Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister's Office from the first group of Japanese Language Partners to be dispatched to ASEAN member states.

The Prime Minister said in his address,
"Last December, I invited leaders of ten ASEAN member states to Tokyo for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. During the Summit, I unveiled a new policy on Asian cultural exchanges called the 'WA Project': Toward Interactive Asia through 'Fusion and Harmony.' The aim of this project is for the people in Japan and ASEAN member states to mutually respect and foster each other's diverse cultures and traditions as neighbors living together in Asia. This project provides support for Japanese language studies in ASEAN member states and carries out two-way cultural and art exchanges. A major component of the project is this program, which will send over 3,000 Japanese Language Partners to ASEAN nations by 2020.
I am thrilled that this program will now be starting in full swing with the dispatch of the first group of Japanese Language Partners who are assembled here today.
Around four million people are studying the Japanese language across the world. But among all regions of the world, Japanese language studies are particularly widespread in the ASEAN member states where you will be going. Approximately 30 percent, or 1.13 million people, study the Japanese language in these countries. Your assignment will be to support teachers teaching the Japanese language in these countries, and to introduce Japanese culture to the students and local people.
You also have one more important thing you have to do: that is to learn and deepen your understanding of the culture and language of the country you are being dispatched to, and to become approachable partners for the local people. I believe what makes Japanese cultural exchange programs unique is that they are two-way exchanges. The programs not only transmit Japanese culture but also respect the cultures of counterpart countries.
I have great hopes that you will become a bridge between Japan and the countries you are dispatched to. Thank you very much."