Young people sought for mission to Japan

Press, 23 April 1979, Page 14

Young people sought for mission to Japan

New Zealand's lust youth goodwill mission to Japan is being organised by the New Zealand-Japan Society of Canterbury. Japanese youth missons have visited New Zealand for the last four years, and so to reciprocate interest, 11 to 16 young New Zealanders are this

year being invited to visit Japan to observe aspects of culture, industry, and local government there. The aim is to allow the

young people to exchange views and experiences with young Japanese while promoting friendship between the two countries.

Application forms for the. visit have been distributed to commerical and financial organisations throughout New Zealand. All Government departments have been asked to put forward the names of suitable people aged between 20 and 29 years. The cost of the tour for each member is $2OOO. Participants will be expected to pay $lOOO towards the cost of the tour and the other $lOOO is being sought from sponsors.

The president of the New Z e a I a n d-Japan Society of Canterbury (Mr B. Graham) said that several organisations had said they were interested in sponsoring a visitor, but final arrangements would not be known until the middle of June. The three-week tour will encompass many fields of interest. Where possible arrangements will be made for individuals to visit counterparts with the same job or interests as themselves. Several stays in Japanese homes are

being arranged. Apart from these accommodation will be in Youth Hostels In Tokyo the group will visit the Japan loundation; the Tdkvo Childrens Hall; the N.H.K. broadcasting centre. Parliament House: Sony, the electronics company: and the Fish Market. From Na;oya they will visit the Meiji village: Nagoya Castle; and the offices of the Governor of the perfectural government. Recent trends in Japanese agriculture and achievements in the post-war period will be studied The programme has the

support of the Max or nt Christchurch (Mr H G Hax) and the director of tite Canterburx Manufat*. turers’ Association (Mr It D. Howell). In letteis of commendation for the tour, both men 'aid that the importance of developing better understanding and knowledge between .lanan and New Zealand was vital. Mr Haj 'a.d was particularly pleased that the New Zealand mission would visit the city of Kurashiki. sister city to Christchurch. The tour plans to leave Christchurch on October 31.