Keywords: International cooperation, Africa, Healthcare, NGOs, JICA, Private sector, Overseas graduate school enrollment

Profile

Participating in a study tour to Thailand during college and volunteering at a refugee camp in Croatia sparked my interest in pursuing a career in international cooperation. After graduation, I worked in the private sector before pursuing a Master of Public Health at a UK graduate school. In 2005, I joined the Non-governmental Organization, AMDA; Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (the predecessor of AMDA Minds, my current employer). I worked as a public health specialist on healthcare projects in Zambia and Sierra Leone in Africa, and in Egypt.

Message to students

In recent years, we have entered a challenging era marked by globalization and the rise of protectionism, alongside Japan’s declining national power and a sense of stagnation, making the future uncertain. At the same time, the development of innovative technologies like AI has created a world where, depending on one’s motivation, anything can be attempted. For nearly 30 years, I have been involved in international cooperation, primarily in Africa, from various positions including the private sector, NGOs, and as a JICA expert. While Africa was once solely a recipient of aid from developed nations, it is now a place brimming with youthful energy, facing diverse challenges yet capable of co-creating solutions with others. To students interested in the keywords , I hope to offer support, on my experience, to help you realize your career designs.

Keywords: Data science, AI, New business Development, Foreign companies, Design, Startups, Career change

Profile

I drive AI and data utilization projects. I have worked on new service development, marketing, and data utilization at various companies including Amazon, major foreign corporations, and startups. I currently also serve as a part-time lecturer at a university. M.B.A., English available (※No overseas work experience)

Message to students

As AI and global environments become commonplace, many people likely feel uncertain about what career path to choose. Personally, I’ve navigated multiple career transitions—working at Amazon, major foreign corporations, and startups—while searching for my own guiding principles. Moving forward, embracing curiosity and challenging oneself in diverse areas will be more essential than ever. I want to share practical insights and explore possibilities together with those whose futures are still unfolding or who are ready to take a new step. Feel free to ask me anything you’d like to know. If you have something you want to talk about, I’m here to listen.

Keywords: Automotive parts development and Program management, Startup and new business development, Supply chain and procurement strategy

Profile

At Mazda Motor Corporation, I was responsible for electronics component development and overall vehicle development management. During joint development with Ford, I gained overseas assignment experience in Europe and Australia. Subsequently, in the procurement department, I collaborated with local companies to formulate procurement strategies. For the final five years, I was seconded to the China Regional New Business Council, where I engaged in startup and new business development. Concurrently, I studied the science of entrepreneurship at the Startup Advisor Academy. Currently, I am actively involved in a wide range of activities, including serving as an advisor.

Message to students

I believe it is incredibly important during your student years—a time brimming with possibilities—to meet more people, take on more challenges, experience failure, and accumulate experiences. Furthermore, in this rapidly changing world where the future is hard to predict, I want us to learn and think together so that you can discern what you truly want to do. By not getting lost in the flood of information, but instead grasping and valuing primary sources, I hope the framework of your lives expands in a better direction. I also look forward to gaining many insights myself.

Keywords: Communication skills, Intercultural collaboration, Educational advocacy

Profile

I hold a Ph.D. in Science Education (Environmental Biology) from Hiroshima University. I have taught Science and English at various levels across public and private educational institutions, fostering student growth through interdisciplinary learning. Currently, I manage a language school and support teachers in their professional development. My work includes designing English curricula that promote both language acquisition and cultural understanding, as well as consulting on curriculum enhancement and language program quality. I am also actively engaged in international exchange programs, homestay coordination, and intercultural collaboration, aiming to bridge communities through education.

Message to students

This mentorship program is a space for reflection, exploration, and growth. Whether you are preparing for advanced studies, enhancing your communication skills, or teaching across educational levels, I’m here to support and guide you. Let’s work together to take meaningful steps toward the future you envision.

Keywords: Career transition, Experiences of challenge and failure, Career design, Perspectives on choosing a company, Perspectives of employees and management, What makes a valued employee, Growth within an organization, Business operations in telecommunications, Healthcare, Education, Airline (Flight attendant), Overseas assignments and living abroad, Diverse work styles, Women’s work tyles

Profile

Representative Director, Noto Tech Co., Ltd. A nationally certified career consultant specializing in corporate support focused on women’s advancement and talent development. After working overseas for 10 years as a cabin attendant for an airline, I succeeded my father in the family business and assumed the position of Representative Director. As a business leader, I have been responsible for restructuring multiple businesses, organizational management, and decision-making. I currently support companies in talent development and creating systems for work-life balance. Drawing on my experience engaging with diverse cultures and values, combined with her management perspective, I aim to create opportunities for students to proactively consider their futures.

Message to students

There is no single right answer for your career from the start. Many working professionals have walked this path while feeling uncertain. I, myself transitioned from the aviation industry (as a flight attendant) to becoming an entrepreneur, engaging in diverse businesses like telecommunications, caregiving, and education. Each time, I considered “what was best for me at that moment” and made decisions for myself. I believe every challenge and failure has led to where I am today and shaped who I am now. Feeling uncertain and pausing are all vital parts of your career journey. Why not start by putting into words what you truly want to try, or what you’re unsure about? As a business owner and career consultant, I want to walk alongside you to explore these questions and support you.

