Partnership Between Yamaguchi Industries and Foreign Talent Recruitment

New Partnership to Enhance Foreign Talent in Japan

In a significant stride towards bridging the talent gap in Japan, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, led by President Takeshi Hashimoto, has established a partnership with Yamaguchi Industries, under President Shinsaku Fukushige, to launch a foreign talent recruitment initiative focusing on Kenyan professionals. This collaboration aims to introduce skilled individuals from Kenya to Japan’s workforce, addressing local labor shortages while providing international youth with employment opportunities.

The partnership made headlines recently when it facilitated the arrival of two Kenyan professionals on August 18. One individual is set to work as a Systems Engineer, contributing to programming development, while the other will take on a strategic management role focused on expanding the talent recruitment business within Japan. This represents a promising start for both the talent and the companies involved, as the Kenyan professionals integrate into Japan's business landscape.

Recognizing Potential in Kenya

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is focusing on the immense potential of highly educated and motivated Kenyan talent, who often face challenges finding suitable work in their home country. Supported by the U.S. non-profit organization Labor Mobility Partnerships (LaMP), the 'Project Link' pilot initiative is set to commence in 2024. The project plans to connect Japanese companies facing a talent shortage with capable Kenyan workers, furthering both nations' economic goals.

Simultaneously, Yamaguchi Industries, an enterprise with a strong commitment to introducing international talent across various sectors, has been actively working on community support initiatives, including language education and multicultural integration for foreign residents in Japan. This dual approach not only aims to fulfill labor demands but also enriches the cultural fabric of the local communities.

Engaged Leaders and Community Discussions

The two Kenyan professionals participated in the seminar titled "Kenya x Japan: Building the Future with Talent" on August 19, coinciding with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The event included a panel discussion addressing the experiences of Kenyan workers in Japan, featuring the attendance of Kenyan Ambassador to Japan, Moy Lumoshira. The ambassador emphasized that Kenyan workers are globally recognized for their technical skills, adaptability, English proficiency, and dedication. He noted that this initiative would further expand the potential for cooperation between Kenya and Japan in labor resources.

As Mitsui O.S.K. Lines draws on 40 years of experience in nurturing foreign seafarers, it transitioned to a broader foreign talent business in 2020, successfully placing around 150 professionals from Southeast Asia including the Philippines, Myanmar, and Indonesia in Japanese companies. However, increasing competition for talent amidst economic growth in Southeast Asia has necessitated exploration of new avenues for recruitment. Consequently, Africa, with its youthful and diligent population, presents fresh opportunities for collaboration.

Addressing Global Challenges

The partnership aims to tackle two pressing societal issues: Japan's labor shortage and high unemployment rates among educated Kenyan youth. By linking these two challenges, Project Link aspires to create pathways for the employment of Kenyan graduates in Japan—which has already seen preliminary success, with five Kenyan professionals securing jobs in Japanese firms as of August 2025.

Through this strategic partnership, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is committed to actively supporting Yamaguchi Industries' efforts to leverage foreign talent, revitalizing local economies while connecting working individuals and accepting enterprises across borders. The collaborative approach of fostering social growth and sustainable development emphasizes the shared commitment to an interconnected global workforce.

In conclusion, this initiative symbolizes a promising future for international workforce cooperation, enhancing cultural exchange and economic stability in both Japan and Kenya. For more information on Yamaguchi Industries and its mission, visit their official website.

Visit Yamaguchi Industries Here.
Learn about Project Link.