Job-hunting Support Lecture "Economy and Industry of Shizuoka Prefecture" was held in June.
Shizuoka Association for International Relations, under the auspices of The Consortium of Universities and Local Communities in Shizuoka, held a job-hunting support lecture for international students wishing to work for companies in Shizuoka Prefecture, to help them acquire the knowledge and manners necessary for employment and deepen their understanding of the industries and companies in Shizuoka Prefecture.
One of the lectures, "Economy and Industry of Shizuoka Prefecture," is presented here.
Economy and Industry of Shizuoka Prefecture
Lecturer: Mr. Masaru Nakayama, Research Professor of Shizuoka Sangyo University, Director of Sogo Kenkyujo
Hamamatsu
Date: June 18, 16:10-17:30
Place: 7-11, Bldg. 7, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University Hamamatsu Campus
Number of participants: 16 (including 4 Japanese students)
Shizuoka
Date: June 28, 13:30-14:30
Place: B-nest, Shizuoka City Industry-Academia Exchange Center, 7F Seminar Room3
Number of participants: 15
In this lecture, participants learn about the characteristics of Shizuoka Prefecture in terms of industry and economy. Blessed with a mild climate and geographical conditions, Shizuoka ranks high on the list of the most desirable prefectures to live in and is a popular destination for immigration. The lecture introduces that history is deeply related to the culture, lifestyle, and economy of the prefecture, and the facts that culture developed in Shizuoka City during the Edo period and that the prefecture is closely related to people who were involved in modern Japan, including Yoshinobu Tokugawa, have influenced the present day. In terms of economy, Shizuoka Prefecture ranks 10th in economy and population, and many companies in the prefecture are expanding overseas, especially to emerging Asian countries, and exploring local markets. In recent years, new industrial clusters (areas where related companies are clustered together like a bunch of grapes) have emerged, centering on optical technology in the west, food science in the central region, and pharmaceuticals in the east. The professor also told us that while Shizuoka has created many Japan’s NO.1s, population decline is a major concern here just like in other regions in Japan, and that an increasing number of companies are hiring international students to expand their business overseas. Lastly, he taught us that initiative, team spirit, and above all, the ability to collaborate are important when working in Japan. After the lecture, participants commented, “I learned that Shizuoka's economic development is deeply connected to its history,” and "It is interesting to see small and medium-sized enterprises flourish.”
