MIRAI Programme (Invitation programme for postgraduates and undergraduate students to Japan)

2026/7/31

The application window for the MIRAI Programme 2026 is now open.

 

Programme Overview

The Government of Japan launched the MIRAI Programme in 2015. It is  a short-term youth exchange scheme set up to invite postgraduates and undergraduate students to Japan.

The title of the programme, “MIRAI,” means “future” in Japanese and is also an acronym based on the first letters of the following keywords, as indicated: Mutual understanding, Intellectual Relations and Academic exchange Initiative.

Objectives
The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan and its policy, to promote mutual understanding, and thus build a basis for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and their regions. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) hopes that the program will offer a great opportunity to
  1. Promote a deeper understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, diverse cultures, politics, and diplomatic relations among participants
  2. Foster supporters and experts of Japan
  3. Strengthen public relations through proactive dissemination of Japan’s diplomatic policy and attractive points by participants
  4. Strengthen relations between Japan and the participants’ regions, and build a basis for future friendship and cooperation

Programme Details

Participants from the UK are eligible to apply for any of and the following programme themes:

MIRAI Visiting Japan Programme - Themes and Dates
  • Diplomacy and Security Policy: 2 Dec - 8 Dec, 2026
  • Economy and Business: 2 Dec - 8 Dec, 2026
  • Science and Technology: 20 Jan - 26 Jan, 2027

Application Procedure for Candidates from the UK

Please read the Application Guidelines carefully before applying. Fill out the entry form on the website and upload the necessary documents within the application period.

MIRAI Visiting Japan Programme Application Guidelines
*Application deadline: 31 August 2026 at 2:00am (UK local time)

Enquiries

After reading the Application Guidelines carefully, if you still have any enquiries, please contact the Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) at the Embassy of Japan in the UK by e-mail.

Email: mirai@ld.mofa.go.jp (Please mention "MIRAI Programme 2026 [your name]" in the subject line.)

Past Programme Information (for reference)

  • Details of past programmes are available here. 
 
 

MIRAI Programme Alumni Personal Experiences

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