OSIP Short-term Career Development Program by Kansai University

Osaka Social Impact Project or OSIP for short is a joint effort between Kansai University and Osaka Metropolitan University that aims to cultivate "CHANGEMAKERS," who will transform society through the educational practice of collaborative learning. OSIP wishes to deliver 3 key results: 1) Develop a globally diverse campus that fosters learning among students from various backgrounds, 2) Both international and Japanese local students will be able to build their careers globally, and 3) Initiating in Osaka, we are pioneering impactful and innovative solutions that resonate on a global scale (Source: OSIP Official Website). With those objectives in mind, Kansai University hosted a short-term career development program for international students to learn about Japanese culture and workspace environment. The program was held from January 18th to January 24th, 2026, and I was one of the participants.

Program Overview

The short-term career development program hosted by Kansai University included a few workshops, culture exchange sessions, and company visits, providing participants with valuable insights into Japanese in practices and culture whether it be in business settings or daily life. The program aims to enhance participants' cross-cultural communication skills, broaden their perspectives, and prepare them for future career opportunities in a global context. One thing that really stuck to me was that business cards and the etiquette of exchanging it is still very much alive in Japan. It was a great experience to learn about the proper way to exchange business cards and the importance of this practice in Japanese business culture.

Company Visits

During the program, participants had the opportunity to visit two companies in Osaka, the companies were Nihon Superior Ltd. and Fujimoto Bossard Co., Ltd. These visits provided valuable insights into the Japanese work culture, business practices, and innovation strategies. Participants were able to engage with professionals, ask questions, and learn about the challenges and opportunities in various industries.

Fujimoto Bossard Co., Ltd. Company Visit

(Source: Fujimoto Bossard Website)

From my experience, both companies offered unique perspectives on business operations and employee engagement in the Japanese context. One thing they had in common were their high efforts in maintaining a multicultural and inclusive workplace, which was evident in their interactions with international participants and having multiple foreign employees. The visits were not only educational but also inspiring, as they showcased the importance of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in today's global business environment.