In this article, we will explore the impact of Draft:Ship for World Youth Program in different contexts and situations. From its influence on society to its relevance in the professional field, Draft:Ship for World Youth Program has proven to be a topic of great interest and debate. Throughout these pages, we will analyze its origin, evolution and possible future implications, with the aim of providing a complete and updated vision of Draft:Ship for World Youth Program. By collecting data, testimonials, and expert opinions, we hope to shed light on this topic and offer an enriching perspective for our readers.
| Review waiting, please be patient.
This may take 2–3 weeks or more, since drafts are reviewed in no specific order. There are 659 pending submissions waiting for review.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
Reviewer tools
|
| Submission declined on 1 December 2025 by Timtrent (talk). This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
This draft has been resubmitted and is currently awaiting re-review. |

Ship for World Youth Program is one of an international youth exchange program organised by the Government of Japan, under the Cabinet Office. It is one of the Japanese leadership programs designed for young people.[2][3][4]
Selected Japanese participants (JPYs) and overseas participants (OPYs) from approximately 12 different countries live together aboard a ship in a shared environment. Participants engage in discussions, seminars, and cultural exchange activities.[5][6]
The program emphasizes mutual understanding, cross-cultural communication, and the development of global perspectives.[3][7]
The official name of the program in Japanese is 「世界青年の船」 (Sekai Seinen no Fune), which translates to "Ship for World Youth." (SWY)[8][6]
2014 (Heisei 26) - Ship for World Youth Alumni Association International was enacted to unify all post-program alumni organizations under shared goals and collaborative efforts. [9]
2007 (Heisei 19) - The first SWY alumni reunion, the SWYAA Global Assembly (GA)[10], was held in Greece. It brought together 47 participants from 16 countries.[9]
1988 (Showa 63) - The Program was reorganized into the Ship for World Youth (SWY) program. The new format emphasized intercultural exchange between Japanese and overseas youths, incorporating structured discussions and collaborative activities.[11][2][9]
1967 (Showa 42) - As part of the centennial celebration of the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese Youth Goodwill Cruise Program was inaugurated.[9]
1962 (Showa 37) - The Invitation of Foreign Youth Program was established.[9]
1959 (Showa 34) - The Japanese Youth Goodwill Mission Program was launched to commemorate the marriage of then-Crown Prince Akihito (now Emperor Emeritus). Initiated by Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, this marked the beginning of Japan’s international youth exchange efforts under the Cabinet Office.[9]
The Ship for World Youth program typically involves Japanese participating youths (JPYs) and overseas participating youths (OPYs) from around 12 countries, all aged between 18 and 30[3][12][13].
Participants live together aboard a ship for around one month, engaging in a variety of activities designed to foster intercultural understanding and leadership development.[13] Representatives among the participating youths from each country also take part in courtesy calls, audiences at the Imperial Household Agency, and other official events.[14][15] This program is also reflected in coverage by foreign embassies, such as the departure ceremony in Tokyo and the announcing participant recruitment.[16] During port of calls, participants visit local institutions and engage with local youths in activities aligned with the themes of the discussions.[3] [6]
Former participants receive updates and information related to the Ship for World Youth program and the Ship for World Youth Alumni Association International through SWY News[17] (the official newsletter) and dedicated mailing lists associated with the program.[8]
There are past participating countries[10];
Asia - Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Africa - Algeria, Cameroon, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Seychelles, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia
Oceania - Australia, Fiji, Micronesia (Federated States of Micronesia), New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu
Europe - Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom(UK)
Middle East - Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates(UAE), Yemen
North America- Canada, United States (USA)
Latin America - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
| Batch
(FY) |
Period | Ports of call | Participants | Participating countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2024) |
