principles of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
- You must have a valid passport.
- Applicants with experience related to Japan, peacebuilding, dealing with the past, reconciliation, regional cooperation, or intercultural learning are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should be prepared to cover personal expenses that are not included in the program’s financial support.
LEARN MORE HERE
Application Deadline
31st August,2026.
Because the program takes place in January 2027, prospective applicants should avoid waiting until the last minute to prepare their documents.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This program could be particularly suitable for young people who are:
- University students from the Western Balkans
- Interested in Japan and Japanese culture
- Interested in peacebuilding and reconciliation
- Active in their communities
- Interested in regional cooperation
- Interested in international relations
- Passionate about intercultural dialogue
- Interested in conflict resolution
- Engaged in youth leadership
- Interested in dealing with the past
- Interested in learning from international experiences
- Interested in building international networks
Candidates who can demonstrate how they intend to use their experience to contribute to their communities may be especially well positioned for this type of exchange.
APPLY HERE
Conclusion
The Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future 2026/2027 program offers 13 young people from the Western Balkans the opportunity to travel to Japan for a seven-day educational, cultural, and academic exchange.
Beyond the opportunity to experience Japan, participants will explore important issues surrounding peacebuilding, reconciliation, intercultural dialogue, regional cooperation, and international understanding.
With major program expenses such as international airfare, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, and scheduled activity fees covered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the exchange provides a valuable opportunity for eligible young people to gain international exposure while developing relationships that can contribute to future cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.
For students aged 20 and above from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, this program represents an opportunity to learn, connect, exchange ideas, and become part of a wider network of young people working toward a more peaceful and cooperative future.
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