Messages from the Participants

Cosmo Takagi

The Next Generation Global Leaders Program "Ship for World Youth Leaders" (2015)
Local government / Meiji University Graduate School of Governance Studies

I got great experiences more than I expected through SWY program. Although I had 7 years working experience when I participated in SWY28, I wanted to think about my future career, and SWY program gave me enough time to think about it on the board. Any other SWY 28 participants who have working experiences have more or less some problem with their career ..

Leonardo Kajioka Nardon

18th Ship for World Youth Program (2005) Brazil, South America
Senior Cultural Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil

I have always had a very deep interest in intercultural exchange. Coming from a mix of Japanese and Italian cultures, being raised in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment I was very interested in the proposal of the SWY Program. Having the opportunity to spend time with young leaders from 12 different countries, discuss pressing global issues such as climate change, youth development and empowerment and other important issues was very appealing to me.

Yuma Nagasaki

19th Ship for World Youth Program (2006)
Manager, Free Bird Institute Limited (Language School in Fiji)

When I joined the SWY program, I was 29 and one of the oldest participant. The administration may have expected my leadership, but actually I was very overwhelmed by the energy of the young participants. They showed me their leadership instead, and I actually learned a lot from the younger participants.