On August 7, the Okayama Prefectural Government hosted the appointment ceremony for the “Sunny Land Okayama-South America Exchange Ambassadors”. Three Okayama University students were among those appointed: Ms. IWAASA Asuka (2nd-year Master’s student, Graduate School of Education), Ms. KISHIMOTO Risa (4th-year student, Faculty of Economics), and Mr. IRIE Haruta (1st-year student, Faculty of Economics).

This initiative is part of the “FY2025 South America Next-Generation Exchange Program” organized by Okayama Prefecture, marking the 115th anniversary of Japanese migration from Okayama to Brazil. In April, five students from universities across the prefecture were recruited; 40 Okayama University students applied, and three were selected through a rigorous document screening and interview process.

At the ceremony, Governor IBARAGI Ryuta presented letters of appointment to the five ambassadors including students from other universities and colleges in the prefecture. He encouraged them, saying:
“Please convey our gratitude to those who continue to think of Okayama from the other side of the globe. Take good care of your health and make the most of this exchange opportunity.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms. IWAASA expressed her determination:
“As members of the younger generation, we are committed to building upon the bonds that our predecessors forged between Okayama and Brazil, and to carrying them forward into the future.”

From August 14 to 20, the students will visit São Paulo, Brazil. Their itinerary includes meetings with local associations, a memorial service for early settlers, a visit to the Museum of Japanese Immigration, participation in the 115th anniversary ceremony, and exchange activities with local university students. They will also stay with local host families, providing them with firsthand experience of Brazilian daily life, culture, and values. At the anniversary ceremony, the students will showcase Uraja, a traditional dance of Okayama, which they have been learning from scratch, to share the cultural charm of their home prefecture.

After returning to Japan, the students will share their experiences widely through debriefing sessions and social media, contributing to ongoing exchange between the South American Japanese community and younger generations in Okayama.

● Related videos are available on the official Okayama University Study Abroad Instagram [New window] and NHK Okayama NEWS WEB [New window] .