Keywords: Beauty, Sales, Interpretation, Translation, Overseas business

Profile

I was born and raised in Canada and studied there through university. After spending a year in Japan as an exchange student during my university days, I decided to pursue a career there. Following graduation, I worked in the overseas division of a Japanese cosmetics company. After that, I gained experience working in operations at a retail startup company. Currently, I am primarily engaged in language-related work such as interpreting.

Message to students

I will carefully support you, working together to consider your worries and anxieties, so that you can envision a future that is uniquely their own. Please feel free to contact me about anything, no matter how small. I will do our utmost to help you take your next step with confidence.

Keywords: Career Development, Startups, Tourism, Food/Finance Industry, Interpreter

Profile

After 14 years of professional experience at a U.S. investment bank in Tokyo, I returned to my hometown of Hiroshima following the birth of my first child. Since then, I have been involved in career development and design thinking education, serving as a lecturer at private universities and for local companies.
I currently serve as Head of Training and Education at Delica Wing Co., Ltd., Executive Director of the Chugoku Region New Business Conference, and a Board Member of FM Hatsukaichi, a community radio station.
In addition, I am a licensed tour guide interpreter in Hiroshima Prefecture, as well as a certified calligrapher and a licensed instructor of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Message to students

I have built my career across a wide range of fields, including international finance, education, interpreting, tourism, and entrepreneurial support.
Through working with many individuals—both formally and informally—on their career journeys, I have come to believe that the foundation of meaningful career growth lies in one essential thing: a deep understanding of yourself.
Whether you are feeling uncertain at a crossroads, or simply curious about what might be possible in the future, this is an opportunity to stop and look inward to reflect on your own journey. We can explore together how far your unique skills, values, and passions can take you. I hope that the breadth of my variety of experience can serve as a catalyst to help you unlock your full potential—and perhaps even discover paths you had never imagined.

Keywords: National civil servants, International organizations, Development finance, Trade operations, Overseas study, European region

Profile

Currently working at Japan Customs, I collaborate with overseas customs and law enforcement agencies to prevent the inflow of illicit goods through the sharing of smuggling-related intelligence. Previously, I held positions at the International Bureau of the Ministry of Finance and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (in London and Tokyo), where I worked on matters related to international financial institutions such as the G7/G20, MDBs, the IMF and the OECD. My responsibilities included international coordination with government agencies, external relations, public communications and recruitment initiatives. Through these experiences, I developed a strong appreciation for the importance of identifying and cultivating talent capable of contributing on the international stage.

Message to students

Across diverse professional environments, I have navigated the gap between ideals and reality through continuous trial and error, refining my direction along the way. I hope to share my experiences—including lessons learned from challenges—with individuals who have yet to define their career paths or are unsure how to pursue them, helping them broaden their future opportunities and offering guidance to those considering a similar career path. I also welcome conversations with anyone exploring their interests or next steps.

Keywords: Banking, Overseas MBA studies, Corporate planning, Sustainability

Profile

Born and raised in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Pref. I attended university in the Kanto region before returning to work at Hiroshima Bank. After joining Hiroshima Bank, I worked at a branch office (corporate sales and lending), pursued an overseas MBA, and now handle planning duties (corporate planning and sustainability) at headquarters. My personal themes in my late 30s are: “Motivate people to give their all,” “Pick up the ball no one else will,” and “Meet people outside the company.”

Message to students

During my job hunting, I struggled to put what I wanted to do such as my motivation for applying into words. Even after entering the workforce, I had a hard time for quite some time to effectively identify what I wanted to do such as my career vision. It’s only relatively recently that I’ve begun to grasp what I truly want to do. Precisely because I’m the type of person who cultivated my career perspective slowly and steadily, while grappling with various anxieties and worries, I might have something to share or advice to offer. Please feel free to reach out, including those who haven’t yet mapped out their future career path.

Keywords: Parallel careers, Sales, Consulting, Financial industry, Welfare industry, Overseas assignments, Career detours, Administrative scrivener, Disability welfare. Entrepreneurship, Social business, Professional boxer

Profile

Representative Director, RingHR Co., Ltd. / Representative, YellowTail Administrative Scrivener Office
The idea that “Career path is one straight road.” never resonated with me. After working in sales at a major securities firm, I transitioned to disability welfare services, followed by web development and establishing a local subsidiary overseas. Upon returning to Japan, I worked as a consultant in human resources and IT. Currently, as a company representative and certified administrative scrivener, I provide support in the fields of foreign worker employment and welfare services.
Integrating legal expertise with on-the-ground practice, I tackle structural challenges in disability welfare and foreign talent support. I transform seemingly disparate career paths into synergistic strengths, halving client anxiety while doubling their courage through our companion-style support.

Message to students

What may seem like unrelated detours actually multiply your strengths. Students may find themselves thinking, “Maybe I chose the wrong path.” But rather than viewing these moments as wasted, I encourage you to store them as building blocks of experience. Detours become assets, and before you know it, they shape a unique career path.