The "Asian Journalists", enthusiastically researching (July 22, '97) "Asian Journalists" arrive in Hiroshima (July 21, '97)

The Hiroshima Travel Grant for Asian Journalists was started in 1992, sponsored by the by the Hiroshima International Cultural Foundation (HICF). HICF was established in 1977 by the Chugoku Shimbun and the Chugoku Broadcasting Company (RCC) with the cooperation of Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture and other organizations.

The foundation's primary goal is to promote peace through international understanding. The Hiroshima Travel Grant is a project to invite 4 to 5 journalists from other parts of Asia to Hiroshima and Nagasaki every summer.

During the program, the journalists will interview hibakusha (the A-bomb survivors), visit various radiation effects research institutes and collect stories. In addition, there is much opportunity for them to learn about the present situation of Japan from the economic and social point of view by visiting local firms, meeting with officials and ordinary citizens.

The grantees are expected to cover stories about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and to learn the experience of the two cities in nuclear age. They will also learn the current trends in Japan as well as a result of their coverage.

The journalists are mediators linking between their countries and Japan. One of the project's purposes is to exchange mutual understanding through close communication.