TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Education (教育部) announced on Wednesday (Nov. 26) a new initiative aimed at enhancing educational and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO, 日本政府観光局) invited Taiwanese high school principals and educators to Japan in October to explore how local schools integrate industry, culture, and sustainable development, thereby fostering cooperation in the educational sector.
JNTO, with support from the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (日本台灣交流協會), organized the event, which featured 12 educational tour routes across regions such as Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Shikoku, and Kyushu. These routes highlighted the unique integration of education with local industries, culture, and natural environments, showcasing the diversity of regional education in Japan.
On their first day in Japan, the Taiwanese delegation participated in a forum in Tokyo. They engaged in discussions with Japanese educational authorities and local school representatives on topics including educational exchange planning and safety management. The delegation then embarked on visits to various regions, gaining insights into diverse educational themes ranging from disaster prevention and vocational education to peace, tourism, and marine education.
The K-12 Education Administration (國教署) emphasized that international educational exchanges are vital for developing students' global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding. They encouraged schools to plan international exchange programs that incorporate both academic and practical content to enhance students' diverse skills and global competitiveness. The recent visit to Japan not only strengthened mutual understanding between Taiwanese and Japanese educational institutions but also aimed to establish a long-term platform for cooperation and exchange.