|
Sizuoka-Prefecture, Shimane-Prifecture | 172 (JPYs:77/OPYs:95) | Algeria, Australia, Brazil, Djibouti, Egypt, Japan, Oman, Panama, Peru, Poland, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sweden |
| (2023) |
|
Kyoto-Prefecture, Hyōgo-Prefecture, Kōchi-Prefecture | 208 (JPYs:91/OPYs117) | Argentina, Ethiopia, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Türkiye, UAE, Zambia |
| (2022) |
|
The ship program was suspended due to the effects of COVID-19, and domestic program was undertaken. | 143 (JPYs:53/OPYs:90) | Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Sweden |
| (2021) | Online Exchange: Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 12, 2022 (4 days) | Online program was undertaken due to the impact of COVID-19 | 76 (JPYs:39/OPYs:37) | Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden |
| Batch
(FY) |
Period | Ports of call (POC)
<Water and Fuel Supply> |
Participants | Participating Countries excluding the Ports of call |
| (2019) | Jan. 10 to Feb. 18, 2020 (47 days) | Mexico (Ensenada) <Hawaii> | 227 (JPYs:115/OPYs:112) | Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, France, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Peru, Sri Lanka, UK |
| (2018) | Jan. 15 to March 1, 2019 (46 days) | Okinawa-Prefecture (Naha) Australia (Darwin) Australia (Brisbane) <Palau> <Solom Islands> | 239 (JPYs:123/OPYs:116) | Chile, Ecuador, Greece, Japan, Solomon Islands, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, UAE, Vanuatu |
| (2017) | Jan. 22 to March 2, 2018 (40 days) | India (Kochi) Sri Lanka (Colombo) <Singapore> | 242 (JPYs:125/OPYs:117) | Australia, Japan, Mexico, Mozambique, Oman, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Spain |
| (2016) | Jan. 17 to March 3, 2017 (46 days) | New Zealand (Auckland) Fiji (Suva) <Vanuatu, Solomon Islands> | 234 (JPYs:118/OPYs:116) | Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Tonga, Ukraine |
| (2015) | Jan. 14 to Feb. 29, 2016 (47 days) | India (Chennai) Sri Lanka (Colombo) <Singapore> | 233 (JPYs:121/OPYs:112) | Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Tanzania, UAE |
| (2014) | Jan. 21 to Feb. 21, 2015 (32 days) | Okinawa-Prefecture (Naha) Iwate-Prefecture (Ofunato)
Overseas Training Session, not POC:Bahrain, New Zealand, Peru, Sri Lanka, Turkey |
204 (JPYs:108/OPYs:96) | Bahrain, Brazil, India, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UK |
| GLDP (2013) | Jan. 22 to Feb. 20, 2014 ( 30 days) | Miyagi-Prefecture (Ishinomaki)
Overseas Training Session, not POC: Bahrain, Fiji, Mexico, Turkey |
158 (JPYs:87/OPYs:71) | Bahrain, Brazil, Fiji, India, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey |
| 25 (2012) | Jan. 23 to Mar. 1, 2013 ( 38 days) | Okinawa-Prefecture (Naha) Hyogo-Prefecture (Kobe) Iwate-Prefecture (Ofunato)
Overseas Training Session, not POC: Bahrain, Mexico, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Turkey |
211 (JPYs:116/OPYs:95) | Bahrain, Chile, Costa Rica, Fiji, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UAE |
| 24
(2011) |
Jan. 18 to Mar. 5, 2012 (48 days) | India (Chennai) Sri Lanka (Colombo) <Singapore, Japan (Naha)> | 260 (JPYs:129/OPYs:131) | Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Venezuela |
| 23 (2010) | Jan. 11 to Mar. 2, 2011 (51 days) | Fiji (Suva) Australia (Brisbane) <Solomon, Vanuatu, Japan (Naha)> | 262 (JPYs:126/OPYs:136) | Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Mexico, Micronesia, Oman, Solomon Islands, Sweden, Tanzania, Vanuatu |
| 22 (2009) | Jan. 12 to Mar. 5, 2010 (53 days) | UAE (Dubai) India (Chennai) <Singapore, Japan (Naha)> | 268 (JPYs:130/OPYs:138) | Australia, Bahrain, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Japan, Kenya, Oman, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Yemen |
| 21 (2008) | Jan. 14 to Mar. 3, 2009 (49 days) | Tonga (Nuku’alofa) New Zealand (Auckland) <Vanuatu> | 246 (JPYs:108/OPYs:138) | Canada, Egypt, Fiji, Japan, Mauritius, Norway, Peru, UAE, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen |
| 20 (2007) | Jan. 15 to Mar. 5, 2008 (51 days) | Oman (Muscat) India (Chennai) <Singapore> | 250 (JPY:116/OPY:134) | Bahrain, Brazil, Costa Rica, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, USA, Vanuatu |
| 19 (2006) | Jan. 16 to Mar. 8, 2007 (52 days) | Australia (Brisbane, Sydney) New Zealand (Wellington) <Vanuatu> | 252 (JPYs:117/OPYs:135) | Canada, Chile, Egypt, Fiji, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tonga, United Kingdom, Yemen |
| 18 (2005) | Jan. 10 to March 2, 2006 (52 days) | India (Chennai) Kenya (Mombasa) Mauritius (Port Louis) <Singapore> | 250 (JPYs:118/OPYs:132) | Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Japan, Morocco, Sweden, Tonga, UAE |
