Summary IB494A Short-term Study Abroad to Japan Spring 2026
Led by Dr. Ming Chen, International Business Program Director, a group of 20 College of Business students participated in this year’s short-term study abroad program in Japan, gaining valuable firsthand exposure to Japanese business practices and culture. The program provided students with opportunities to explore a wide range of industries through company visits spanning advertising, renewable energy, aviation and services, artificial intelligence, robotics, and Japan’s traditional sake industry. In Tokyo, the group visited Dentsu, one of Japan’s leading advertising and public relations firms, where students learned about the development and implementation of out-of-home (OOH) advertising in the Japanese market. The group also visited the Tokyo office of RWE, a major German multinational energy company, and was introduced to Japan’s offshore wind energy projects, including the opportunities and challenges associated with their development. Another highlight was a visit to the ANA Blue Base, the training center of All Nippon Airways (ANA), where students gained insight into the operational excellence and training systems behind one of the world’s leading airlines. In Osaka, students visited the Mirai Innovation Research Institute and explored how emerging technologies such as robotics, neurotechnology, and artificial intelligence are being applied to address real-world challenges. The program concluded with a visit to Daimon Brewery , a traditional sake brewery established in 1826. There, students learned about the history and production of Japanese sake, as well as the current opportunities and challenges facing the industry both in Japan and internationally.
Through these company visits and cultural experiences, students developed a deeper understanding of Japan’s business environment, technological innovation, and cultural heritage.
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