JENESYS2025 aims to promote mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan, ASEAN Member States, and Timor-Leste, to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation, as well as to encourage an understanding of various aspects of Japan. The project is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). This is the highlight of JENESYS2025 reported by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) in April 2026:

Indonesia-Japan Manga and Animation Online Exchange

The JENESYS Indonesia-Japan Manga & Animation Online Exchange was conducted over three days between 25–30 March 2026. The program brought together three Japanese university students and 4 Indonesian graduate students under the theme of manga and anime exchange.  Through this program, participants deepened mutual understanding and built meaningful connections through their shared passion for manga and anime.

JENESYS2025 Malaysia-Japan Young Political Leaders Exchange Program

From 24 to 27 March, JICE welcomed five young political representatives from Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK), the Youth Wing of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party (PKR), as a part of the JENESYS2025 Malaysia-Japan Young Political Leaders Exchange Program. During their visit, they explored Kyoto and Tokyo, engaging in meaningful dialogue and exchange.

JENESYS ASEAN - Japan Alumni Study Program (Alumni Connect Camp)

The first-ever in-person JENESYS ASEAN Alumni Reunion, Alumni Connect Camp, for residents in Japan was a great success. Gathering in Tokyo, alumni who had had little opportunity to connect—despite living in the same country—finally came together.

Through the “Alumni Cafe” and collaborative fieldwork in six teams, they quickly bonded over shared experiences and aspirations, building deep and lasting friendships.

The Bond Between JENESYS Alumni and Her Host Sister

When Yoshida-san from Hokkaido was a high school student, her family welcomed a JENESYS participant, Namthip-san into their home through the homestay program. More than 10 years after their first meeting, Yoshida-san from Hokkaido and Namthip-san from Thailand are still connected by a warm and genuine friendship.

Hello from JENESYS Alumni from Lao PDR, Thidathip Kounnavong

Ms. Thidathip’s mother studied abroad in Japan many years ago. When she later visited Japan to see her, she realised she struggled to communicate—not only because she didn’t know Japanese, but also because her English wasn't sufficient at the time. That experience made her aware of the importance of language and communication.

Encounters with Japan, connections with people, and the accumulation of learning—she hoped to continue cherishing all of these as she moved forward on her own path.