IN AN era of rapid globalisation, exchange, collaboration, and the building of bridges between cultures are of great importance. The partnership between Bangladesh and Japan exemplifies the profound potential of such connections, fostering shared values, ethical leadership, and mutual understanding. As someone deeply committed to these ideals, I have dedicated my career to cultivating meaningful relationships that transcend borders.

I was born and raised in a snow-covered rural region of Japan, where educational opportunities were limited. Entering university was both inspiring and intimidating. My urban peers seemed worlds ahead, fluent in English and comfortable with global perspectives. I, by contrast, had never met a foreigner, let alone travelled abroad. Yet, through perseverance and transformative experiences, I have come to dedicate my life to international cultural exchanges and academic research on intercultural communication. This journey has taught me the immense value of bridging divides, both personal and cultural.

In 2011, my academic work took me to Bangladesh for a comparative study on student motivation in intercultural communication and foreign language learning. My visit revealed stark disparities in the education system, particularly in impoverished areas. I met students who were eager to learn despite having limited access to resources. Conversations with educators highlighted systemic inequalities that left many children without basic education. The resilience and determination I witnessed in these communities inspired a deep commitment to exploring how education could become a tool for transformation.

Three years later, in 2014, I met Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, a visionary leader in Bangladesh’s education sector. Our shared passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding led to a fruitful collaboration. Professor Choudhury’s insights and optimism became pivotal in shaping many of my projects. He often emphasised that collaboration rooted in shared values could address systemic issues and inspire students to see beyond their immediate environments.

Together, we envisioned a program that would unite Japanese and Bangladeshi students to tackle global challenges such as poverty, education, and sustainability. These initiatives were guided by ethical principles and mutual respect, offering participants opportunities to learn from one another’s strengths. Professor Choudhury’s wisdom formed the foundation of these programs, transforming them into platforms for meaningful human connection.

In a globalised era, attempting to solve a country’s issues within its borders is both inefficient and limited in scope. Japan, for instance, is a nation known for its economic prosperity and high educational standards. Yet, it grapples with deep societal issues such as low happiness levels, high rates of depression, and alarmingly frequent suicides, particularly among its youth. Addressing these challenges requires looking beyond Japan’s borders and embracing global perspectives. Experiencing the mindset of Bangladeshi people — their community spirit, resilience, and joy — offers invaluable insights into the underlying causes of Japan’s struggles. At the same time, Bangladesh can learn from Japan’s post-war recovery and its disciplined approach to building a society rooted in integrity and hard work.

History has shown that transformative progress often occurs at the intersection of cultures. The Renaissance, for instance, was a period of profound cultural exchange that redefined human civilisation. Similarly, individual growth often stems from exposure to diverse mindsets. By engaging with different cultural paradigms, we continuously reassess and enrich our own beliefs, leading to a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This is why opportunities for Japanese and Bangladeshi students to engage in collaborative projects are so valuable. Despite cultural differences and initial challenges, these exchanges provide a unique chance to touch and shape one another’s mindsets.

The journey was not without setbacks. In 2016, a terrorist attack in Dhaka claimed the lives of several people, including Japanese nationals. The tragedy led to heightened travel restrictions, forcing us to pause our plans. Despite the difficulties, Professor Choudhury remained steadfast in his support, reminding me of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. By 2019, with conditions stabilising, we resumed preparations. However, the Covid pandemic and Professor Choudhury’s sudden passing in 2020 brought unforeseen challenges, testing our resolve and adaptability.

Determined to honour his legacy, we transitioned our initiatives online. Virtual sessions became a lifeline, enabling students from both countries to engage in meaningful dialogue despite physical distance. These exchanges rekindled hope and reaffirmed the importance of cross-cultural collaboration. Since 2022, in-person programs have resumed, focusing on fostering ethical awareness and mutual learning. Each interaction deepens the bonds between participants, transcending borders and enriching perspectives.

In these exchanges, we explore themes that reflect the strengths of both cultures. Japanese ethics rooted in Bushido — emphasising loyalty, respect, and sincerity — offer a structured framework for addressing challenges. Bangladeshi students, in turn, share their cultural emphasis on community resilience and familial bonds. Together, these values create a powerful synergy, demonstrating how diverse perspectives can complement one another in solving global issues.

Japanese participants often reflect on the inspiration they draw from Bangladeshi communities, particularly their resilience and warmth. They describe how direct and open communication in Bangladesh contrasts with Japan’s more reserved social norms, offering valuable lessons in building relationships. Similarly, Bangladeshi students admire Japan’s disciplined approaches to problem-solving and its commitment to fairness and transparency. These insights go beyond academic learning, leaving lasting impressions on everyone involved.

My own journey has been equally transformative. Despite the immense challenges faced by many in Bangladesh, their optimism and community spirit never fail to inspire me. Observing their resilience has made me reflect on the true essence of well-being. At the same time, Japan’s struggles with loneliness and emotional isolation highlight the universal need for connection and belonging. These shared challenges remind me that every nation has much to learn from others, regardless of its economic status or technological advancements.

One conversation that stays with me is from a Bangladeshi student who said, “Through these exchanges, I have realised that our differences are not barriers but opportunities to grow together.” This sentiment captures the heart of cultural exchange. It is not about erasing differences but celebrating them as strengths. It is about finding common ground, not despite our diversity, but because of it.

As I reflect on these experiences, I am reminded of the proverb, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” For many in Bangladesh, Japan represents a model of efficiency and development. Yet, for me, the warmth and communal resilience of Bangladeshi society are equally aspirational. Both nations have unique strengths to offer each other. By combining Japan’s focus on transparency and institutional integrity with Bangladesh’s emphasis on human connections, we can address pressing global challenges while enriching our shared humanity.

Looking ahead, I am steadfast in my commitment to fostering collaboration where the people of both countries respect one another and work together as equals. My aspiration is to explore a better world and more meaningful ways of living, which I believe is my contribution to society. With this conviction, I am confident that through education and cultural exchange, we can transcend individual differences and build a truly global community. To achieve this, both governments and key stakeholders — including academic institutions and national groups from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds — must actively participate to make these exchanges more effective and impactful. Academicians and researchers, in particular, should take the lead in enhancing the quality of these exchanges by providing academic guidance and fostering scholarly engagement.

Together, we can shape a future grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and collective progress.

Akinori Seki is a professor and chairperson of the International Exchange Committee at Tokyo Keizai University and president of the Asia Association of Education and Exchange.