Report】The 2023 Glocal Human Resource Development Course was held.

　Following on from last year, three lectures on the theme of "Environment" were held in FY2023 (commissioned by Mie Prefecture) to learn about the significance of activities in Mie Prefecture from an international perspective. This time, we welcomed as guests globally active corporate executives and aquarium staff, and through their valuable experiences and initiatives, provided an opportunity to think deeply about the importance of "glocal," the fusion of the global and the local. Each lecture was full of energy and participants were able to develop an international mindset while having fun at the same time. Here are some scenes from the lectures!

Part 1: "How to Connect with the World from Mie Prefecture? -Transmitting the charm of Japan from Mie Prefecture to the world! Aiming to be an Ambassador of Harmony".

Date: Sunday, November 19, 13:30-16:30
Venue: Humanitech Plaza
Lecturer/Panelist: Mr. Shinichiro Shimizu, President, Seizaburo Shimizu Shoten Co.
　　　　　　　　　 Ms. Tomoyoshi Takashi, Chief of Section, Mie Trade Information Center, JETRO
　　　　　　　　　 Mr. Takafumi Miyake, Director and Head of Development Laboratory, Yamamori Corporation
Facilitator: Mr. Masato Tsutsumi, JICA Mie

　The lecturers were invited from companies based in Mie Prefecture that are promoting Japan's attractiveness to the world. A panel discussion based on their experiences was held, followed by an exchange of opinions with the participants. During the lecture, participants asked questions such as "What is the secret of success in overseas expansion? The lecturers offered concrete advice such as "Understanding cultural differences and embracing diversity are key.

　Participants strongly felt the possibility of connecting Mie Prefecture to the world and had a good opportunity to think deeply about their future career paths.

Session 2: "Exploring the Secrets of the Global & Environmentally Advanced Imuraya Group"

Date: Tuesday, December 26, 10:00-12:00
Location: Imuraya Group Corporation Head Office Factory
Lecturer: Mr. Koji Ozaki, Executive Officer, General Manager, Corporate Strategy Office, Imuraya Group Co.
         Mr. Shin Imura, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Overseas Trade Office, Imuraya Group Co.
         Mr. Masayasu Kobayashi, Manager, Environment & Facility Maintenance Department, Imuraya Group Co.

　The participants visited the headquarters and factory of the Imuraya Group, a Mie Prefecture-based company that promotes global expansion and progressive environmental initiatives, and had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the company's strategies and activities. In particular, the lecturers explained in detail how the company is spreading Japanese food culture overseas, in addition to its efforts to address environmental issues such as carbon neutrality and resource recycling.

　Through the factory tour, participants were also able to see firsthand what is being done onsite, giving them an opportunity to think deeply about their careers and business strategies from a "glocal" perspective.

3rd: "Let's learn together with overseas students and take a step forward as a glocal human resource in Toba Aquarium".

Date: Saturday, January 20, 10:00-15:30
Location: Toba Aquarium
Lecturer: Mr. Fumiya Nakamura, Planning and Public Relations Office, Sales Department, Toba Aquarium
　　　Ms. Naoko Kuroda, Senior Manager, International Cooperation Division, Global Environment Department, ICETT
　　　Mr. Miki Sugimoto, Curator, Planning and Public Relations Office, Sales Department, Toba Aquarium

　While interacting with students visiting Japan from the University of the South Pacific (USP), which has its main campus in Fiji, participants had a career roundtable discussion and a workshop on marine plastic issues at the Toba Aquarium. Participants formed groups with students from the University of South Pacific and CIRs from Mie Prefecture and took part in backyard tours and quizzes in the aquarium. During the tour, participants also enjoyed international exchange among themselves, communicating in English and taking pictures in a friendly atmosphere.

　Participants commented, "Being able to communicate in English gave me confidence! At the end of the session, participants exchanged contact information with each other and had a productive time.