IDFC2027 organization brochure for new members

IDFC2027
                                       IDFC2027




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Contents
1- Overview

3- Messages from the President and Leadership

5- Activities throughout the year

7- Main conference

9- Executive committee members

Supporters
Grants

Sponsorship
Support

Faculty advisors
Professor Emeritus 根本敬
Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Global Studies, Sophia University

Masahiko Matsuda, Professor
Professor, Department of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University

Special Research Fellow ナンミャケーカイン
Special Research Fellow, Kyoto Seika University; Director, Mya Japan Education Center

IDFC is seeking companies and organizations that share our commitment to our activities and would like to support us. If you are a representative of a company or organization and are interested, we would appreciate hearing from you by email (idfc.japan@gmail.com).

Vision
Young people from Japan and Myanmar learn from one another through international collaboration and become a bridge between the two countries.

Mission
By providing a place for active learning and deeper mutual understanding, we increase interest in Myanmar and nurture people who face social challenges and take action.

Values
Collaboration as equals and mutual understanding
A commitment to continued learning and acceptance of diversity
Connections that endure

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IDFC Through the Years

2014　IDFC was founded. The first IDFC was held in Yangon as the first student conference between Japan and Myanmar.

2016　Held the main conference in Mandalay on the theme of “Community Development.”

2017　Held the main conference in Yangon under the theme “Beyond the Change.”

2018　Held the main conference in Yangon and published a free paper as the first project output.

2019　Under the theme “Seeking New Values,” held the conference in both Japan and Myanmar for the first time.

2020　Held the main conference in three cities: Kyoto, Yangon, and Mandalay.

2021　Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the coup. As holding the conference overseas was difficult, four online events were held.

2022　Held three online events under the theme “New Departure.”

2023　Held the main conference in person in Osaka and Tokyo, rebuilding a forum for discussion.

2024　Held a series of in-person cultural exchange events and discussed internally displaced persons at the main conference.

2025　Invited Myanmar students living in Japan and held the International Development Field Camp for Myanmar and Japan Youth Leaders in Tokyo.

2026　Began holding public lectures regularly. Held the main conference in Bangkok, the first overseas main conference in six years.

Organization Chart
IDFC Japan
Administration: Representative, Deputy Representative, Treasurer
Public Relations: Public Relations & Research
External Relations: Japan External Relations, Myanmar External Relations
Planning: Planning

Achievements (2014–2026)
Number of conferences held: 12
In-person participants from the Japan side: 246 or more
In-person participants from the Myanmar side: 159 or more
*Participant figures are the confirmed numbers of in-person participants.
Repeat participation by the same person is counted more than once.
The Japan-side participant count includes Myanmar students living in Japan.

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Message from the Representative
Opening up the future of Japan and Myanmar through student exchange

Keio University, third year / IDFC Japan Representative
Kazuki
From Tokushima Prefecture. A training visit to Myanmar during high school sparked his interest in Myanmar and developing countries. After entering university in April 2022, he focused his studies on economics and area studies. In the 2024 academic year, he took a leave of absence from university to undertake an internship in Cambodia. He joined IDFC2026 and, as deputy representative, helped organize the first overseas conference in six years. He became the representative of IDFC2027 in June 2026.

Founded in 2014, IDFC enters its 13th year this year. IDFC was established on the occasion of Myanmar’s transition to civilian rule and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Myanmar. However, the circumstances surrounding exchanges between Japan and Myanmar have changed completely since then. Travel restrictions caused by the spread of COVID-19 and changes in the situation in Myanmar led to a period when the exchanges we had built up were interrupted.

Even under those circumstances, IDFC continued to explore ways to sustain student exchanges linking Japan and Myanmar. Starting with online events and expanding participation to Myanmar university students and high school students living in Japan, we have gradually restored the reach of our activities.
Last year, the executive committee worked together on preparations to fulfill our long-held hope of holding an overseas main conference for the first time in six years. We also received tremendous support and guidance from former members. These accumulated efforts led to the conference in Bangkok, Thailand.

This year is an important milestone, as we also work to establish a local organization. Building on the exchanges we have developed, we hope to further expand opportunities for new connections and learning. In IDFC2027, we will work to establish the Myanmar-side organization in Southeast Asia while continuing to hold lectures, interact with Myanmar people living in Japan, and share information in Japan. Through these efforts, we aim to realize IDFC’s vision: “Young people in Japan and Myanmar learn from one another through international collaboration and become a bridge connecting the two countries.” I myself feel the weight of that responsibility keenly once again.

