The field of my training was attracting foreign and national investments into Hyogo regional economy development and applying Japanese experience in my daily practice in Russia. My training institution was International Economy Development Division of Hyogo Prefectural Government. Besides I also got information from Hyogo-Kobe Investment Support Center, Kobe Chamber of Commerce, Kobe Foreign Trade Association. During my training I visited several famous companies and investigated their experience in the sphere of investing in Hyogo. Before my training in Japan I worked in International Organizations Division of the Foreign Economic Relations Department of the Khabarovsky Krai Government. In December 2007 I was promoted to Foreign Policy Division of the same Department. Now my work is more related to foreign investments. And on each stage of my job I strive to use knowledge that I got in Japan.

During my staying in Japan I met a lot of wonderful people who helped me to become accustomed to Japanese way of life and a little bit their life philosophy. It was not the easiest period but it was one of the most interesting ones. I learned a lot and after coming back to Russia I began to evaluate many things in a different way than it was before. Now it is easier for me to work with Japanese colleagues. I communicate with people from International Economy Development Division and International Relations Division of Hyogo Prefectural Government at least once in a week. I hope that my assistance helps them to communicate with Russian partners and understand Russian people better.

When I was in Japan delegation of Russian children visited Hyogo for the first time. The idea of that first visit was to establish bilateral ecology exchange program devoted to Oriental White Stork that lives in Khabarovsky Krai in summer and flies to Hyogo for winter. After my coming back to Khabarovsk we did not forget about that program and in August 2007 representatives of Hyogo Educational Department came to Khabarovsk for 1 week and visited all places that we offered for Japanese children. We already agreed on program with Japanese part and this summer delegation of 13 Japanese children from Hyogo will visit Khabarovsk. I am proud of my contribution to this program. I really hope that this project will become one more important stage in developing friendly relations between our countries. I really believe that human relations are one of the most important factors in bilateral cooperation.

My name is Seo Jong-Bun, and I work at the Agricultural Technology Institute of Jeollanam-do in South Korea. A year has passed quickly since my return to Jeollanam-do, where the topography and climate is very similar to that of Kochi Prefecture. Looking back 2 years ago at the short training period, I learnt a lot and experienced many things that made it a worthwhile time.

here were also other trainees from China and the Philippines in Kochi Prefecture. Even though we all spoke poorly in Japanese, we were able to communicate and talked about our cultures and tourist attractions. It was a fun time that will always remain as a beautiful memory for me. We still keep in contact with occasional email exchanges and I look forward to when we are able to meet again. The deepest impression that remains from the training was that of the famous Japanese summer “Yosakoi Festival” where I was able to take part in and to have experienced this part of the culture. It was very fun. If I have the opportunity, I would like to take part again.

I am back doing my usual duties at work that does not directly involve international cooperation. However, I sometimes meet up with other local officials and corporate workers that I have become acquainted with. Together, we visit historical relics and I introduce our culture to them. I want to learn more about other countries’ culture and history, and continue taking part in a wide range of exchanges.

I was a trainee for 7 months in 2007. I have since returned to China, but every time I look at a certain special alarm clock, it brings back different memories of Japan to me. And despite the fact that I am in China, the clock which was received from a good friend in Japan, displays the Japanese local time. It was indeed during the training period that I made lots of memories, gained valuable experiences and befriended some very nice people.

After arriving in Japan, my first impression of Japan was of its beauty. From looking at the blue sky and the woods, I could feel the Japanese people’s awareness towards the importance of this wonderful natural environment. I must talk about the impressions I have on the country and its people, of which there are two that have left deep impressions on me. The first is that they are very hardworking people. During my training, I would ask my colleagues why they didn’t leave the office on time. To which the reply was “Today’s work has not been finished and I want to complete it. Otherwise, tomorrow’s work would probably not go smoothly.” They have a serious attitude towards everything and I think that is the most important thing. And for a young person like me, it was a valuable experience. The other impression of the people was their politeness: the quietness on a packed commuter train; and how they all waited patiently in line at Disneyland for 2 hours- I was pleasantly shocked. I learnt afterwards that children in Japan are raised so they do not cause others trouble. Thus naturally, everyone learns to respect each other in their everyday lives.

I have learnt so many things during the training, but I have only mentioned the small things that were discovered easily. It is these small things that when put together, forms the concrete impression of Japan for me. Of course, I think that Japan is a developed country full of attractiveness.