【Purpose】

While the number of international students in Japan continues to rise, the global environment for studying abroad is becoming increasingly unstable. In May, the U.S. revoked Harvard University’s certification to host international students, putting thousands at risk and signaling that prestige alone is no longer enough. Today, students seek not only strong academics, but also stability, safety, and daily life support.

Despite growing enrollment, many international students in Japan still face language barriers, housing issues, and limited career support. Improving their quality of life requires more than surface-level efforts. Universities, government, and companies must work together to create a support system that truly reflects student needs.

This workshop brings together students, educators, and corporate partners to share real challenges and co-develop practical solutions. Through problem visualization, idea generation, and prioritization, we aim to take a concrete step toward building a one-stop support system.

Culture, Language, and Career — How deeply do we recognize the unseen barriers that international students encounter in their everyday lives? 

【開催趣旨】

日本における留学生の数は増え続けている一方で、世界の留学環境はますます不安定になっています。5月には、米国ハーバード大学が突如として留学生の受け入れ認可を取り消され、数千人の学生が危機に直面しました。この出来事は、「名門校であること」だけでは不十分であることを示し、今の留学生たちは、学問の質だけでなく、安定性、安全性、そして生活支援を求めているという現実を浮き彫りにしました。

日本でも、留学生の受け入れが進む一方で、多くの学生が言語の壁、住居の問題、そしてキャリア支援の不足に直面しています。こうした生活の質に関わる課題を本質的に解決するには、表面的な対応ではなく、大学・行政・企業が連携し、学生の実態に即した包括的な支援体制を構築する必要があります。

本ワークショップでは、留学生、教育関係者、企業担当者が一堂に会し、現場で直面している課題を共有し、実践的な解決策を共に考えます。課題の可視化、アイデア創出、優先順位の明確化を通じて、ワンストップで支援を提供できる仕組みの構築に向けた具体的な一歩を踏み出します。

文化・言語・キャリア、私たちは、留学生が日々直面している「見えない壁」をどれほど理解できているでしょうか？
なお、本ワークショップは全て英語で実施されます。

【Program】

■ Date & Time: 16:00–19:10, Sunday, July 6, 2025

■ Target Audience: University Students (mainly undergraduate) and English Speakers

■ Capacity: 30 participants

■ Participation Fee: Free of charge

■ Venue: Cross Park, SHIBUYA QWS, Shibuya Scramble Square 15F

■ Registration:https://shibuya-qwseventqwsacademia250706.peatix.com/

■ Organizer: SHIBUYA QWS Innovation Council

■ Co-organizers: Global Consolidated Research Institute for Science Wisdom, School of Advanced Science and Engineering in Waseda University, Beyond 2020 NEXT PROJECT, Matey

■ Schedule

MC: Kaho KUMEGAWA

15:30｜ Doors Open

15:55 –16:00 ｜ Introduction to QWS

16:00 –16:10 ｜ Opening Remarks    Kanta MITSUTANI 

16:10 –16:30 ｜ Icebreak

16:30 –17:30 ｜ Panel Discussion 

Panelist: Takashi IWABUCHI (Center for International Education, Waseda University) and 2 others (TBD) 

Moderator: Kanta MITSUTANI

17:30 –17:40 ｜ Break

17:40 –18:25 ｜ Workshop 

18:25 –19:00 ｜ Presentations & Overall Review (5 min × 6 groups)

19:00 –19:05 ｜ Closing Remarks – Toru ASAHI (Professor and Dean, Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University)

19:05–19:10 ｜ Photo Session

19:10–19:40 ｜ Networking

【Panelist】 

◆Takashi IWABUCHI (Center for International Education, Waseda University)

I serve as the organizer of the Waseda Summer Session, Japan’s premier international short-term program that welcomes approximately 200 students from over 80 countries. I also work closely with international universities and attend higher ed conferences to stay connected to what’s happening globally—and to think about how we can help Japan’s universities grow in a more international direction.

◆TBD

◆TBD

【Main Staff and Moderator】  

◆Kanta MITSUTANI (School of Political Science and Economics 2nd, Waseda University / Beyond 2020 NEXT PROJECT/ Matey) 

I am half Korean and Japanese, and I spent most of my life abroad in South Korea and Thailand, where I pursued football at a competitive level. In 2025, I founded this community with the goal of enhancing the experience of international students in Japan and helping them make the most of their limited time here. I am passionate about creating spaces where students from diverse backgrounds can connect, grow, and thrive. Looking ahead, I plan to expand this initiative into the largest international student community in Japan, enriching student life through meaningful connections, cultural exchange, and shared opportunities.