| 17 (2004) | Jan. 11 to March 2, 2005 (51 days) | Australia (Sydney) New Zealand (Wellington) Fiji (Suva) <Saipan> | 260 (JPYs:120/OPYs:140) | Canada, Costa Rica, Japan, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Poland, Turkey, USA, Venezuela |
| 16 (2003) | Jan. 13 to March 3, 2004 (51 days) | India (Mumbai) Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) Seychelles (Victoria) <Singapore> | 258 (JPYs:124/OPYs:134) | Bahrain, Egypt, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Russia, Solomon Islands, UAE, USA |
| 15 (2002) | Oct. 22 to Dec. 13, 2002 (53 days)
*The number of the date includes the period of traveling to Singapore. |
Australia (Cairnes) USA (Honolulu) Canada (Vancouver) | 247 (JPYs:117/OPYs:130) | Cameroon, Chile, Fiji, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Venezuela |
| 14 (2001) | Oct. 17 to Dec. 13, 2001 (58 days) | Fiji (Suva) New Zealand (Auckland) Singapore (Singapore) Thailand (Bangkok) <Saipan>
*No participants joined from the above countries. |
258 (JPYs:119/OPYs:139) | Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Finland, Greece, India, Japan, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Sri Lanka, UAE, U.K., USA |
| 13 (2000) | Aug. 28 to Oct. 23, 2000 (57 days) | Russia (Vladivostok) USA (Honolulu) Tonga (Nuku’alofa) New Zealand (Auckland) <Tahiti, Singapore> | 252 (JPYs:117/OPYs:135) | Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, Tanzania, Venezuela |
| 12 (1999) | Aug. 31 to Oct. 28, 1999 (59 days) | Seychelles (Victoria) South Africa (Cape Town) Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) UAE (Dubai) <Singapore> | 263 (JPYs:122/OPYs:141) | Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, India, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Spain, Turkey |
| 11
(1998) |
Jan. 11 to March 16, 1999 (65 days) | Solomon (Honiara) Tonga (Nuku’alofa) Ecuador (Guayaquil) Mexico (Acapulco) <Tahiti, Honolulu> | 271 (JPYs:116/OPYs:155) | Australia, Canada, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela |
| 10 (1997) | Jan. 11 to March 19, 1998 (68 days) | Seychelles (Victoria) Kenya (Mombasa) Jordan (Aqaba) Oman (Muscat) <Singapore> | 294 (JPYs:116/OPYs:178) | Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, India, Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tanzania, UAE, U.K. |
| 9 (1996) | Jan. 11 to March 21, 1997 (70 days) | New Zealand (Auckland) Chile (Valparaiso) Costa Rica(Caldera) Mexico (Acapulco) <Honolulu> | 303 (JPYs:118/OPYs:185) | Australia, Canada, Ecuador, Fiji, Japan, Peru, Tonga, USA, Venezuela |
| 8 (1995) | Jan. 10 to March 19, 1996 (70 days) | Sri Lanka (Colombo) South Africa (Cape Town) Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) UAE (Dubai) <Singapore> | 278 (JPYs:114/OPYs:164) | Bangladesh, Belgium, Egypt, Japan, Kenya, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Yemen |
| 7
(1994) |
Jan. 10 to March 21, 1995 (71 days) | Australia (Brisbane) Ecuador (Guayaquil) Fiji (Suva) Mexico (Acapulco <Honolulu> | 291 (JPYs:112/OPYs:179) | Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, USA, Venezuela |
| 6
(1993) |
Jan. 12 to March 22, 1994 (70 days) | Greece (Piraeus) India (Bombay) Kenya (Mombasa) Sri Lanka (Colombo) <Singapore> | 275 (JPYs:114/OPYs:161) | Egypt, Finland, Jordan, Nepal, Oman, Senegal, UAE, U.K |
| 5 (1992) | Jan. 11 to March 22, 1993 (71 days) | Costa Rica (Puntarenas) Dominican Rep. (Santo Domingo) USA (San Francisco) Venezuela (La Guaira) <Honolulu> | 278 (JPYs:103/OPYs:175) | Australia, Chile, Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Uruguay, Western Samoa |
| 4
(1991) |
Jan. 9 to March 18, 1992(70 days) | Sri Lanka (Colombo) Egypt (Alexandria) Spain (Barcelona) Oman (Muscat) <Singapore> | 268 (JPYs:101/OPYs:167) | Algeria, Bangladesh, Hungary, India, Japan, Kenya, Sweden, Turkey, UAE |
| 3 (1990) | Jan. 8 to March 20, 1991 (72 days) | Mexico (Acapulco) USA (New Orleans) Venezuela (La Guaira) Costa Rica (Puntarenas) <Honolulu> | 274 (JPYs:103/OPYs:171) | Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Japan, Peru, Tonga |
| 2 (1989) | Jan. 8 to March 28, 1990 (80 days) | India (Bombay) Egypt (Alexandria) Greece (Piraeus) Oman (Muscat) <Singapore> | 268 (JPYs:100/OPYs:168) | Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, UAE, West Germany |
| 1
(1988) |
Jan. 9 to March 29, 1989 (80 days) | USA (Honolulu for both ways) Mexico (Acapulco) Venezuela (La Guaira) Ecuador (Guayaquil) <Panama-Cristbal> | 276 (JPYs:103/OPYs:173) | Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Honduras, Japan, New Zealand, Panama |
Participants of the Cabinet Office's International Youth Exchange Programs continue to engage in international exchange and youth-related activities after returning to their home communities. They call “post-program activities.
