On Tuesday, February 24, Reiwa 8, Ehime University held the Reiwa 7 Symposium for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “Program to Promote Employment for International Students” at our Johoku Campus.
A total of 97 participants—22 in person and 75 online—from local governments, economic organizations, companies, universities, and other educational institutions attended, demonstrating the high level of interest in this program.
The symposium began with opening remarks by Hiroshige Nishina, President of Ehime University and Chair of the Ehime University Consortium for Promoting Employment of International Students.President Nishina emphasized that Ehime University’s long-standing commitment to supporting international students’ employment, along with the “All Ehime Ecosystem for the Education of Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals”—built through strong partnerships with over 250 supporting companies, Ehime Prefecture, economic organizations, support agencies for foreign residents, and local community members—is a unique strength of Ehime.He also touched on Japan’s current demographic challenges—including population decline and the growing number of foreign workers—and expressed his hope that international students, with their advanced knowledge and diverse values, would become a major force supporting Japan’s future. He expressed his hope that this symposium would serve as a step toward realizing that vision.
In the activity report that followed, Tomoko Izuki, Director of the International Student Employment Promotion Program, delivered a presentation titled “The History and Challenges of Ehime University’s International Student Employment Promotion Program,” in which she reported on specific achievements to date in training and retention support, as well as the challenges currently being faced.Furthermore, Michiko Izumiya, Promotion Coordinator; program participants Ousseini Faridah and Karin Yamakoshi; and Mitsuru Beppu of Justin Co., Ltd., a company hosting interns, took the stage to present the specific activities and outcomes of “SDGs and Business Solutions: International and Japanese Students Learning Together.”They shared their learning and growth through the program from the perspectives of both international students and the company.
In the case study session, Makiko Suzuki, Deputy Director of the Hyogo Kobe University Consortium (a general incorporated association), and Maiko Kitamura, Team Leader of the Economic Exchange Team in the Economic Exchange Section of the Hyogo Prefecture Department of Industry and Labor, took the stage to present “Initiatives of the Hyogo Kobe University Consortium” as an example of innovative collaboration from another prefecture.They shared specific know-how regarding initiatives to develop foreign talent across the entire region and connect them with businesses. Next, Kensuke Takamura, Section Chief at the Industrial Support Bureau of the Ehime Prefecture Department of Economy and Labor; Miyuki Yamanaka, Executive Director of the Ehime Prefecture International Exchange Association (a public interest incorporated foundation); and representatives from the Ehime Prefecture Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry /Matsuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Kazuyuki Uchida of Justin Co., Ltd.; and Ms. Lu Wang, Manager of the Global Recruitment Team at Ability Center Co., Ltd., presented on “Initiatives to Promote the Active Participation and Retention of Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals.” They highlighted the diversity and achievements of community-based activities, as well as their respective perspectives on supporting foreign professionals from their unique positions.
In the plenary discussion that followed these activity reports and case studies, participants split into groups to discuss initiatives, challenges, and questions regarding the development and retention of highly skilled foreign talent from their respective perspectives. At the same time, a panel discussion was held while questions regarding the first half of the session—which had been collected via a form and analyzed using AI—were addressed, leading to a lively exchange of opinions across various fields.Sharing perspectives from diverse viewpoints deepened our understanding of the current situation and led to new insights.
The post-event survey revealed that the initiatives in Ehime and Hyogo highlighted the importance of collaboration among industry, government, academia, and the community. It also showed that participants strongly shared a common understanding of the fundamental challenges in supporting retention, such as creating an environment that prevents isolation and clearly outlining career paths.
Moving forward, the Office for the Promotion of Employment Programs for International Students will continue to promote the development of global talent, provide career support, and encourage the active participation of foreign nationals, with the aim of realizing a multicultural society.
