Welcome Reception
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. At the welcome reception,
Mr. Kim Changbeom, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federation of Korean Industries, and Mr. Kim Sanghoon, Director-General for Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, reaffirmed the significance of the teacher exchange program. Both speakers expressed their hope that the initiative would empower educators to guide the next generation—those who will shape a brighter future—and help lay the groundwork for enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Following these remarks, Mr. Tomohiro Nowatari, a teacher at Kanagawa Prefectural Hakuyo Senior High School, delivered a greeting on behalf of the Japanese delegation. He emphasized the importance of exchange with Korean educators, Japan’s close neighbors, and highlighted that collaboration in economic, cultural, and educational spheres would foster mutual development and contribute to global peace.

Mr. Kazuyoshi Onishi, Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of Japan in Korea, also addressed the gathering. He stressed that building a strong and stable Japan–South Korea relationship requires multi-layered engagement—not only through government channels but also through robust people-to-people exchanges.

The reception was attended by 26 Korean teachers who had previously visited Japan in January 2025. They actively engaged in dialogue with their Japanese counterparts at each table, sharing perspectives on the challenges faced in the education sector.

Visits to Schools and Leading Companies
At Incheon International High School and Ewha Womans University High School, Japanese teachers gained insights into each institution’s educational philosophy, curriculum structure, and university advancement rates. They observed classroom instruction and toured various campus facilities. The visit also fostered active engagement between the Japanese and Korean educators, who exchanged perspectives through discussions on teaching practices.

The delegation visited LG Science Park, where they were introduced to cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven automotive systems and advanced home appliances designed to enhance comfort and quality of life.

At Toray Advanced Materials, the teachers toured research and development facilities and listened to Chairman Motohisa Kyuno share his reflections on the cultural differences between Japan and Korea, as well as the attributes he values in employees.

At the Lotte Group, the teachers visited the Founder’s Memorial Hall, gaining a deeper understanding of the company’s origins and its rapid evolution into a global enterprise—currently ranked fifth in Korea by asset size.

Lectures and Cultural Experiences
Through a series of lectures and cultural activities, the participating teachers gained a multifaceted understanding of Japan–Korea relations, educational systems, and cultural heritage.

Dr. Kim Sangkyun, Cognitive Scientist and Professor at Kyunghee University’s Graduate School of Business, delivered a lecture on the evolving demands of education in the AI era. Dr. Cho Minhyo, Professor at Sungkyunkwan University’s Graduate School of Public Administration, provided insights into Korea’s demographic challenges, including policies addressing an aging population and declining birthrate. During a visit to the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker Mr. Joo Hoyoung—who also serves as Chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians’ League—offered warm encouragement to the teachers, emphasizing their vital role in shaping the future and the importance of fostering strong Japan–Korea relations. At the Embassy of Japan in Korea, Mr. Kazuyoshi Onishi, Minister-Counselor, gave an overview of bilateral relations and talked about the responsibilities of a diplomat.

Beyond academic and policy discussions, the teachers immersed themselves in Korean culture through hands-on traditional craft-making, attending a professional baseball game, and enjoying a classical concert conducted by Maestro Gum Nanse, one of Korea’s most renowned conductors. The concert, hosted by Mr. Kim Yoon, Chairman of the Korea-Japan Economic Association, offered a rich experience of Korea’s cultural fusion of tradition and modernity.

Looking ahead, the third visit by Korean teachers to Japan—marking the fifth exchange in the series—is scheduled for January 2026, continuing the shared commitment to building a future-oriented Japan–Korea relationship.