The JAL Foundation, the cultural arm of the Japan Airlines` Group, will hold the 33rd JAL Scholarship program in Japan for university undergraduates from countries in the Asia-Pacific region between August 10 - 30, 2006.

This year`s theme is What makes a truly prosperous society? Co-existence & cooperation for the future of Asia and Oceania. The participants will have the opportunity to debate this topic with Japanese student counterparts during their stay.

With 36 students from 11 countries expected to take part in the 2006 program, the total number of participants since the project started in 1975 will have reached 1,286.

Japan Airlines launched the program in 1975 as an introduction to Japan for university students from the Asia Pacific region. Since 1990 the JAL Foundation has organized the event, which has evolved in scope over the years.

The 36 participants this year include six students from China; four from Korea; three each from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam; and two from New Zealand.

Students are selected locally by means of an essay contest, followed by an interview. The program includes roundtrip international airfares on Japan Airlines, tuition, board and lodging and transportation within Japan.

The JAL Group and JAL Foundation hope that the JAL Scholarship program will help develop better international relations in the Asia Oceania region. Through the program, participants will gain a better understanding of Japan, as well as each other`s countries and cultures.

The 21-day 2006 program has several elements.

Lecture program in Understanding Japan and field trips - August 11-17: An initial study period in Tokyo will feature an introduction to Japan`s culture, economy, environmental issues and society.

Field trip - August 21-22: The participants will go on a field trip to Nara prefecture.

Student sessions and Asia Forum in Ishikawa Prefecture - August 24-26: A 3-day forum will be held in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture on the Japan Sea coast. After a keynote speech made by author Ichiriki Yamamoto and joint discussions with local Japanese students, the program participants will present their findings focusing on the 2006 program theme.

Home stays (Tokyo area) - August 18-20: Always a popular feature of this program, home stays with Japanese families will give participating students a first hand experience of family life in contemporary Japan.