I believe IDFC’s significance lies in how students from Japan and Myanmar have deepened mutual understanding by focusing on society, culture, and people’s daily lives, rather than viewing Myanmar solely through issues such as aid and refugees. Because our organization began during the transition to civilian rule, when Myanmar was also called Asia’s last frontier and there were hopes for a bright future, I believe there is meaning in returning to those origins. Through candid dialogue and exchanges made possible by our position as students, we hope to nurture new relationships and connect those accumulated efforts to the future development of Japan-Myanmar relations.

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The idea of holding the main conference in Thailand began when I met many Myanmar students while studying abroad there. Meeting students who were studying hard in a neighboring country, confronting the situation in Myanmar and trying to build their futures, was what led me to become involved in IDFC. Last year, we started by reaching out to friends, and through repeated discussions and preparations on both the Japan and Myanmar sides, we successfully held the conference. I believe this year is an important one in which the Myanmar-side organization, centered on conference participants, begins to take action on its own. This will not be easy to achieve, but IDFC as a whole will provide support as we work toward independent operations.

Chulalongkorn University — IDFC Myanmar President
Aleo

This year, we will also once again receive a grant from the Sojitz Foundation, which supported us in the past. We are deeply grateful that they have recognized the significance of our activities despite the complex situation. Continued support and a stronger foundation are essential for expanding our activities further. We will make careful use of the grant to develop more substantial activities.

For the Myanmar side, IDFC’s full-scale restart as an organization marks a major milestone since 2022. With a strong sense of responsibility, I am very pleased that IDFC on the Myanmar side can begin moving forward again this year.

At present, it is difficult to hold a conference in Myanmar itself, which is frustrating. On the other hand, this time we may also be able to connect with Myanmar students studying or living in different parts of the world. I see this as a new opportunity to build a broader network of Myanmar students in a different way than before.

In recent years, more Myanmar people have aspired to study and work in Japan, and interest in Japan is also growing among students. I believe that connections between students from Japan and Myanmar will bring new learning, insights, and relationships that lead into the future. I hope IDFC2027 will be the first step.

IDFC Treasurer — Third year, The University of Tokyo
Ryota

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Workshops at schools

IDFC also holds workshops at schools to introduce students to Myanmar. We place particular emphasis on holding them in regional areas, working with children and students who often have limited opportunities to encounter not only Myanmar but also settings such as other countries and universities. We believe that holding workshops in these places can both introduce Myanmar and help us consider the information gap between urban and rural areas in Japan.

We adjust the workshop content each time to suit the students’ grade level. By designing lessons around material that interests students, we create opportunities for them to feel a little closer to Myanmar.

A year of activities with IDFC

IDFC’s activities extend beyond holding the main conference. Throughout the year, we carry out many kinds of activities, including lectures and study sessions, workshops at schools, exchanges with Myanmar residents in Japan, and sharing information. Through these efforts, we value deepening our own understanding of Myanmar while also expanding opportunities for learning and interest beyond our organization.

Annual schedule
*This is only an example; the details change each year.

April–May
New and existing members join together
Handover takes place as they work together

June
Official transition to the new year
Kickoff gathering

June–July
Camp for the Japan-side members
Deepening friendships through learning

August–September
Hosting a cultural event
Sharing culture while experiencing it ourselves

* Photos are from the 2026 main conference.

IDFC regularly holds public lectures with invited speakers and internal study sessions to broaden interest in and understanding of Myanmar in Japan. IDFC2026 held five lectures and study sessions in total, covering Myanmar’s political history, the Myanmar community in Japan, Japanese-language education, and the realities of educational support.

Repeated opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives help participants deepen their knowledge and also feel a closer connection to Myanmar.

Public lectures
Study sessions

▶︎ Last year, university professors, journalists, people working in education, and others involved with Myanmar in various fields gave us lectures!

IDFC2027 will continue to value these efforts. We believe another important role of IDFC is to broaden opportunities to share knowledge and insights about Myanmar with a variety of people in Japan as we deepen our own learning.

