#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #JICA Laos #Job Sharing

Okayama University Launches Job Sharing Program

Starting from August 2025, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, Japan, has rolled out a new job sharing initiative aimed specifically at its administrative staff. This innovative program seeks to broaden the scope of their work experiences across various departments, thereby enhancing the skills of each staff member and, ultimately, elevating the organizational capabilities of the university.

This initiative is part of the 'Regional Core and Characteristic Research University Strengthening Promotion Project (J-PEAKS)', which is focused on nurturing skilled individuals,—referred to as 'knowledge workers'—capable of creating new value and possessing flexible thinking and a broad perspective. The job sharing program serves as a stepping stone toward this goal, enabling staff to engage in various functional areas within the university.

In its inaugural implementation, five selected staff members from departments outside the International Division participated in an international event held from October 14 to 18, 2025. This event took place at the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Laos (LJI) and the Cambodia Japan Human Resource Development Center (CJCC). The purpose of their participation was to actively involve them in the development of a knowledge management system, which was a crucial component of the program.

Through this international event, participants aimed to gain insights into Japan’s educational landscape and critically examine the university's current standing from an overseas perspective. The objective was to cultivate the ability to think critically about their organization while also fostering highly skilled management personnel with an international outlook. Additionally, the experiences gained would be systematically organized and stored as knowledge for broader organizational use.

Under the leadership of a senior specialist from the International Division, the job sharers collaborated with local coordinators in Laos and Cambodia to introduce the university's educational and research initiatives, scholarship programs, and admissions information to several hundred students wishing to study in Japan. This hands-on experience provided them with a deep understanding of international operations and fostered a sense of practical engagement in their fields.

In Laos, interactions included discussions with Ponkeo Chantamaly, the director of LJI, about the situation regarding international students. The team also participated in the Japan Study Fair and shared presentations at Harkkeo Academy, fielding questions from prospective students eager to study abroad. They even conducted courtesy visits to the Laos Ministry of Education and Sports and featured local leaders such as President Desanura Senaduang of the National University of Laos, and JICA President Akihiko Tanaka at the fair.

The event became a valuable opportunity for the participants to witness firsthand the implementation of the university's research in collaboration with local entities, led by Dr. Suriporn, head of the Biology Department at Saravan Teacher's College, who presented products developed in partnerships with local companies.

The preparation process for the event, which included research on the university's initiatives and presentation development, proved to be an enriching experience for the staff. Additionally, interactions with Naoki Nishino, a professor from the Graduate School of Environmental Life Sciences, and five of his graduate students led to effective promotional activities that showcased Okayama University's strengths to a broader audience.

Exchanges with participants from other universities and local citizens fostered a deeper mutual understanding. This collaborative experience allowed the members from various departments and functions to share field experience and exchange multifaceted ideas about the international initiatives of Okayama University. Looking forward, this unique initiative promises further collaboration in promoting Okayama University’s efforts as a regional core and characteristic research university.

Participants' Feedback

• - Yoshitaka Ishimura (Senior, Academic Affairs) remarked, “Through this experience, I gained direct insight into what international students seek and the current situation at other universities.”
• - Shiori Kanno (Administrative staff) expressed gratitude for the collaboration and acknowledged the diverse perspectives offered by participating in the job share.
• - Manami Kumei, also from the Academic Affairs section, highlighted the value of observing firsthand the needs and aspirations of prospective study-abroad students.
• - Saki Tanaka, a senior human resources officer, noted the experience was enlightening and reinforced the significance of collaborative efforts in administrative tasks.
• - Yumiko Morimoto, chief of the Human Resources Department, echoed her appreciation for the diverse communication opportunities that enhanced their understanding of international operations.

Okayama University anticipates continued positive developments from the job sharing program, passionately aiming for a vivid transformation in its international engagement activities and workforce dynamism.