The programme is part of the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), which was launched by the Japanese Government in 2007 with a total fund of US$315 million.

Under the programme, 6,000 young East Asian people are invited to Japan for exchange activities every year.
The JENESYS programme is expected to increase mutual understanding among young people in East Asian countries and to strengthen solidarity in the region.