JEPN Hosts “Reunion Day” to Promote Interaction Between Refugee Background Students, Companies and Universities

On Monday, March 16, 2026, the Japan Education Pathways Network (JEPN) Student Reunion Day was held at the Ariake Campus of Musashino University. 36 students and graduates of universities and vocational schools with refugee backgrounds gathered from across Japan. In addition, 21 university and high school students from the Japanese society participated as volunteers. Many representatives from companies, universities, and support organizations also attended, bringing the total number of participants to 91.

Following the opening remarks by Dr. Rikuo Muramatsu, Vice President of Musashino University, the first session titled “Workshop: Dialogue with Refugee and Displaced Students” was held. Students from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine first took the stage and joined a panel discussion about their home countries and the shared heartfelt messages to the Japanese society. Through the students’ own words, participants heard how daily life continued under war, as well as messages such as "democracy should not be taken for granted," and "displaced students do not wish to be simply labeled refugees." In the latter half of the session, participants split up into groups, listened to the stories of students with refugee backgrounds, and reflected deeply.

The second session, co-hosted with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was titled “Career Talk” and provided an opportunity for participants to interact with a variety of companies and organizations. The aim was to encourage students to think about building their careers in Japan. On the day of the event, 15 companies and organizations from diverse fields participated.

At the beginning of the session, Plus W Inc. delivered a presentation on job hunting in Japan. Ms. Alisa Tsiapa, who herself studied at a Japanese university as a Ukrainian evacuee, spoke about the characteristics and timeline of the Japanese job-hunting process based on her own experiences.

Following the presentation, participants sat at tables assigned to different companies and organizations for networking. Three rounds of networking were held, during which students engaged in discussions with company representatives about their work, experiences, and the preparations for employment in Japan. Students also received information about internships and job-hunting events.

Participating Companies and Organizations

• Airbnb Japan K. K. Co., Ltd.

• SAP Japan, Ltd.

• KCJ GROUP CO.

• Global Nexus

• Congrant Inc.

• Shiseido Company, Limited

• NyuuLy Inc.

• PERSOL CROSS TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd.

• Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

• People Port Co., Ltd.

• Prometheus Foundation

• Borderless Japan Corporation

• Lush Japan G.K.

  (One additional organization)

• Plus W Inc. (Keynote Presentation)
  

The final event of the day was a reception celebrating both matriculating and graduating students. After welcome remarks from Dr. Hirotake Ran, Director of the International Center at Musashino University, participants enjoyed each other's company. Students and alumni, along with representatives of corporations, universities, NGOs, and Japanese students, reconnected and built new relationships.

Some students graduating from universities and vocational schools this year gave speeches that reflected on their school life. The accomplishments of the 15 new graduates were recognized. In addition, eight new students who were to begin their studies in April were introduced.

To close off the event, Lilia, who graduated from the Musashino University Graduate School last year, sang Ukrainian and Japanese songs. Participants joined in by singing along and waving their hands, creating a strong sense of unity.

We hope to continue creating opportunities where refugee background students, students from Japanese society, universities, and companies can connect and speak openly with one another. Through such efforts, we aim to expand the acceptance of refugees at Japanese higher education institutions.