After traveling more than 10,000km across the world, I watched the sun rise on Tokyo's skyline where the rays of sunlight crept through the clouds and painted the sky amber and gold. My week-long journey in Japan had just began and I was ready to dive in and discover it all.

Before setting off on the trip, Japan had been my dream destination. I was always eager to discover how a country on the opposite side of the world, would appeal to my senses. As soon as I had been notified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan that I would be attending the Mutual understanding, Intellectual Relations and Academic exchange Initiative (MIRAI - the Japanese word for future) I knew that this would be an experience of a lifetime.

Alongside 14 other European undergraduate and graduate STEM students, I had the opportunity to experience Japan with a special focus on Science and Technology during MIRAI. Promptly after our arrival I was greeted by friendly faces from the Japan International Cooperation Center. My sensory immersion into Japan began with an authentic Japanese dining experience, where I savored tempura on a recessed seating in a tatami room.

During MIRAI, I visited the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT). There I took part in workshops, visited research laboratories and engaged in group discussions together with European and Japanese STEM students. Understanding different perspectives and exchanging ideas proved to be an invaluable part of the fruitful visit. As part of my efforts in representing Malta in science and technology, I also visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present my prior knowledge on Japan and the field as well as the lessons learnt during the remarkable week.

I also took part in an intellectual exchange where I shared perspectives about my views on Europe and Japan with Mr Kakihara Motoo, the Director of European Policy Division, European Affairs Bureau of the MOFA, and attended a courtesy call in the presence of Mr Matsumoto Hisashi, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. I believe that taking an active role in discussions to share perspectives as part of multilateral dialogue and cooperation efforts is imperative to enable change on a global level for the common good. I am eager to continue strengthening the relationship between Malta and Japan as well as Japan-Europe relations through my work based on deep mutual understanding. As a result, I hope to create a synergy in order to build a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future that harnesses science and technology to make societies thrive.

Throughout my travels in Japan, I also had the opportunity of visiting Panasonic Center, the RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Cyberdyne Inc. as well as Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). I was pleased to learn about the cutting-edge technology being researched and developed and was inspired how the Japanese approach to R&D efforts contributes to a healthier, more sustainable and inclusive society. I have gained a deeper appreciation on how Japan views science and technology and adopts a future-focused mindset where innovation is embraced and sought after to create a better world.

My week in Japan, also included a variety of cultural experiences such as lantern making. An immersion to the Japanese way of life was imperative to understanding Japan's rich history and traditions which enabled me to grow fonder of the culture and understand better the Japanese people, their identity and their ways of life.

Embracing the Japanese culture has allowed me to understand a fundamental concept. Although Japan has made and continues to make leading advancements in science and technology which pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, traditions are highly valued and continue to hold a vital role as within Japanese culture. Such a reality makes Japan a key example of where tomorrow meets tradition. This is imperative in ensuring the history of our societies is not lost but remain ingrained in our cultures.

This initiative would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of JICE and the support of MOFA. I am truly grateful for their commitment to strengthening Europe-Asia relations for positive, global change.