There are two organizations;
International Youth Exchange Organization (IYEO)
Japanese youths who have participated in one of the six (currently five) international youth exchange programs organized by the Cabinet Office form the International Youth Exchange Organization (IYEO). They take a wide range of activities aimed at promoting social contribution, international understanding, and cooperation within their local communities and professional fields.[22][23]
Ship for World Youth Alumni Association International (SWYAA International)
Overseas participants organize their own post-program alumni associations in each country. These groups engage in various social contribution activities and maintain strong ties with Japan. To coordinate these efforts. Ship for World Youth Alumni Association International (SWYAA International) coordinates post-program activities in each country.[3][20][24][25][26]
The reunion conference, SWYAA Global Assembly, is held annually in one of the participating countries for former participants (Ex-PYs). The SWYAA Global Assembly has been hosted in Greece, Japan, Australia, Egypt, Mexico, Bahrain, Peru, Turkey, Fiji, India, the United Arab Emirates, Tonga, and Russia.[27][26]
| Year | Period | Hosted coutry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024
(15) |
August 3 to 7, 2024 | Sweden |
| 2023
(14) |
November 4 to 9, 2023 | Oman |
| GAs from 2020 to 2022 were postponed because of COVID-19. | ||
| 2019
(13) |
August 31 to September 5, 2019 | Russia |
| 2018
(12) |
November 19 to 23, 2018 | Tonga |
| 2017
(11) |
November 5 to 8, 2017 | United Arab Emirates |
| 2016
(10) |
September 20 to 24, 2016 | India |
| 2015
(9) |
August 12 to 16, 2015 | Fiji |
| 2014
(8) |
August 30 to September 3, 2014 | Turkey |
| 2013
(7) |
August 29 to September 2, 2013 | Peru |
| 2012
(6) |
October 4 to 8, 2012 | Bahrain |
| 2011
(5) |
September 28 to October 2, 2011 | Mexico |
| 2010
(4) |
October 9 to 12, 2010 | Egypt |
| 2009
(3) |
September 2 to 6, 2009 | Australia |
| 2008
(2) |
August 21 to 24, 2008 | Japan |
| 2007
(1) |
September 5 to 9, 2007 | Greece |
In addition to the Ship for World Youth Program, the Cabinet office organizes four other youth exchange initiatives.[28][29][30]
International Youth Development Exchange Program
Established in 2019 as an expansion of commemorative projects marking the marriages of the Crown Princes of the Showa and Heisei eras, this program sends Japanese youth to two countries facing shared regional challenges. Participants engage in discussions, institutional visits, and homestays with local youth. After returning to Japan, they take part in an international youth conference with invited foreign participants to further develop their presentation and communication skills. (18 days)[31][32][5][28]
Japan/China Youth Friendship Exchange Program
To commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China in 1978. It has been started since 1979. The program includes cultural exchange, homestays, and discussions with university students on topics such as employment, volunteerism, and business environments. Participants also visit leading Chinese companies and institutions related to entrepreneurship and business systems. (12 days)[33][34][28][5]
Japan/Korea Youth Friendship Exchange Program
A joint declaration at the 1984 Japan-Korea summit. The program has been in operation since 1987. The program promotes mutual understanding through cultural exchange, homestays, and visits to institutions related to environmental issues, education, welfare, and advanced industries. It also includes joint cultural retreats in Japan with invited Korean youth, encouraging dialogue on the future of Japan-Korea relations and youth contributions to East Asia. (15 days)[33][35][5][28]
The Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP)
The program started in 1974 and has involved Japan and the 10 ASEAN member states in a voyage-based exchange. Participants live aboard the ship and engage in discussions and cultural activities, building networks and leadership skills to contribute to the future of the Asia-Pacific region. (Approx. 40 days)[36][37][5][28]
Community Core Leaders Development Program
*This program was concluded and subsequently incorporated into the International Youth Development Exchange Program.
Participants engage in social activities related to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and young people. They visit relevant institutions and exchange views with peers in the same fields abroad, aiming to build networks and enhance their capacity to address social challenges. (10 days)[38][5] [28]