TYCA Vol.9_Report

 

 

DAY-1 ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION

 


Participants from ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore,　 Thailand and Brunei arrived safely in Japan in the morning of Day-1. They were welcomed by the Japanese participants at their first destination, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. From the observation deck on the 45th floor of the building, they enjoyed an aerial view of Tokyo, a major cosmopolitan city where both traditional Japanese culture and modern life coexist.
 
The participants then travelled by bus to the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center (NYC), the main venue for the program. After having lunch together at the venue, TYCA Vol. 9 officially kicked off with a warm welcome from the organizers and all staff at the opening ceremony.

 

 

This was followed by an icebreaker session, where everyone got to know each other’s names, countries of origin, and hobbies. On Day 1, the participants seemed a little bit nervous at first but soon enjoyed meeting new people and interacting with each other.

 

 

 

DAY-2 LEARNING ABOUT JAPAN & DIVERSITY OF ASIA

 

On Day-2, participants began with a morning check-in to assess their physical conditions and review the day’s schedule. The day’s first event was a lecture by Mr. Hiroki Yamazaki of TIFO on “Introducing Japan – The Past, Present and Future”. He illustrated Japan’s various dimensions, including its culture, economic development, and social issues, using videos and photos. His presentation highlighted both the positive aspects, such as Japan’s soft power and its Olympic history, and challenges facing the nation, like social issues tied to economic growth.
 
During the General Session, facilitated by Mr. Yamazaki and navigator Mr. Tyler Harth, participants shared personal introductions, aspirations related to TYCA programs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They were later organized into groups T, Y, C and A for subsequent activities and enjoyed their lunch.

 

 

In the afternoon, Ms. Hideko Hadzialic, the Director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)’s Representative Office in Japan gave a lecture on “UNDP and Sustainable Development,” emphasizing the need for educational access and basic human rights for everyone. She advocated for growth strategies that protect the environment. Following her, Mr. Savinda Ranathunga, the Regional Youth Portfolio Manager UNDP’s Thailand Office discussed the Theory of Change and the significance of a Circular Economy.

 

 

Lastly, Mr. Nozomu Aoki, a social entrepreneur, focused on the upcycling of coffee grounds into fertilizers. He engaged students in a workshop, where they explored natural waste resources and formulated related business ideas.

 

 

 

DAY-3  LEARNING BASIC TOOLS

 


 

On Day-3, the participants engaged in a variety of activities aimed at enhancing their critical thinking skills and understanding of sustainable development. The day began with a health check and an icebreaker game called “Janken train,” which helped warm up the participants for the program.
 
Keynote speaker Professor Naoki Ishibashi from Musashino University delivered a lecture on the “Question Formulation Technique” (QFT), highlighting its role in redesigning society with a focus on science and Data Science. Following this, participants practiced QFT in a workshop, gaining skills to formulate questions vital for their upcoming presentations. In a subsequent workshop, students developed questions about their nation’s future by working individually and then sharing their ideas in groups, supported by advisors.

 

 

After lunch, participants played “Logy & Nomy”, a board game exploring the relationship between ecology　(environment) and economy. Facilitated by Ms. Misato Kishi with the support of students from Keio Shonan Fujisawa High School, the game prompted reflections on environmental conservation and sustainable development. Students discussed their experiences during and after the game, considering the real-world implications of the concepts learned.

 

 

The day was concluded by a reflection session and the participants’ remarks underscored the importance of curiosity, the need for organized ideas, and the recognition that successful development requires a balance between environmental and economic factors, emphasizing collaboration and negotiation as key components in achieving sustainability.

 

 

 

DAY-4 SDGs CASE STUDIES / POWER OF TECHNOLOGIES

 

On Day 4, Ms. Akira Sakano, Founder & Director of Zero Waste Japan, delivered an impactful presentation regarding the urgent global waste crisis, highlighting that waste is expected to rise by 70% by 2050 and that our consumption of natural resources outpaces the Earth’s ability to replenish them. She showcased her initiatives in Kamikatsu town, Japan, where the local government achieved an impressive 80% recycling rate.
 
