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Bridging the Gap: Kyoei University Students and Local Business Leaders

In a dynamic collaboration aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the community of Kasukabe City, students from Kyoei University partnered with local entrepreneurs to engage in a hands-on educational experience. Spearheaded by the company Dooox, which is dedicated to supporting community-driven initiatives, this project not only facilitated dialogue between students and local businesses but also empowered the students to apply their academic learning to real-world scenarios.

A Shift Towards Practical Learning

Spring 2025 marked the beginning of an exciting new initiative where students from Kyoei University’s International Business Department interacted directly with local business leaders. The project stemmed from a highly successful special lecture led by Professor Ito, and the enthusiasm from both sides prompted further collaboration. The key idea was to enable students to confront local challenges proactively and consider how their educational background could translate into actionable business ideas.

In April 2025, over 100 students participated in a special lecture that explored the realities of working within their community. This became a precursor for a hands-on experience where attendees were motivated by the prospect of transforming their academic insights into viable solutions for Kasukabe's challenges.

Engaging Dialogues with Local Entrepreneurs

The first significant event of this initiative took place on June 19, 2025, at Oduzumi-en, a local tea company represented by CEO Hiroshi Odate. Students visited the company for a guided discussion and dialogue with Mr. Odate and were given the chance to hear firsthand about his experiences in the local business landscape. The students had the opportunity to ask pressing questions about entrepreneurship, such as, “What drives you to operate your business in Kasukabe?” and “What core values guide your management practice?”

Mr. Odate shared his thoughts passionately, emphasizing the importance of being constantly driven to surpass one’s past achievements. A stellar moment of the dialogue was when a student asked, “Who are your competitors?” His succinct answer, “My only competition is myself,” resonated deeply with the students and highlighted the introspective nature of entrepreneurship.

Insights and Reflections from Students

Participants expressed that engaging with a successful local entrepreneur transformed their perspective on business development. One student noted, “I realized that in thinking about new business ideas, human connection and passion matter more than just technical skills.” Others remarked how surprising it was to discover that adults in their community held such strong commitments to their work and aspiring to contribute to the local economy.

This unique experience not only enlightened students about the local business ecosystem but also provided them valuable insights for their future endeavors, including their ongoing seminar activities and career pursuits.

Converting Challenges into Business Opportunities

On June 26, 2025, to build on the knowledge gained during discussions with Mr. Odate, an online seminar was conducted by Goh Asaka from Dooox. Drawing on experiences from numerous successful new business launches, Asaka taught students how to formulate business plans by identifying the problems they want to address in their community. Students learned essential frameworks for converting their ideas into actionable plans, leading them to contemplate how they could effectively implement their visions into society.

Looking to the Future

Currently, students from Professor Hayashi's seminar are developing business ideas aimed at addressing specific community issues identified during their interactions. Active discussions and debates are ongoing as they explore how their theoretical knowledge can materialize into practical solutions for Kasukabe. Such exploratory activities are anticipated to foster personal growth in students, marking a significant step towards becoming future community leaders.

As this initiative continues forward, both Kyoei University and the Kasukabe-based organization are committed to supporting students in their ambition to engage actively in problem-solving while simultaneously invigorating the local economy.

Educator's Perspective

Commenting on the project, Professor Hayashi expressed his gratitude for the initiative and emphasized the invaluable experiences derived from direct engagement with local business leaders. He noted that the emotions, narratives, and genuine insights obtained from the discussions have significantly deepened students’ understanding of community challenges and empowered them to take charge of their future careers. Such endeavors signify a remarkable opportunity that transforms classroom theories into impactful real-life actions.