According to Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Palau, Yoshiyuki Sadaoka “we have opened this website to reach to as many Japanese and Palauans as possible who are interested in each other’s country.” Moreover, through this user-friendly website, the Embassy can better enhance service delivery to Palauans, Japanese and other foreigner residents in Palau.
Most notable of the tools in the website is the “Visa to Japan” page. From now on, travelers transiting or visiting Japan need only to log on to the site and download visa applications. The link also provides instructions regarding visa applications and required documents to be submitted. As there are many Palauan Government Officials and local residents that travel to or transit through Japan, this will make the visa application possible at the fingertips of any who visits the website.
Another notable feature of the website is the “Culture and Education” page. This page features event information regarding cultural and educational programs promoted by the Embassy. The Government of Japan has been offering full scholarships to the students of Palau since 1982. This year, it will be possible for students to log on to the website and find all of the information about the scholarships at the tips of their fingers. The page also provides links to Comprehensive Guides to the Japanese Government Scholarships including links to the numerous schools in Japan.
Under the “Bilateral Relations” page, one can learn about the long historic tie between Japan and Palau as well as the current situation regarding the two nations’ foreign policies. This page also features information and application forms for Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects or GGP grants. This grant scheme is part of the Government of Japan’s endeavor to support development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of developing countries such as Palau. This is great news for Palau’s local NGO’s and qualified government agencies. From their work stations in the office, anyone can access GGP information and application from the website.
As Ambassador Sadaoka puts it, “A kuutkeu er kau el mei er tial website…As the first resident Ambassador, I pledge to make my every possible effort to maintain and further promote our bilateral relationship.”
All visitors are cordially welcomed to open the website to learn more about the cordial relationship between Japan and Palau and the roles and responsibilities of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau. Most importantly, any inquiries regarding visa application and travel requirements, Japanese Government Scholarships, Grassroots Grant Projects, among many others can now be done online.
The opening of the website is considered as Japan second milestone towards its goal in 2010 to Palau, since the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau has been striving to strengthen the bilateral tie between the two nations.
