From December 1 (Tuesday) to 2 (Wednesday), 2020, the Japan-Russia Youth Forum (online) took place, with participation from our very own Ms. Masami Tanimoto of Soka University (Faculty of Letters, junior).

The Japan-Russia Youth Forum is sponsored by the Japan Russia Youth Exchange Center, which was established in 1995, and the event has taken place since 2006 with the goal of allowing students in Japan and Russia (who would be expected to play a role in contributing to the future relationship of these two nations) to hold discussions based on themes that interest both countries. This event was the ninth of its kind, held under a theme focusing on cooperation between Japan and Russia for global benefit.

Representing Japan, Ms. Tanimoto gave a baseline report under a theme focusing on cooperation between Japan and Russia amid the “new normal,” sharing that we are now at a stage in the COVID-19 pandemic where, amid situations and transitions of international significance, it is becoming more and more crucial to engage in interaction at the civic level and to initiate sustainable cooperation considering environmental factors. She also attended a subcommittee that took place under a theme highlighting the role and vision of youth exchange amid the pandemic. There, ideas were presented for sending out information pertaining to youth activities using the hashtag #JRYouthView, which is common to both Japan and Russia, in order to promote cultural exchange between the two nations.