Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori has called on a group of some 350 foreign students currently part of an international exchange program in Ishikawa Prefecture to promote understanding and friendship with local residents in a bid to strengthen ties between his native prefecture and the international community.
In a videotaped message, Mori told participants in the 13th annual Japan Tent program on Friday that he hopes they will serve as a bridge between Japan and other countries after learning about Japanese culture and tradition during the eight-day event.
"I believe world leaders enjoyed the Okinawa summit of the Group of Eight major nations (that ended last week) and that it promoted their understanding of Okinawa and the rest of Japan," he said in the message, screened during the opening ceremony for the event.
"It's your turn to enjoy cross-cultural exchanges here in Ishikawa Prefecture and take good memories about Japan to your home countries."