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SEKAIA Summer Mixer 2026: Uniting Global Talent and Japanese Startups

On June 25, 2026, SEKAIA Inc. hosted the exciting event, SEKAIA Summer Mixer 2026, at Glade Park Shibuya in Tokyo. This event brought together over 200 international students from around the globe, including those from the United States, to connect with 20 innovative Japanese startups. The Mixer served as an active networking platform to foster connections between global talent and Japanese enterprises.

Creating Opportunities Beyond Internships

The motivation behind the SEKAIA Summer Mixer stems from its commitment to bridging the gap between Japanese businesses and international students. SEKAIA's inbound educational program, Internship in Japan (IIJ), has welcomed students from countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia for years, allowing them to gain valuable experience through internships and training in Japan. With numerous companies eager to welcome top talent, the event aimed to provide a rare chance for students and Japanese professionals to engage in open and flat exchanges that transcend mere professional interactions.

The theme for this year's Mixer was “Building Connections Beyond Internships.” It aimed to resonate with the idea that connections formed during internships can lead to lasting relationships and opportunities.

Keynote by a Successful Alumni: Shogo Okada

The program commenced with an introduction to SEKAIA's initiatives, followed by a keynote address from Shogo Okada, the CEO of Progrit, a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Okada is an esteemed alumnus of SEKAIA's International Business Professions (IBP) program, which he attended as a student before embarking on internships abroad. His experiences laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey, leading him to co-found Progrit with a fellow IBP graduate, Shuntaro Yamazaki.

During his speech, Okada shared his motivations for starting a business in Japan, the challenges he faced as a student, and the pivotal moments that shaped his future. The audience, comprising around 200 international students, showed remarkable engagement and enthusiasm, leading to a lively Q&A session following his address—clearly reflecting the inspiration he provided.

Strengthening Global Communities Through Shared Experiences

The Summer Mixer is not just any networking event; it is a unique gathering that introduces students, host companies, and alumni before internships begin. Successful alumni like Okada serve as role models, imparting their wisdom and experiences in a way that allows current students to visualize how international experience can positively impact their long-term careers.

Robust Networking Between Students, Companies, and Startups

Following the keynote, a startup pitch session allowed the four participating startups—hosting companies from the Internship in Japan program—to present their business models and visions. A networking dinner facilitated multidimensional connections among international students set to embark on internships throughout Japan, as well as fostering relationships among companies and between international students and Japanese professionals.

Insight from SEKAIA's Communication Partner

Anushree Luchooa, a communication partner at SEKAIA, commented on the profound impact of having Okada as a guest speaker, stating that his presence offered invaluable inspiration to the students. She noted that the post-session discussions among students, filled with enthusiasm, illustrated the true values SEKAIA aims to realize through its programs.

SEKAIA: Supporting Global Talent

SEKAIA has emerged as a vital link between the world's youth and Japanese businesses through programs such as Internship in Japan. With a focus on cultivating the next generation of global leaders through enriching border-crossing experiences, the IBP program has nurtured over 6,200 alumni over its 35-year history.

Looking ahead, SEKAIA aims to establish a sustainable ecosystem of human resource circulation, connecting international students, Japanese companies, and alumni synergistically beyond the scope of single events.

Event Highlights

• - Event Name: SEKAIA Summer Mixer 2026
• - Theme: Building Connections Beyond Internships
• - Date and Time: June 25, 2026, from 6:30 PM
• - Location: Glade Park Shibuya, 2-29-5 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Participants: Over 200 international students and 20 Japanese startups
• - Organizer: SEKAIA Inc.

Keynote Speaker Overview

Shogo Okada—CEO of Progrit—was a participant in SEKAIA’s IBP program, gaining valuable international internship experience that propelled him into entrepreneurship. After working with McKinsey & Company, he has led the charge in integrating coaching models into the English education market, contributing to the creation of new markets alongside his business partner, Yamazaki, leading to Progrit's recent achievements.

About SEKAIA Inc.

Founded in 1988, SEKAIA has been dedicated to providing life-changing experiences through study abroad and career consulting for over 35 years. With exclusive partnerships with Australian universities and a broad international network, SEKAIA has placed over 19,000 global talents across various industries. As part of its future vision, Explore the World, SEKAIA is committed to supporting growth opportunities across diverse life stages.