The length of the training depends on the course but is generally between two and eight weeks. During that time‚ there are lectures from many instructors‚ field trips‚ practical training‚ and group discussions and presentations. Depending on the course‚ travel from Kyushu to the Kanto and Kansai regions may be involved‚ so in addition to a ride on the shinkansen‚ some participants can enjoy sightseeing and shopping at the weekend.

On the final day of the training course‚ after the participants have given presentations on their action plans‚ they receive their diploma and one of the participants gives a speech of gratitude on behalf of the group. What the speeches generally have in common is‚ of course‚ words of thanks to the JICA officer‚ KITA course leader‚ coordinator and lecturers‚ and also an expression of their gratitude to the staff on the JICA Kyushu front desk for remembering the participants’ names and always assisting them with a smile. In particular‚ they often say how impressed they were by the politeness‚ generosity‚ dedication‚ and punctuality of the Japanese people. Some of them talk about having expectations and fears before coming to Japan‚ and tell us that their fears were dispelled once they arrived‚ and their experience here far exceeded their expectations. The speeches of gratitude conclude with their aspiration to make good use of the knowledge and experience they have gained from their training once they have returned to their homeland‚ and to work hard for their country’s growth.

The participants dress formally for the closing ceremony‚ and some of them come in the colorful traditional attire of their homeland‚ which has a tremendous impact. I expect they had to struggle with bulky luggage when they came to Japan‚ but am so glad they did. Some participants from Africa attend the closing ceremony in traditional attire and perform a dance at the party‚ which really adds to the celebratory mood.
Large national flags of the participants’ homelands are set up in a row at the closing ceremony‚ and I am always struck by how happy the participants look as they have their photo taken with their country’s flag when they receive their diploma and after the closing ceremony. It may be because they do not often have an opportunity to touch a large flag of their homeland‚ but I also think it is because the participants in each field keenly feel that they have come to Japan as a representative of their country.

The restaurant in JICA Kyushu provides well-known dishes from various countries for the party after the closing ceremony. However‚ for religious reasons‚ there are restrictions on diet and alcohol consumption in Asia‚ the Middle East and Africa‚ so as far as possible the restaurant tries to provide dishes to match the countries from which the participants come. Restrictions on beef and pork in particular are common‚ but it seems that chicken is generally OK. Although on rare occasions there are vegetarians as well...Non-alcoholic beer is provided for courses with many participants whose religion does not permit alcohol consumption‚ though some participants are mystified by this as it is unique to Japan. Mind you‚ some Latin American participants joked that it cannot be called beer if it is non-alcoholic.

During the latter half of the party there is a slide show compiled from photos and videos taken during the course. It is shown so that the participants can reminisce about their stay. Generally speaking‚ they all become very animated during scenes of weekend sightseeing and meals.
In the case of short training courses with only a small number of participants‚ the party tends to be rather subdued. Meanwhile‚ long courses with many participants tend to have lively parties as the participants have become good friends during their training. Alcohol has a strong influence on this too‚ of course. Apparently parties tend to be quieter when there are many Asian or African participants who do not drink alcohol for religious reasons. National character traits may also play a part... The courses for Latin American participants where the training is held in Spanish have really loud and cheerful parties; there are no restrictions on food or alcohol‚ and national characteristics are a factor as well.

Most of the participants leave for their respective home countries the day after the closing ceremony‚ and apparently there are some who are reluctant to say goodbye and shed tears of emotion. I truly hope that all the participants make good use of what they learned in their training to contribute to the growth of their respective homelands.