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A joint teleseminar of JICA Turkey Office and Turkish Japanese Foundation was held on May 5, 2020 organized with support of Ms. Oznur ANAC, English teacher in Erciş Tenzile Ana Junior High School and JICA & TJF ex-participant, and Ms. Yoshiko OZAWA, former Project Formulation Advisor of JICA Turkey Office.

Ten Turkish junior high school students aged between 10 & 13 from Ercis, Van made presentations in English about Turkish history, Turkish-Japanese relation and culture including cuisine, music, sports, etc. for Japanese students in Sapporo. More than 60 participants followed the seminar. Presentation was evaluated by the Japanese participants very impressive. During the presentations, there were some questions raised by Japanese students such as "the ingredient of "Baklava", "most recommendable places to visit", "duration of compulsory education in Turkey", etc. Both Turkish and Japanese students asked each other what they have been doing during quarantine days. The answers were very similar, having lectures through internet and TV, and enjoying with PC games and internet.

One of the importance of this program was its date because May 5 was "Kodomo No Hi" (Children's Day) in Japan. And, one of the Japanese students gave information on Kodomo No Hi, which is a Japanese national holiday takes place annually on May 5 and it is set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. He showed "koinobori", which families prepare carp-shaped paper or fabric flags for this special day. It was very meaningful to meet Japanese students on such a special day since Turkish students also had celebrated National Sovereignty and Children's Day on 23 April.

Both Japanese and Turkish students liked the program and they were happy to learn different things from each other. In a near future, another program is being planned where Japanese students will introduce Japanese culture to Turkish students.

Participants of the seminar

Presentation on Turkish Cuisine

"Koinobori" is shown by a Japanese Student