Actor and Artist Win Morisaki Appointed Ambassador for "Japanese Partners"!

The Japan Foundation (JF) operates the "Japanese Partners" dispatch program, which sends assistants to local Japanese language teachers at junior high and high schools in Asia. To further promote the program's appeal, actor and artist Win Morisaki, who has roots in Myanmar and is active in a wide range of fields, has been appointed as its ambassador. To commemorate this appointment, a "Japanese Partners Ambassador Appointment Press Conference" was held on July 6, 2026 (Mon) at the Comore Yotsuya Tower Conference.

Win Morisaki, who has roots in Myanmar, speaks about his determination as ambassador

At the beginning of the event, Yuichi Takahashi, Director of the JF Japanese Partners Division, explained the program's overview, the reasons for appointing Mr. Morisaki, and the "Second Recruitment for the 2026 Academic Year (2026)" scheduled to begin on July 9 (Thu). This was followed by the premiere of a new web commercial, which was released on YouTube starting today.

Following this, Win Morisaki, the newly appointed ambassador, took the stage in a refreshing yukata, his first of the year, instantly filling the venue with a summery atmosphere. In a talk session, he humorously recalled the challenging filming conditions during a direct typhoon hit, stating, "Behind the difficulty of the Japanese language lies a depth and beauty that can only be expressed in Japanese. While I struggled to convey that through sound alone in the narration, the director and I shot many takes, and I worked hard to create visuals that show 'people connecting through words.'" He passionately shared his insights on the work.

Subsequently, Masaya Shimoyama, a JF Director, presented Mr. Morisaki with his letter of appointment. Mr. Morisaki then declared, "I am truly honored to be appointed to such a significant role. I myself have roots in Myanmar and grew up experiencing both Japanese and Burmese cultures. I feel this program has great significance. I will do my utmost to convey the appeal of Japanese Partners to as many people as possible and to live up to this appointment!"

An alumna who guided Princess Aiko in Laos also took the stage, conveying the real charm of international exchange in traditional attire

As a special segment, two former participants of the program, Fuyuko Oshige who was dispatched to Laos, and Sara Tsubasa Suzuki who was dispatched to the Philippines, took the stage. They appeared in vibrant traditional ethnic costumes from their respective regions, further enriching the stage with international flair.

Ms. Oshige, who served as the local contact when Princess Aiko visited a secondary school in Laos in November 2025, reflected on her activities in Laos: "My experience with Japanese Partners was full of new and stimulating things every day. Welcoming Princess Aiko and actually showing her scenes where Japanese culture was being conveyed gave me a great sense of accomplishment," she shared with passionate anecdotes.

Mr. Morisaki, who listened intently to the real-life experiences, appeared deeply impressed. He then excitedly expressed, "Hearing these stories firsthand makes me want to visit the Japanese Partners currently active in the field and interview them about their real-time emotions," revealing his desire as ambassador to personally visit the sites and delve deeper into their activities.

Towards "Bridges of Asia" – All speakers entrust their heartfelt wishes to Tanabata wish strips

To conclude the event, an exchange activity related to the upcoming "Tanabata" (Star Festival) was held. Mr. Morisaki, Ms. Oshige, and Ms. Suzuki each presented wish strips containing their "heartfelt wishes" for the future of Japan and Asia.

While Ms. Oshige presented a warm wish based on her experiences abroad, "May the bond between Japan and Asia continue for a long time," and Ms. Suzuki wished, "May we live in a world where we can enjoy differences more," Mr. Morisaki's wish strip drew particular attention from the audience.

Mr. Morisaki held up a wish strip written with the powerful message, "May Asia become even more united than it is now." He explained the sentiment behind his wish: "Through the Japanese Partners program, not only will Japan and Asia connect, but I hope that within the broader Asian continent, the lines will blur in a good way. Many things are happening in the world right now, but I would be happy if connections increased as fellow human beings. Also, as someone involved in entertainment, I want to actively do anything I can to help!" he passionately stated, revealing his strong sense of mission as an ambassador and his global perspective, unique to Mr. Morisaki who cherishes his roots.

The speakers then decorated a bamboo branch on stage with their wish strips, hoping for their wishes to come true. The ambassador appointment ceremony concluded with great success, in a warm atmosphere filled with hope for the future of Japan and Asia.

《Overview of the "Japanese Partners" Ambassador Appointment Press Conference》

Name: "Japanese Partners" Ambassador Appointment Press Conference

Date and Time: July 6, 2026 (Mon) 11:00 - 11:45

Venue: Comore Yotsuya Tower Conference Room F

Speakers:

・ Masaya Shimoyama, Director, The Japan Foundation (JF)

・ Yuichi Takahashi, Director, JF Japanese Partners Division

・ Win Morisaki, "Japanese Partners" Ambassador

・ Two "Japanese Partners" alumni (Fuyuko Oshige and Sara Tsubasa Suzuki)

Regarding the "Japanese Partners" Second Recruitment for the 2026 Academic Year

Japanese Partners support Japanese language classes and introduce Japanese culture as assistants to local Japanese language teachers at junior high and high schools in Asia. The Japan Foundation (JF) recruits and dispatches participants, and applications are open to those without special qualifications or experience.

Second Recruitment for the 2026 Academic Year (2026): July 9, 2026 (Thu) - August 19, 2026 (Wed)

*For details, please check the official website etc. (https://asiawa.jpf.go.jp/partners/)

Profile of Win Morisaki

Born and raised in Myanmar, he came to Japan in the 4th grade of elementary school and began his entertainment career in the 2nd year of junior high school. As an actor, he has played various roles in dramas, movies, and stage productions. In 2018, he was selected for a leading role in Steven Spielberg's film "Ready Player One," marking his Hollywood debut. He has also served as a tourism ambassador for his home country of Myanmar since 2018 and enjoys immense popularity.

Fuyuko Oshige (Japanese Partners Laos 10th Term)

Active at Vientiane Secondary School from August 2025 to May 2026 (primarily responsible for M1-M4, equivalent to 6th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high). She is a 4th-year student at Gakushuin University, majoring in International Politics. While at university, she belonged to the "Emon-do Sakura Kai" and engaged in activities related to the twelve-layered court kimono (junihitoe).

*After enrolling in Gakushuin Women's College, she transferred to Gakushuin University in 2026 due to university integration.

Sara Tsubasa Suzuki (Japanese Partners Philippines 11th Term)

Active at junior and senior high schools in the Metro Manila area from September 2024 to March 2025.

She herself has Filipino roots as a quarter-Filipino. After returning to Japan, she teaches Japanese at a Japanese language class for children with foreign roots.