History books and historical truths are often two different things. This valuable lesson was stressed by students participating in this year's Japan Return Program.

This year's program invited 17 high school students from 13 countries to participate in international exchange and discussions on peace-related issues, in Japanese, with Japanese students. The program, which began in early July and ends Sunday, featured stops in Okinawa, Hiroshima and Tokyo.

Program participants were selected on the basis of essays and interviews in Japanese. Students stayed with home-stay families, participated in junior summits in Okinawa and Tokyo and held discussions in Hiroshima.

Catherine Chen, 19, from Australia, said: "In school we studied about Japan, but only up until the Meiji Period. Coming to Japan has allowed me to learn so much about Hiroshima, Nagasaki and the Battle of Okinawa."

In a similar manner, Arreola Ximena, 17, from Mexico, said: "The Battle of Okinawa, Hiroshima (and) Nagasaki are all mentioned in our textbooks. When I actually went to Okinawa and Hiroshima, however, I was able to learn about what isn't written in our textbooks."

Miyoko Ikezaki, vice chairwoman of the Japan Return Program, summed up the purpose of the program: "We hope that young people can visit Japan, learn about peace and at some point in the future return again. This contributes to society."

The Japan Return Program is backed by the Foreign Ministry and the Japan Foundation and receives corporate sponsorship from The Japan Times and other institutions. It is held annually. More information can be found on the annual Japan Return Program at www.bna.co.jp