Tokyo [Japan], November 11 (ANI): 2027 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
The Japanese government, academic institutions, and private companies operate the “Foster System = MIRAI-Setu” program for Indian students, helping them develop their capabilities and explore career opportunities.
Beginning in October, 40 Indian students and graduates spent one month in Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited them to visit universities and private companies, primarily in the Kyushu and Kansai regions, to learn about various industries and explore their interests.
Universities and private companies welcomed the participants, many of whom come from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and possess strong academic backgrounds.
On October 29, the students visited Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. At Shizuoka University, they attended lectures delivered by professors and senior Indian students. Since 2015, the university has hosted numerous international students, and 44 Indian students have secured employment with Japanese companies.
Associate Professor Yuko Ryan of Shizuoka University explained the institution’s approach.
“In 2015, the ‘Asia Bridge Program’ started to receive foreign students. Fortunately, science and technology professors support education.
“The big advantage of Shizuoka University is having excellent companies in this area. It provides an opportunity to communicate with real industry.
“Also, Hamamatsu city is positive about accepting high-level foreign talent.
“Shizuoka University intends to foster high-level Indian talent and accelerate mutual activity between India and Japan.”
The foster system also receives support from the Indian side.
Assistant Professor Dr. Asnish Singh Parihar said, “Last year, I participated in this program. Including faculty, we contribute to this program. For about one month, I followed the students. They grow by clarifying their future career goals through this experience.”
Several IIT students also shared their experiences and perspectives.
IIT student Shubhankit Tewari said, “This program is very good. In particular, I learned at Murata Manufacturing and was invited to the Fukui factory. It was a big factory and motivated me to focus on automotive component production.”
Student Harsh Singh said, “Every experience was good. Business policies are different. I will work for a Japanese company to help address the labor shortage. My concern is focusing on Koizumi in Osaka because it has plans to expand in India. I will contribute to realizing successful business operations in India for Koizumi.”
Student Alan Royce said, “I am interested in the traditions of Japanese companies, especially lifetime employment and digital transformation.”
Student Nandhini Sriram said, “I received great hospitality during the program. Compared with other students, I have a significant advantage in developing future opportunities. I am interested in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, so I am happy to have visited Suzuki headquarters.”
At Suzuki headquarters, the students participated in a group discussion with company employees. The theme was “How to solve the vehicle situation in local India?”
The students suggested solutions including a transition to electric vehicles, solar energy systems and supply, and infrastructure development.
They presented practical proposals that impressed Suzuki employees. The students hope their ideas will eventually be implemented by Maruti Suzuki and contribute to Indian society.
Fuminori Yokote of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who organized the program, said:
“One of the initial challenges was language. However, the students have successfully demonstrated outstanding communication skills and intellectual strength, making a very positive impression on everyone they have met.
“We will continue this program, and I very much hope that the students will build on the personal relationships they have developed with the people they met in Japan during this program.”
The hospitality extended by the Japanese government, academic institutions, and private companies has generated interest among Indian students and further strengthened ties between India and Japan. (ANI)
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