Amid growing calls for dialogue among civilizations in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States, Japan is preparing to launch a unique exchange program for Islamic and other countries to help promote such a dialogue.
According to Foreign Ministry sources, Japan will invite some 35 ordinary foreign citizens in their 20s and 30s, mostly from countries with the large Muslim populations -- including Pakistan, Jordan, Indonesia and Malaysia -- for about 10 days in March.
The sources said that during their Japan visit, the guests, some also from the U.S. and European countries, will exchange views among themselves and also with Japanese academics and ordinary citizens under the theme of "a more stable and peaceful world."