#Japan #Tokyo #Showcase Express #AIU #Shinagawa Refractories

Collaboration Between Showcase Express and Shinagawa Refractories

In an exciting development, Showcase Inc. has officially announced a partnership with Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd. regarding its free shuttle bus service for students known as "Showcase Express." As of now, this agreement allows Shinagawa Refractories to utilize the shuttle ride between universities and JR Akita Station as a platform to deliver promotional videos directly to students, enhancing their visibility and engagement.

The Showcase Express service initiates a valuable connection between students and prospective employers during their 25-minute journey. This travel time is not only essential for the students but serves as an effective touchpoint for businesses seeking to reach their target demographic repeatedly. With this new sponsorship model, Shinagawa Refractories aims to make a meaningful impression on students while also boosting their recruitment strategies.

Benefits for Students and Companies

For Students:

• - Improved Transportation Convenience: The service enhances accessibility between JR Akita Station and various universities, alleviating previous transportation inconveniences.
• - Valuable Job Market Insights: Students can benefit from receiving information about companies and industry trends, which is critical during their job search.

For Shinagawa Refractories:

• - Direct Communication: By distributing promotional content through the Showcase Express, the company can effectively communicate their brand to students in a unique setting.
• - Consistent Audience Exposure: The existing journey duration empowers the company to create repeat exposure to its brand messaging multiple times a day.
• - Building Relationships: The shuttle service offers an innovative approach to fostering connections with talented students, which is crucial for future recruitment efforts.

Social Significance

This sponsor-driven initiative also addresses broader social issues. With the reduction of public transport services impacting the community's mobility, the Showcase Express aims to serve as a remedy, facilitating easier transit for students. The collaboration epitomizes how educational mobility and corporate outreach can synergize to benefit both parties and the wider community.

Voices from the Partners

"We are currently focused on strengthening our business presence in the global market, and we value our diverse workforce," expressed Hiroyuki Fujiwara, President of Shinagawa Refractories. "We believe that the language skills, cultural understanding, and proactive learning attitudes developed at Akita International University align closely with our corporate culture. We look forward to meeting students through our video advertisements!"

About Showcase Express

Showcase Express is a free shuttle service designed specifically for students of Akita International University (AIU) and is part of broader efforts to improve transportation options amidst the decreased public transport availability. Launched in April 2025, the service is funded through advertisements distributed onboard. As of July of the same year, over 1,000 students and university associates registered, and total usage has exceeded 6,600, illustrating its significance among AIU students.

More details can be found at the Showcase Express Official Site.

About Shinagawa Refractories

Founded in 1875, Shinagawa Refractories stands at the forefront of Japan's refractory materials industry. As they approach their 150th anniversary in October 2025, the company provides comprehensive solutions tailored to customer needs, spanning product development to after-service support.

For more information, visit Shinagawa Refractories' Official Website.

About Akita International University

Akita International University boasts an education environment where all classes are taught in English, along with a robust year-long study abroad program. Students graduate equipped with advanced communication skills and global perspectives, ready to excel in influential corporations both domestically and internationally.

Visit AIU’s Official Site for more insights.