A group of teenagers from Small Heath Technology College in Birmingham was selected to take part in the third Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Japan Experience Study Tour. This innovative programme was established to enable young people from inner city environments in the UK to gain a unique insight into aspects of contemporary Japanese society relevant to their own lives and to break down stereotypes. The College was introduced to the Foundation by Roger Godsiff MP for Small Heath, who is Chairman of the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group.
Since the programme started the Foundation has developed a strong relationship with Osaka International House. GBSF staff work with International House and the British Council in Japan to devise a comprehensive schedule of visits for the group’s ten-day visit.
The twelve students and two teachers stayed with host families to enable them to experience Japanese family life. The group had a demanding schedule, meeting every morning to explore a different aspect of Japanese society. Visits included a morning at a community centre for older people; an overnight trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, staying in a traditional Japanese inn; a visit to a Burakumin community; a visit to the Panasonic R&D Centre; a high school exchange and a visit to police headquarters with a Kendo demonstration.
Despite language difficulties students interacted warmly with everyone they met. By the end of the trip, it was clear that important friendships had been established between individuals and between Birmingham and Osaka.

To quote participants:
“I learned so much about Japan from family life to food, education to discrimination, the youth and the elderly.”
“The visits were really helpful as they helped us gain knowledge about issues in Japan and how things work, in comparison to England.”
“In the few days I was there I learnt so much about Japan, its culture and people”
“It’s a great experience!”
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

A substantial grant of £10,000 over two years enabled teachers from Northern Ireland and Toyama Prefecture to benefit from a very successful professional exchange. This led to partnership between local schools and the development of ICT skills in particular. Many issues of internationalisation and cultural understanding were covered in seminars and mutual bonds were created through social events and meetings with civic authorities.

Many schools throughout the country organise mini-festivals with a variety of Japanese cultural activities.

Ackworth School was one: "Thank you for your generous support of our Japan Day. It was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The students and visitors learned new skills and were enthusiastically involved in the workshops. The whole day was an insight into Japanese arts and culture - including a sushi lunch."

As well as school exchanges, this category includes support for students on a 'Gap' year in Japan. Two organisations that arrange for these 'year out' placements in Japan are:

Gap Activity Projects (GAP) Limited
Address: Tel: Fax: Web Site:	GAP House, 44 Queen's Road, Reading, Berks RG1 4BB 0118 959 4914 0118 957 6634 http://www.gap.org.uk *Placement is usually for 6 months and the work includes English language teaching, or work at a Red Cross Hospital or a Cheshire Home.

Project Trust
Address: Tel: Fax: Web Site:	The Hebridean Centre, Ballyhough, Isle of Coll PA78 6TE 01879 230444 01879 230357 http://www.projecttrust.org.uk *These placements are for 1 year, and are for English language teaching.

The Foundation is prepared to give grants of £300 to a limited number of deserving GAP/Project Trust applicants. However the application should be made through one of the organisations listed above.