Culture

Japanese culture is a captivating tapestry woven from the threads of ancient traditions and contemporary innovations, enriched by a heritage that spans millennia. Among its most distinctive features is the nation’s art—graceful calligraphy, delicate painting, masterful pottery, and evocative sculpture—all reflecting a deep reverence for beauty and craftsmanship. Equally emblematic is Japanese cuisine, renowned across the globe for its emphasis on freshness, subtle flavors, and exquisite presentation; from the refined simplicity of sushi to the comforting warmth of ramen, every dish tells a story.

Martial arts such as judo, karate, and kendo further embody Japan’s enduring values of discipline, respect, and inner strength. Complementing these dynamic traditions is the refined ritual of Japanese tea ceremony, a quiet yet profound expression of mindfulness and aesthetic harmony. Together, these cultural elements form a uniquely Japanese ethos—graceful, disciplined, and deeply rooted— that continues to inspire and enchant people around the world. ようこそ！

Upcoming Events

MEXT (MONBU-KAGAKU-SHO) Scholarship Programme

The Government of Japan (MEXT: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, also known as MEXT, Monbu-Kagaku-Shō, is one of the eleven Ministries of Japan.) offers scholarships to foreign students who desire to study at Japanese universities as postgraduate / research students every academic year. Successful applicants receive round-trip airfare, exemption from school fees and a monthly allowance. Nationals of Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago are all eligible to apply in the current fiscal year for this prestigious scholarship. 

The Application Period for the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship Programme 2026 opens soon!

Click here for more information on the MEXT Scholarship Programme


 

STUDY in JAPAN
 

If you are interested in studying in Japan, you can visit the following website. This site offers comprehensive information for prospective students, both within Japan and Internationally.  

STUDY IN JAPAN is an essential guide for international students considering study in Japan

Click here for more information on Studying in Japan



The Japanese Education System

The Education Order of 1872 resulted in the first Modern School system being established in Japan. This system modeled European Education systems. In 1947, Educational reforms occurred. The Fundamental Law of Education emerged from the reform, which addressed new aims of the reformed educational system: to contribute towards the peace and welfare of society, to holistically develop the person, and to engender a love for truth and justice among the student population. Declarations of Academic Freedom, equal opportunity and coeducation are key principles of the system. 

Click here for more information on the Japanese Eduction System

JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching) Programme

This programme enables local authorities to employ foreign youth as Assistant English Language Teachers (ALT’s) for Japanese students from Elementary to High School Level. The Programme began in 1987 with cooperation from governments of participating countries. Since then, over 70,000 people from 75 countries have participated in the Programme, making it one of the largest cultural exchange programs in the world! In addition to being proficient in the English language, prospective ALT’s should be interested in Japan’s rich culture, and should also be willing to promote international exchange at the community level. Nationals of Trinidad & Tobago are eligible to apply for this program.

Applications for the 2026 JET Programme Cycle will be open from October 2025!

If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting opportunity, please click this links :
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme
JET Participants Reports from JAPAN

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Pregramme Series, the Monbu-Kagaku-Sho (MEXT) Scholarship Program Series and the Friends of Japan Series was started in 2018 as a way to help promote Japan in the region. It is our hope that the contributing pieces written by participants (past and present) on the various exchanges that the Embassy covers, will shed some light into Japan, Japanese Culture and Japan's initiatives to the public and the Caribbean region at large. The Series is used to connect participants on the programmes with family and friends who are interested in reading about their journey and experience while in Japan. It also aids with the promotion of the programmes to individuals who are interested in applying. It helps to build our outreach base and show the influence of the JETs, Scholars and Friends of Japan.
 
There is no compensation for the contributing piece, as it is purely voluntary. Each piece is about 3 - 4 paragraphs.
 
The series pieces are posted on the Embassy's Facebook page, Instagram account and the Embassy’s Website.



1. JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme Series - Participants Reports from JAPAN

2. MEXT (MONBU-KAGAKU-SHO) Scholarship Programme Series

3. Friends of Japan Series




Culture & Education | Japanese Education System | Study in Japan | MEXT Scholarship Programme | JET Programme