Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2026/27 Selection Journey of Sri Lankan Students
The Asia Kakehashi Project+ (AKP+) 2026/27 – 4th Batch marks another exciting chapter in the journey of connecting young people from Sri Lanka and Japan through intercultural exchange.
The Asia Kakehashi Project+ is a Japanese government-sponsored scholarship program that provides high school students from Asia and G7 member countries with the opportunity to live and study in Japan. During the program, students attend Japanese high schools, experience Japanese culture and local communities, and develop greater intercultural understanding and global competence. AFS Intercultural Programs, Japan, implements the program in collaboration with AFS partner organizations and NGOs.
For the Sri Lankan candidates of the 4th Batch, the journey began in January 2026 and continued through several stages of assessment and preparation before three students finally began their journey to Japan in August.
Application Submission
January 2026
The selection journey for the Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2026 officially commenced in January 2026, when applications opened for eligible Sri Lankan students interested in this unique international exchange opportunity.
Students from different schools across Sri Lanka came forward with the hope of becoming part of the program and experiencing Japanese education, culture, and everyday life.
The application stage marked the beginning of a challenging but exciting selection journey for the candidates who would go on to participate in several rounds of assessment.
Japanese Screening Test
The next stage of the selection process was the Japanese Screening Test, which was conducted on 14 March 2026.
The assessment provided an opportunity to evaluate the candidates’ Japanese language knowledge and their readiness for an intercultural experience in Japan.
For the students, this was an important step forward in the selection journey and an opportunity to demonstrate their interest in the Japanese language and culture.
Physical Fitness Test, Talent Show & Panel Interviews
Following the Japanese screening test, shortlisted candidates participated in a comprehensive assessment on 28 March 2026.
The assessment consisted of three key components:
Physical Fitness Test
The physical fitness assessment evaluated the candidates’ physical readiness and ability to meet the demands of participating in an international exchange program.
Talent Show Performances
The candidates were given an opportunity to showcase their individual talents, creativity, confidence, and personalities through their performances.
Panel Interviews
Through the panel interviews, candidates were given the opportunity to share their aspirations, interests, motivations, and personal experiences. The interviews also helped assess their communication skills, adaptability, personality, and potential to become cultural bridges between Sri Lanka and Japan.
Together, these assessments allowed the selection process to look beyond academic performance and identify students who demonstrated a well-rounded combination of skills, personality, motivation, and readiness for an intercultural experience.
Asia Kakehashi Project+ Embassy Interview
An important milestone in the selection journey took place on 6 April 2026, when shortlisted candidates participated in the Asia Kakehashi Project+ Embassy Interview at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka.
The interview provided the candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate their motivation, aspirations, personality, and readiness to undertake their exchange experience in Japan.
Following the completion of the selection process, three Sri Lankan students were selected as recipients of the Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2026 scholarship.
Their selection marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and the start of their preparations for an unforgettable experience in Japan.
Meet the Asia Kakehashi Project+ 4th Batch
Three talented Sri Lankan students were selected to represent Sri Lanka in the Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2026 program.
Imesh Milinda Weerathunga
Royal College, Colombo
Host School: Osaka Prefectural Asahi Senior High School, Osaka, Japan
Imesh Milinda Weerathunga, a student of Royal College, Colombo, was selected to embark on his exchange journey at Osaka Prefectural Asahi Senior High School in Osaka, Japan.
His participation will provide him with the opportunity to experience Japanese high school life, build connections with Japanese students, and discover the culture and community of Osaka.
Samidi Sithhara Gunathilaka
Ferguson High School, Rathnapura
Host School: Asahikawa Tosei High School, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
Samidi Sithhara Gunathila Gunathilaka, from Ferguson High School, Rathnapura, was selected to continue her studies at Asahikawa Tosei High School in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.
Her journey will take her to the northern region of Japan, where she will experience a different environment, Japanese school life, and the unique culture and community of Hokkaido.