Sharing information
IDFC2026 has continuously shared information about Myanmar’s culture and society, mainly through Instagram posts. Going forward, we intend to actively use reels as well as our existing posts to reach a broader audience.

Hosting events
In addition to the main conference, IDFC has held exchange events open to the general public.
Through online projects in which students from Japan and Myanmar create travel guides together, and in-person events where they collaborate to make Japanese and Myanmar curries and connect through food culture, we create opportunities to become familiar with Myanmar’s culture and ways of thinking.

October
Japan-side pre-conference
We deepen discussions among participants in Japan and Myanmar international students.

November
Hold workshops at schools.

December–February
Prepare thoroughly for the conference through study sessions and lectures on the main conference theme.

February–March
Hold the main conference.
Develop policy recommendations together with local Myanmar students.

IDFC Main Conference
12 conferences held to date
6 host cities to date
At least 441 participants to date

* Conference and participant counts include online events.

The main conference is IDFC’s central activity. It brings together students from Japan and Myanmar to deepen their understanding of each other’s societies, cultures, and challenges through lectures, discussions, and exchanges. Its great significance lies in being a place where students can openly exchange views and build new perspectives and relationships, as well as gain knowledge. Through this conference, IDFC aims to help young people from Japan and Myanmar develop connections as they learn.

Host cities to date:
Yangon
Mandalay
Tokyo
Kyoto
Osaka
Bangkok

The main conference also goes beyond making recommendations. IDFC continues its activities throughout the year, examining recommendations that emerge from the conference and working to put them into practice. In the past, one recommendation led to the publication of a free magazine. Turning discussions into concrete outcomes instead of letting them end with the event is a distinctive feature of IDFC.

IDFC2026 President
Honoka

The decision to hold the IDFC2026 main conference in Thailand began with our wish to rebuild opportunities for exchange between students—the original purpose of IDFC—at a time when we cannot travel to Myanmar for safety reasons.

The “main conference” gives students from Japan and Myanmar an opportunity to consider the relationship between their countries on equal terms. Beyond simply becoming friends, I believe that crossing cultural boundaries, living together, and exchanging ideas can bring lifelong bonds and new perspectives.

At IDFC, we make the main conference happen by repeatedly asking questions such as: “Will this benefit students from both Japan and Myanmar?” “Is this really the form of exchange people want?” and “Is this theme appropriate?” We plan it ourselves and bring it to life. In that process, you too should be able to have an experience that changes your life.

Last year’s main conference

“It was a precious opportunity to experience the essence of ‘dialogue.’ I am extremely proud to have been involved in this conference!”

Discussion
Students from Japan and Myanmar discuss the theme together. The discussions are in English, but everyone is kind and provides plenty of support, so it is okay even if you are worried about your language skills!

Meals and parties
As we talk over meals together, we naturally become friends! People often make lifelong friends ♡

“I think it was very meaningful that we were able not only to introduce our cultures but also to discuss higher education for migrants in each other’s countries. It was particularly good to deepen our knowledge together through fieldwork and lectures.”

“It is a well-networking community to build further actions and the activities arrangement is so good, they so vary and give powerful insights.”

Cultural introductions
Introducing each other’s cultures is one of the most popular programs at the main conference ✨. You might even get to wear Myanmar clothing or play an instrument! Think about which aspects of Japanese culture you would like to introduce 🇯🇵

Guests and alumni
At the main conference, we invite a variety of guests for programs such as lectures and shared meals. You can also connect with people further along in many different careers and impressive people you would not ordinarily have the chance to meet!

Our Members

Myanmar was the first country I visited, so I felt a special connection to it. I joined IDFC because I wanted to contribute, even a little, to friendship between Japan and Myanmar as a student.

President — Third year, Keio University, Faculty of Economics, Department of Economics
Kazuki
From Tokushima Prefecture.
Favorite food: shkmeruli, curry
Special talent: I can sing most professional baseball cheering songs
Something I struggle with: origami cranes. I have never managed to make one

A word from Honoka!
Cherry earrings are his trademark! 🍒 He handles a huge workload with ease! Maybe he is not very interested in eating?!

When I was an exchange student in Thailand, I made many friends from Myanmar. I was drawn to their personalities and became interested in Myanmar as a country, which made me want to do something related to it.

