The Japanese government will send about 15 university students to St. Petersburg for a 10-day study program starting in August, resuming exchanges halted for seven years.
Japan's Foreign Ministry announced the plan on Wednesday. The students, who study Russian language, will attend classes and meet local peers during their stay in the northwestern Russian city.
The short-term exchange program, launched in 1999, had involved about 9,000 young participants from both countries by the end of 2019. It was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The ministry noted the severe state of bilateral ties and ongoing sanctions but stressed the value of youth exchanges. It said it is important for future generations to learn each other's languages and interact.
Last September the ministry eased its travel advisory for Russia to allow visits for study under unavoidable circumstances.
