Major Japanese sports enterprise to offer annual student internships
The SOAS Japan Research Centre has partnered with Xebio Holdings, one of Japan’s largest sports enterprises to launch new internship programmes for students studying BA Japanese.
Led by Dr Satona Suzuki, BA Japanese Programme Convenor and Chair of the Japan Research Centre Dr Fabio Gygi, the first student selected will begin the one-month programme this summer.
The placement which is available to students annually, will provide an opportunity to gain insights into Japan’s business culture, marketing, and strategic management while contributing ideas from a global perspective – through hands-on corporate training in Xebio’s Tokyo-based offices and stores.
Speaking on the partnership, Dr Satona Suzuki said: “This partnership with Xebio is an exciting step for the Japan Research Centre and our BA Japanese students. It not only offers them a rare chance to experience the realities of business in Japan but also encourages them to think critically about the intersection of culture, language, and innovation.
"We believe this internship will broaden their horizons and strengthen the academic and professional ties between SOAS and Japan.”
We believe this internship will broaden horizons and strengthen the academic and professional ties between SOAS and Japan.
Xebio Holdings, who have been in operation since 1973, are involved in the general retail business, primarily sporting goods and equipment and apparel. The sports business division operates large sporting goods specialty stores and golf specialty stores across Japan.
Dr Fabio Gygi added: “Our partnership with Xebio is an invaluable opportunity for BA Japanese students to learn about Japanese businesses from the inside out. It offers rare insight into a Japanese company while encouraging engagement with culture, language, and innovation through a learning-by-doing approach.”
The Japan Research Centre develops and coordinates academic research and teaching, drawing upon the expertise of Japan specialists based in various departments throughout SOAS. With one of the largest concentrations of Japan specialists outside of Japan, the JRC acts as a national and international centre for Japanese studies.