Accounting — Third year, University of Tokyo, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ryota
From Saitama Prefecture.
If I were an animal: a gentle snake
Favorite Thai food: หมูกระทะ (mookata)
Something I struggle with: speaking Japanese with people older than me

A word from Shinten!
IDFC’s brains, Reitou Mikan! He answers any question. He is so dependable 🎵

I became close to the Myanmar community at school and learned about social issues. I wanted to deepen my understanding by working together with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and turn that into action.

Vice President — Public Relations & Research — Second year, Orange College, Economics
Hanna
From Tokyo.
Where I go on days off: Visiting cafés
My hidden talent: I am good at games
An expression I often use: “Uchi” (a first-person pronoun)

A word from Ryota!
A degree student at an American college who is full of enthusiasm for Myanmar ✨ Apparently they run a media outlet sharing information about the current situation in Myanmar. They are a huge dog lover 🐕

Vice President

I have been interested in refugee issues since junior high school. Because Myanmar also faces refugee issues, I became interested in the country itself, and I was drawn to the importance placed on dialogue with local students.

Vice President — Japan External Relations — Myanmar External Relations — Fourth year, Osaka University, Department of Foreign Studies, School of Foreign Studies
Yuka
From Okayama Prefecture.
Favorite foreign dish: Mansaf
What I am proud of in my hometown: The Bikan Historical Quarter
A habit I want to change: Requesting too many shifts at my part-time job

A word from Hanna!
They are a proactive student with extensive study-abroad experience who has also served as leader of the university cheering squad. They have a wealth of experience overseas, including studying in Jordan, activities in Tanzania, and travel to Thailand.

I attended a high school with an international focus, so I wanted to take part in international exchanges at university too. After seeing IDFC’s activities on social media, I was drawn to the opportunity to interact with a variety of students from Japan and abroad.

I wanted to connect with people in Japan who share my background. Through these exchanges, I wanted to broaden my perspective and think about social issues.

Public Relations & Research — Second year, Nihon University
Sai
From Myitkyina, Myanmar.
What I will do once I have saved some money: Travel
What I do on days off: Visit cafés
What I have been into lately: Listening to music

Public Relations & Research — Second year, Ryukoku University, Department of Policy Science, Faculty of Policy Science
Waka
From Osaka Prefecture.
One character that represents me: 和 (harmony)
My treasure: Letters from friends
An emoji I often use: 🙇‍♀️

A word from Koji!
Waka is a go-getter whose hobbies are music and making music on a computer! Bright and outgoing, they are from Osaka and enjoys actively talking with everyone. They really lift the mood!

Public Relations & Research — Third year, University of Tsukuba, School of Art and Design, Architectural Design
HLA (La)
From Myanmar.
Favorite Japanese dish: Udon
Things I want to collect: Nothing; I only keep things I like
The film of my life: FROZEN

A word from Ayane!
HLA is IDFC’s source of energy! It is amazing how good she is at communicating and how quickly they become friends with anyone! They are dependable, and everyone relies on them ☺️

I was surprised to find so many Japanese people thinking seriously about Myanmar, and I wanted to get involved too.

I was looking for an opportunity to go abroad, and I thought this was a program that would let me interact with local students and deepen my understanding of other cultures.
Faculty of Commerce
A word from Ayane!
Sai loves visiting cafés and traveling, is also a good swimmer, and is very active. Sai has a calm demeanor but is famous for using cute emojis!

Public Relations & Research
University of Toyama, second year, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine
Yua
From Nagano Prefecture.
Favorite books: The Harry Potter series
Something that surprised me abroad: What conversation needs is passion
Resolution for this year: Learn things that will enrich my life and grow

A word from Ayu!
Yua is down-to-earth and kind! I thought it was wonderful to see him actively communicating with Myanmar students during the main conference ✨

I wanted to see a world I had never seen before. I wanted to do more than simply go abroad; I wanted to learn things that I could use in my future.

Public Relations & Research, Planning
Dokkyo University, third year, Faculty of Economics, Department of Management
Yu
Yu Nakayama
From Shizuoka Prefecture.
Pride in my hometown: Mount Fuji is nearby, and you can drink the river water
Superpower I want: Control all the metal in the world
Recent mishap: Getting carried away in Thailand and catching a cold

A word from Kintan!
Yu loves sports and is good at soccer ⚽️ He is always energetic and positive. He quickly makes friends with anyone.

