The Asian Population and Development Association (APDA; Secretariat of JPFP) conducted a policy dialogue and study visit in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 31 August to 1 September, together with the JPFP’s Project Team on Life Safety Education. Participants included Hon. Kamikawa Yoko, Chair of JPFP; Hon. Terata Shizuka, Executive Director of the JPFP Project Team; Hon. Otsuji Tomomi, Deputy Executive Director of the Project Team; Hon. Nishioka Yoshitaka, Hon. Nomura Miho, and Hon. Kobayashi Sayaka, Members of Parliament; as well as media representatives and other stakeholders.

On the first day, the delegation visited the LALA Sexual Culture Research Institute, a private organization specializing in sexuality education. The delegation observed experiential learning activities designed to help children, according to their age and stage of development, express their feelings, respect others, and develop the ability to make their own decisions. Participants exchanged views on collaboration with schools and parents, the division of roles between public and private organizations, and challenges related to securing qualified personnel and financial resources. The delegation then visited the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and paid a courtesy call on Vice Speaker H.E. Nam In-soon. Members of the Korean Parliamentary League on Children, Population, and Environment (CPE), of which Vice Speaker H.E. Nam serves as Vice-Chair, also joined the meeting. Discussions focused on policies concerning children and young people in Japan and the Republic of Korea. The second day began with a lecture and policy dialogue led by Professor Shin Ki-young of the Institute for Gender Studies at Ochanomizu University. The session explored similarities and differences in gender politics and policymaking in Japan and the Republic of Korea, deepening participants’ understanding of the social debates surrounding gender and the context in which related policies are developed. The delegation subsequently visited the Aha! Seoul Youth Sexuality Culture Center, a Seoul municipal center established in 1999 under a city ordinance and operated by Seoul YMCA under contract since 2001. During the visit, participants learned about the center’s comprehensive approach, combining sexuality education for children and young people, training for parents and teachers, and counseling and support services. The policy dialogue and study visit provided a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of the similarities and differences between Japan and the Republic of Korea and to draw insights from Korea’s experience that can help inform further efforts to advance Life Safety Education in Japan.