Okayama University Holds Special Seminar for Global Human Resource Development Program

Special Seminar at Okayama University

On August 8, 2025, Okayama University, a national university based in Okayama City, held a significant seminar under its Global Human Resource Development Special Course. This event, titled "Craftsmanship Shining! Made-in-Okayama Products x International Expansion Project," saw participation from 11 enthusiastic students enrolled in the program. The seminar was organized in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Okayama and the Okayama Prefecture Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as part of a comprehensive partnership agreement established in August 2021.

At the outset of the seminar, Toshiyuki Wakabayashi, the director of JETRO Okayama, delivered an encouraging message to the attendees. Following his introduction, Akika Yamamoto, a section chief at JETRO, took over the podium to lead the seminar. In the first half, Yamamoto elaborated on JETRO's foundation and its operational mandates, emphasizing their role in aiding local businesses in penetrating overseas markets. The spotlight then shifted to Okayama Prefecture's traditional crafts and design products, giving students firsthand insight into the various projects spearheaded by JETRO Okayama.

As the event progressed, students engaged in group work where they were divided into four teams, each tasked with developing international expansion strategies for traditional crafts from Okayama, including Bizen pottery, denim products, tatami and igusa products, as well as wooden furniture and interiors. The limited time added pressure, yet students actively discussed which products to promote to which countries and regions, devising innovative approaches grounded in research.

Their presentations, aimed not at general consumers but at overseas enterprises, revealed the complexities of B2B marketing strategies in international trade. Despite being challenged, students diligently gathered information, formulating their strategies while attentively receiving feedback from the instructors.

This initiative is part of the university's ongoing commitment to foster talent capable of contributing to both regional and international communities. Beyond this seminar, Okayama University plans to host additional events, bringing in local business leaders as guest lecturers through collaborations with JETRO Okayama and the Okayama Prefecture Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This integrative approach aims to enhance mutual cooperation and continue the cultivation of capable individuals in the realm of global human resource development.

As we look ahead, there is much anticipation surrounding Okayama University’s commitment to nurture globally-minded individuals and to strengthen collaborations that benefit the community.

Participating Students

The students who participated in this seminar were Yuuto Tomotsugi (Junior, Faculty of Letters), Mana Tange (Freshman, Faculty of Letters), Tetsuyo Tomono (Freshman, Faculty of Education), Hiroto Ito (Sophomore, Faculty of Economics), Riki Matsuoka (Freshman, Faculty of Economics), Haruko Tomomitsu (Freshman, Faculty of Economics), Shuri Niki (Freshman, Faculty of Economics), Rakuhi Shirahama (Freshman, Faculty of Science), Subaru Yayoi (Sophomore, Faculty of Agriculture), Kaho Nagashio (Freshman, Faculty of Agriculture), and Mai Kubo (Freshman, Faculty of Agriculture).

Collaborative Framework

The comprehensive partnership agreement signed between Okayama University, JETRO, and the Okayama Prefecture Chamber of Commerce serves as a platform for internationalizing human resource development and aims to foster industrial growth in the region.

This seminar is just one of the many initiatives promoting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its mission to create a sustainable future through education and research.

For more information about Okayama University’s Global Human Resource Development initiatives and their collaborations, visit the official websites of Okayama University and JETRO Okayama.