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Bridging Cultures and Skills: Aoba-BBT's Innovative Talent Model

Aoba-BBT, a leading education organization based in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, is on a mission to cultivate global leaders. On January 23, they hosted a results presentation and special lecture at their Rokubancho office featuring young talents from the Global South, including India, Brazil, and Ethiopia. This initiative is not just filling the gap in Japan's IT talent pool; it represents a practical attempt to integrate global professionals into local organizations by combining technical skills like AI engineering with business acumen through collaboration with various educational bodies.

Addressing Japan's Workforce Shortage

In a Japanese landscape characterized by a declining birthrate and an aging population, ensuring access to exceptional overseas talent is vital for sustainable corporate growth. However, merely supplementing the workforce does not foster organizational advancement. Aoba-BBT leverages its educational prowess to train interns in both Japanese business practices and leadership required in the AI age. Concurrently, this initiative aids local employees and Japanese student supporters in enhancing their intercultural adaptability.

Highlights from the Results Presentation

The event was attended by about 40 participants, including interns who had engaged in real-world tasks, student volunteers from Meiji University, and Aoba-BBT employees. The sessions went beyond formal project reports and focused on career strategies and personal will. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Jashan's Story: Transforming Cultural Barriers into Growth
Jashan, an intern from India, shared his experiences overcoming the challenges related to Japan’s unique business customs and language barriers. In his talk titled, "Turning Cultural Walls into Growth: My Challenges in Japan," he emphasized the crucial importance of adaptability. His insights on the specific mindset required for Global South workers to excel in Japanese firms provided valuable perspectives for organizations looking to leverage overseas talent.

2. Keynote Address by CEO Iwao Shibata: Career Development in the AI Era
Aoba-BBT's CEO, Iwao Shibata, highlighted the evolving landscape of career formation in his keynote speech, "Career Building in the AI Era: The True Global Talent Required." He pointed out that the rise of generative AI is rendering individual skills obsolete rapidly, and that key enduring values are the ability to pose questions and a mindset unafraid of change. He offered strategic guidance for young talent on how to construct purposeful career paths.

3. Articulating Will and Fostering a Next-Generation Community
The event also featured dynamic interactions between Aoba-BBT employees and participating students, enabling attendees to candidly discuss their career anxieties and aspirations, receiving cross-national feedback in return. Jashan’s passionate pitch on “Future Aspirations and Determination” deeply resonated with fellow participants, indicating the nascent development of a resilient global community beyond the traditional internship framework.

Future Prospects

Aoba-BBT aims to fortify its collaboration with Global South countries based on this successful outcome. The organization continues to evolve into a diverse platform where various backgrounds intersect, creating new value. This approach supports Japanese companies in their globalization efforts and spurs innovation.

Event Details

• - Date: January 23, 2026, 19:00 - 21:00
• - Location: Aoba-BBT Rokubancho Office, Basement Seminar Room
• - Main Programs:

- Training Report by Jashan: "Turning Cultural Barriers into Growth"
- Special Lecture by Iwao Shibata: "Career Building in the AI Era"
- Casual Networking & Finale Pitch

About Aoba-BBT

Established in April 1998, Aoba-BBT's mission is to nurture world-class leaders. The organization offers diverse educational programs for a wide audience, from children to corporate executives, including international schools, corporate training, and online MBAs. Utilizing innovative educational technologies, Aoba-BBT provides tailored learning environments, supporting students and business professionals in achieving sustainable growth. Aoba-BBT remains on the leading edge of education, continuously evolving and contributing to the future of learning.

For more information, visit Aoba-BBT.