【Main Staff】

◆Kaho KUMEGAWA (School of International Liberal Studies 2nd, Waseda University / Beyond 2020 NEXT PROJECT / Matey) 

I was born and raised in Japan. In April 2025, after being invited by Kanta, I co-founded Matey, a community for international students, drawing from my own experience feeling lonely while studying abroad. I mainly design SNS and organize events. I am also a core member of Beyond 2020 NEXT PROJECT, a student organization at Waseda University with a mission to foster entrepreneurship. I am involved in the Children’s Conference of the Future in Support of the United Nations as a communication supporter. I study education at university and will study abroad at the University of Arizona from this summer.              

◆Mifu HONDA (School of International Liberal Studies 2nd, Waseda University / Matey)

I was born and raised in Kanagawa, Japan. This August, I will study abroad in the U.S., which will be my first time living in a foreign country for an extended period. I mainly study international relations and communication, and I’m also interested in marketing and administrative strategies.

◆Hana YAMAZAKI (School of International Liberal Studies 1st, Waseda University / Beyond & Matey)

I was born in Japan and lived there until I was 10 years old. I then spent eight years in the United States before returning to Japan for college. I am currently pursuing a teacher’s license, and my interests are education and international relations. As a student supporter, I am involved with Matey, the Beyond 2020 NEXT PROJECT, and the Children’s Conference of the Future in Support of the United Nations.

◆Juny NISHIHARA (1st, Meiji University / Matey)

I am of mixed Japanese and Korean heritage, born in Korea and raised across borders. I spent my early childhood in Korea and later found myself navigating high school life in Canada for a year, where I mastered both maple syrup consumption and adapting to new cultures. These international experiences sparked my passion for helping others step into unfamiliar environments with confidence. I know what it feels like to be the “new kid,” and I hope to be someone who can ease that transition for others.

◆Lily NAKAZI (3rd, Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School / Beyond)

I was born and raised in Japan, and I have been interested in foreign cultures and international relations for years. I spent one year in the US as a 24/25 foreign exchange student and recently returned to Japan. I am also a member of Beyond 2020 NEXT PROJECT and have been involved in multiple events.

【Staff】  

◆Mitsuki ASANO (School of International Liberal Studies 3rd, Waseda University / Matey)

I was born and raised in Japan, and I’m deeply passionate about creating meaningful connections with people from different countries. That’s why I’ve been involved in projects that support international students and promote cultural exchange. My English still has room to grow, but I’ll do my best to contribute and learn alongside everyone.

◆Ryuichi OKAYAMA (3rd, Waseda University Honjo Senior High School / Beyond)

I was born and raised in Japan, and I’m passionate about javelin throw. I have experience volunteering at Takeoff Tokyo. Meeting people from other countries gives me a lot of energy, and I truly enjoy being involved in international networking events.

◆Kota IWASAKI (2nd, Gyosei High School / Beyond)

Born in Japan and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I have long been interested in the concept of Ibasho—a place where everyone can truly feel at home—and have been studying it ever since discovering its importance. As a selected participant of the Tobitate! Ryugaku JAPAN program, I will be conducting research this winter on the idea of Ibasho in Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Madrid over three weeks.

【Adviser for Beyond 2020 NEXT PROJECT 】

◆ Toru ASAHI (Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University / Dean, School and Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University)

Graduated from Hakuo Senior High School in 1981, and the Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University in 1986. Ph.D. in Science (1992) and MBA (2007). Director of Global Consolidated Research Institute for Science Wisdom, Deputy Director of Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, and Program Coordinator of Business Creation Course at Global Education Center in Waseda University. Prof. Asahi is also Deputy Program Manager, Cabinet Office Moonshot R&D Project “iF3” and has been appointed Dean, School and Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University since September in 2024. He is promoting interdisciplinary research and innovative talent development. Research topics: chiral science, bio-solid state physics, crystal optics, functional thin films, symmetry breaking, and circular food production systems.

◆Koji ICHIKI (Representative Director, Peace Communication Foundation / Visiting Research Professor, Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University)

Graduated from Waseda University Senior High School and the Department of Architecture, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Waseda University. Licensed First-Class Architect. President & CEO of Headline Inc. Mr. Ichiki is Representative Director of the Peace Communication Foundation, Visiting Professor of Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University, Deputy Director of Global Consolidated Research Institute for Science Wisdom, Waseda University, Guest Professor of Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), the University of Osaka, and Visiting Professor of Shukutoku University. Mr. Ichiki is also Founder of the “SDGs Peace Communication Project”,  Director and Secretary-General of the 21st Century Club, Executive Producer of “Yume no Kagaijugyo”, and Executive Producer for LDH. He has served as advisor to numerous companies and initiatives, driving talent development and new project creation across diverse industries.