Toru Shikibu, the World Bank Executive Director for Japan visited the President of Kyoto University on June 30 (Wednesday) on the occasion of visiting the Graduate School of Management to speak at a seminar supporting international internships. Mr. Shikibu spoke about World Bank’s recruiting statistics and requirements when hiring Japanese staff, and also gave advice regarding career paths for international institutions. The President spoke about the decrease in Kyoto University student interest towards international aims.

Following this discussion, the President and Mr. Shikibu exchanged ideas regarding methods of increasing internationalization among Japanese students. The President stated that there is a great need to inform students of the attractiveness of international opportunities early in their study term. In addition, he expressed his appreciation to World Bank for the lecture and stated that such lectures are essential for all students at Kyoto Univeristy.

Following the visitation with the President, Mr. Shikibu gave a lecture for the Graduate School of Management Seminar Series to Support Overseas Internships, where he spoke about the World Bank Group’s movements and the situation of Japan. The seminar began with a brief introduction of Mr. Shikibu’s background, then went on to introduce and discuss the World Bank Group’s organization, history, global economics, contributions to development/restoration and Japan’s role within this, then on to topics of management such as World Bank’s financial status and movement of funds. He also spoke about hot topics such as the world’s financial crisis in recent years and legal reforms which are currently being undertaken. Lastly, Mr. Shikibu spoke about internships, job opportunities and scholarships which are available to students.

In the question and answer period, there were many questions regarding the legal reforms which are being undertaken, specifics regarding Mr. Shikibu’s job responsibilities, etc. Mr. Shikibu closed his lecture by commenting on how in looking at Japan from Washington D.C., he sees that Japanese, including the younger generation, have become more introverted than in the past. He hopes that more youth will become interested in pursuing international careers such as in World Bank.

Receive a courtesy call from Mr. Shikibu

A scene of seminar