For the purpose of promoting better understanding of Japan in foreign countries, IIST invites to Japan opinion leaders influential in their countries, such as politicians, government officials, scholars, journalists, representatives of business organizations as well as corporate executives. Designed to provide participants with latest information about Japan’s politics, economy, society and culture, the programs comprise lectures, visits to Japanese companies, exchange of views with their counterparts in Japan, trip to observe Japanese regional economy and so forth in order to facilitate mutual exchanges.