#Internship Program #Zenken #Odisha

Zenken Partners with Tottori Prefecture for International Internships

In an exciting development, Zenken Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has been awarded a project by Tottori Prefecture to support an overseas student internship program. This initiative aims to provide internships for students from Odisha, India, helping them gain valuable work experience in local companies within Tottori.

Goals and Objectives

Zenken's efforts are focused on students from Odisha who are majoring in IT and engineering fields. The program serves dual purposes: It aims to strengthen the relationship between Tottori and Odisha while also addressing the workforce needs of companies in Tottori. The internship program is part of Tottori’s broader strategy to enhance international exchanges and attract talent.

Comprehensive Support for Students

Zenken will play a crucial role in facilitating various aspects of the internship experience:
1. Internship Placement: Zenken will oversee the entire process from recruitment and selection of students to matching them with suitable companies based on their skills and the companies’ requirements. An internship will typically last for at least five days, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their relevant fields.
2. Travel and Accommodation Support: Zenken will assist with all logistical elements, including travel arrangements to and from Japan, accommodation, and venue for meals. Furthermore, services such as interpretation and health insurance coverage will be provided, ensuring students can focus on their professional development without undue stress.
3. Cultural Orientation: To better integrate the students into Japanese society, Zenken will include cultural orientation sessions and networking opportunities with host companies. This approach promotes mutual understanding and helps students acclimatize to their new environment.
4. Japanese Language Education: To maximize the effectiveness of the internship, Zenken will offer online Japanese language classes to participating students. The objective is to ensure that by the time they arrive in Japan, students possess at least a proficiency level equivalent to JLPT N4, enabling smoother communication during their internship.

Background on Tottori and Odisha Collaboration

This collaboration comes in light of the broader strategy for talent exchange between Japan and India, stemming from discussions during the Japan-India summit in August 2025. The summit set goals for a mutual exchange of 500,000 people over the next five years, highlighting the importance of partnerships at the local government level.

In May 2026, the government of Odisha expressed its intention to formalize a friendship agreement with Tottori Prefecture. This initiative is aimed not only at fostering future interregional exchanges but also at addressing manpower and business needs within both regions.

Zenken's Experience with Global Human Resources

Zenken’s commitment to international talent acquisition is evidenced by its previous engagements, including support for training foreign caregivers. Additionally, the company has developed a program called Yaaay Freshers, designed to connect Japanese companies with engineering students from India's renowned technical institutes. Collaborating with 54 engineering colleges in Bengaluru—often referred to as the