To further this cause, she established the Zero Waste Japan organization, focusing on effective recycling and waste reduction strategies. Following her lecture, Ms. Sakano conducted a role-playing workshop where participants assumed roles such as local government and residents, fostering discussions on achieving consensus on waste management strategies. She emphasized the importance of NPOs collaborating with governments to facilitate agreement and encourage dialogue. The session generated significant interest, prompting numerous questions from attendees.

 

 

Subsequently, participants traveled to a Plastic Chemical Recycling Plant in Kawasaki, where they received a lecture and toured the facility. They learned about the crushing and gasification processes that convert used plastics into synthetic gas. The day culminated to visit the world’s first hydrogen hotel, powered by low-carbon hydrogen from the plant. On returning to the Olympic Center, participants enjoyed a special dinner at Dashi Lab Cafe.

 

 

 

DAY-5 DEVELOP FUTURE ACTION PLAN

 

On Day 5 of the program, participants began preparing their presentations based on the knowledge they had gained. Mr. Yamazaki delivered a one-hour session on presentation techniques and introduced the Purpose Model to help students define and communicate their topics effectively. Following this, teams discussed and chose their presentation themes.
For lunch, participants enjoyed meals in the Sangubashi area, choosing from ramen, curry, and sushi.

 

 

Afterward, teams outlined their final presentations focusing on “Draw the Vision of Asia toward 2030 and Beyond,” receiving guidance from Mr. Yamazaki and Professor Ishibashi. One of the distinctive aspects of TYCA was the presence of advisers who collaborated with each group throughout the eight days program. The advisors also joined each team and gave them useful advice and worked together with the team toward the goal.

 

 

After dinner, ASJA International hosted a session where ASEAN graduate students in Japan shared their experiences. Participants enjoyed engaging conversations and questions. The day concluded with some relaxing activities, including origami and Japanese calligraphy.

 

 

 

DAY-6 MAKING TEAM PRESENTATIONS

 

On Day-6, the Morning Check-in started with some enjoyable quizzes. Students were able to have a fun and fresh start of the day. Students began the day by working on and discussing their final presentations. Mr. Yamazaki (TIFO) and Prof. Ishibashi (Musashino University) also helped brush up their presentations.

 

 

Before lunch, the participants went to walk and visit the Meiji Shrine, surrounded by the huge man-made forest with a century of history, gaining insights into the Japanese spirit, their appreciation of the nature, and coexistence of the urban life and the nature. Luckily, the weather was amazing, and everyone enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful walk. It was a very refreshing moment amid all the hard work they were experiencing.

 

 

After dinner, a rehearsal was held in a hall where the actual presentation would also take place, making the participants feel a little nervous. Each group worked on the preparation for their presentations until late at night.

 

 

 

DAY-7 FINAL PRESENTATION

 

On Day-7, Final Presentation took place to showcase what the participants had learned at TYCA. Guests from various entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and ASEAN countries’ embassies in Tokyo, as well as representatives of Toshiba International Foundation and ASJA International attended. The students were dressed in traditional costumes and formal wear from their countries and schools. Each of the group T, Y, C, and A delivered presentations on “Draw vision of Asia toward 2030 and beyond” and ideas for achieving it. Each presentation contained well thought-out ideas with background information and concrete action plans were also presented.

 

 

Following the presentation, all students were given certificates, and the program came to an end.

 

 

Relieved from the pressure of Final Presentation, the participants spent the afternoon touring the streets of Harajuku. After enjoying the unique culture of Harajuku, they returned to the NYC and attended Farewell Party. At the party, the participants from Oki-Dozen High School delivered a presentation on the traditional dance of their region, Kinnya-monya dance. Other participants also experienced the dance, holding shamoji, rice spatulas. They also enjoyed gift exchange from each country and spending the remaining precious time together.

 

 

 

DAY-8 Departure

 

Very early in the morning, the participants from ASEAN countries headed home, seen off by Japanese participants and staff.
The eight days sounds long, but in fact they passed by in a moment. We hope the participants, who spent these memorable days together, will continue to harness their friendship and get reunited someday.