Tharuki De Sila
Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha
Host School: IKUEI NISHI Junior High School / Senior High School, Nara, Japan
Tharuki De Sila, a student of Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha, was selected to participate in the program and will be studying at IKUEI NISHI Junior High School / Senior High School in Nara, Japan.
Her exchange experience will give her the opportunity to discover Japanese education and culture while building friendships and sharing her own Sri Lankan experiences with the people she meets.
Preparing for Japan
Following their selection, the three students began preparing for their upcoming exchange experience.
As part of their pre-departure preparation, the students participated in three days of orientations held on 17, 18, and 19 July 2026.
The orientations helped prepare the students for the practical and cultural aspects of living and studying in Japan. The sessions covered important areas including intercultural understanding, communication, adapting to a new environment, school life, host family experiences, responsibilities as exchange students, and representing Sri Lanka abroad.
The orientations also gave the students an opportunity to spend time together, ask questions, share their expectations, and build confidence before beginning their journey.
After months of preparation, the students were finally ready to take the next step.
From Sri Lanka to Japan
After successfully completing the selection process and pre-departure preparations, the long-awaited day finally arrived.
On 18 August 2026, the three Asia Kakehashi Project+ 4th Batch students departed Sri Lanka and began their journey to Japan.
With the support and encouragement of their families, schools, and the AFS Global Affiliate Sri Lanka team, Imesh, Samidi, and Tharuki set off toward a new chapter filled with opportunities to learn, explore, and grow.
A New Chapter Begins in Japan
Upon arriving in Japan, the three students began settling into their new surroundings and experiencing their first moments as exchange students.
Imesh began his journey in Osaka, Samidi travelled to Asahikawa in Hokkaido, and Tharuki began her experience in Nara. Three different regions offering three unique perspectives of Japan.
As they attend their respective Japanese high schools, the students will have opportunities to interact with Japanese students, participate in school and community activities, experience Japanese traditions and everyday life, and build friendships across cultures.
Their exchange is not simply about studying in another country. It is about learning to see the world from a different perspective, sharing their own culture, and creating meaningful connections that can continue long after the program ends.
Building Bridges Through Exchange
The word “Kakehashi” (かけはし) means “bridge” in Japanese.
The spirit of the Asia Kakehashi Project+ lies in exactly that idea – building bridges between young people, communities, and countries through meaningful intercultural exchange.
During their time in Japan, Imesh, Samidi, and Tharuki will have the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka while learning from their Japanese communities.
They will experience new traditions, languages, lifestyles, friendships, and perspectives, while also sharing their own stories and experiences as young Sri Lankans.
Through these everyday interactions, the students become more than exchange students. They become young ambassadors who help strengthen the connection between Sri Lanka and Japan.
AFS Global Affiliate Sri Lanka Wishes Them a Wonderful Journey
The AFS Global Affiliate – Sputnik International Sri Lanka (SISLO) is proud to have supported Imesh, Samidi, and Tharuki throughout their selection and preparation journey.
From the first application to the selection assessments, Embassy Interview, orientations, and departure, their journey has been filled with hard work, anticipation, excitement, and new experiences.
As they continue their exchange in Japan, we wish our Asia Kakehashi Project+ 4th Batch students every success.
May this journey bring them lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, valuable lessons, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Embrace every opportunity. Be curious. Be brave. Share your culture. Learn from others. And enjoy every moment of this incredible journey.
We are proud of you, Imesh, Samidi, and Tharuki!
Wishing our AKP+4th Batch an unforgettable Asia Kakehashi experience!
A Special Thank You to Our AFS Alumni
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our AFS alumni who generously supported the AKP+ 4th Batch through the panel interviews and pre-departure orientations. Their time, experience, and encouragement helped our students prepare with greater confidence for their journey to Japan.
Thank you for continuing to give back to the AFS community and supporting the next generation of exchange students!