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Japan Side

I became interested after participating in the main conference while in high school. I am interested in maternal, child, and pediatric health among foreign residents, and I want to apply what I learn at IDFC to my field of study.

Japan External Relations / 4th year, Tokai University / Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
Koji
From Tokyo.
Favorite song: EVER, UVERworld
Weakness: I don't cope well with a lack of sleep
When I was angriest: When Wi-Fi wouldn't connect

A comment from ラー!
Koji is kind and easy to talk to, capable at work, and someone who likes Myanmar food.

Japan External Relations / 2nd year, Sophia University / Department of Global Studies, Faculty of Global Studies
Honoka
From Gifu Prefecture.
Favorite Japanese cultural activity: Calligraphy
Bedtime habit: Looking for my favorite blanket
Disliked drink: Root beer

A comment from Yu!
She is good at Soran Bushi. She might be the best in Japan. She also has a lovely smile. She probably brings sunny weather.

Because I wanted an opportunity for hands-on learning.

Because I wanted to interact in person with people my age who have lived with different backgrounds and gain new insights.

Myanmar Side

I learned about it from a journalist and joined because I hoped to be of some help to the Japanese students working hard to tell more people about Myanmar.

Myanmar External Relations / Public Relations & Research / 2nd year, Toyo University / Department of Global Innovation Studies, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies
Rika
From Ayeyarwady, Myanmar.
Favorite city in Japan: Toyama City
Childhood dream: To be an actress
Japanese food I find difficult: A lot of wasabi

A comment from Kazuki
Rika, IDFC's idol! She cheers everyone up at any time! Rika's Japanese is so good that she is often mistaken for a Japanese person, haha.

Myanmar External Relations / 2nd year, University of Tsukuba / School of Social and International Studies
Khin
From Kachin, Myanmar.
Favorite Myanmar song: ချို့
Talent I want: The ability not to crave snacks
Future dream: I want to work for an international organization

A comment from Yua!
Khin is a University of Tsukuba student interested in many fields! Khin is particularly passionate about education in Myanmar!!

Because I am interested in education and social issues in Myanmar and wanted to get involved in support and sharing information from Japan.

I wanted to try something new in my final year as a student. I was drawn to the opportunity to interact with students from a variety of backgrounds.

Planning
Planning
Nagoya University, fourth year, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Physical Therapy major
Ayu
From Aichi Prefecture.
How to improve my mood: Eat something delicious
Subjects I struggle with: Subjects requiring memorization
Habitual expression: “Absolutely”

A word from Waka!
Ayu always expresses clear opinions during meetings. She also has experience in rhythmic gymnastics and is very flexible!

I became interested in Myanmar’s history and social structure. There is also a Myanmar neighborhood right near my university, so Myanmar felt familiar and close to me.

Planning, Japan External Relations
Waseda University, fourth year, School of Law
Ayane
From Saitama Prefecture.
Treasure: A stuffed tiger
A preference you might not expect: Showa-era songs at karaoke
An embarrassing memory: Taking center stage at a school performance

A word from Yuka!
Ayane is always cheerful and quickly gets along with anyone! She also makes friends with participants from Myanmar right away, expanding our circle 💖

Statistics

IDFC is full of diversity!
When you think of an international student organization, you might assume its members all study humanities or international affairs. But IDFC also has students in medicine, pharmacy, and architecture, giving you opportunities to meet students developing knowledge in many different fields ✨. Students from a range of regions, including regional Japan and overseas, also work together.

Vice-President, 上野絆那

Gender balance
Women / Men
Men: 6
Women: 12

Regions
Kanto / Western Japan / Chubu / Overseas (North America)
Regions outside Kanto
・Aichi: 1 person
・Toyama: 1 person
・Osaka: 3 people
・North America: 2 people
Kanto: 11

Humanities and sciences
Humanities / Sciences
Because we have students with many different specialties, you can learn about a wide range of themes!
Sciences: 5
Humanities: 13

Fields of specialization
International affairs / Economics and commerce / Medicine and pharmacy
Law and politics / Information technology and arts
International affairs: 6
Medicine and pharmacy: 4
Economics: 4

Many science students also play active roles!

International Development
                       Field Camp for Myanmar and Japan
                                Youth Leaders 2027




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