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Turning Diversity into Strength: Yasu’s Career Journey Built on the Core of HRのサムネイル

Posted by Ayako Araki on Apr 1, 2026 2:10:06 PM

Turning Diversity into Strength: Yasu’s Career Journey Built on the Core of HR

Interviewed and written by Ayako Araki (Hitotsubashi ICS MBA Class of 2024). Yasutaka (Yasu) Asada, an ICS EMBA graduate, shares his career journey from Fujitsu to leading global HR at Astroscale, highlighting how diverse experiences across Japan and Silicon Valley shaped his perspective on people and organizations. With a foundation in human resources, he reflects on navigating challenges such as being a “returnee” in Japanese corporations, adapting to fast-paced global environments, and embracing diversity as a strength. His time at ICS played a pivotal role in deepening his strategic understanding of HR, helping him connect the dots of his career and redefine his professional identity. Today, he applies these insights to build globally aligned yet locally adaptive HR strategies, offering valuable lessons for professionals seeking to turn diverse experiences into meaningful leadership.
GNW 2026: Connecting Insights on Human Capital in an Aging Societyのサムネイル

Posted by NOH, Sungchul on Apr 1, 2026 1:55:09 PM

GNW 2026: Connecting Insights on Human Capital in an Aging Society

From March 9 to 13, Global Network Week (GNW) 2026 brought together students, faculty, and global perspectives for an intensive and engaging academic experience. This year’s theme, “Managing Human Resources in a Super-Low Fertility, Super-Aging Society,” addressed one of Japan’s most pressing socio-economic challenges while encouraging broader global reflection. The program was co-organized by Professors Hiroshi Ono and Sungchul Noh, with invaluable support from Shoko Ui, Ami Honda, and Junko Takami of the MBA Office, alongside Roui (MBA Class of 2024), who contributed as a Teaching Assistant (TA). Their collective efforts ensured a seamless and enriching week for all participants.
Bridging Technology and Business: Arimboor Sibin Sunny Exchange experience at SMUのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Jan 16, 2026 4:04:04 PM

Bridging Technology and Business: Arimboor Sibin Sunny Exchange experience at SMU

Arimboor (Sibin) Sunny, a student from the ICS MBA Program Class 2024, shares his exchange experience at Singapore Management University (SMU). With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sibin reflects on how SMU’s MITB program deepened his understanding of the intersection between technology and business. He shares the academic environment, course content, and practical learning approaches, as well as the professional and networking opportunities gained during the exchange. His insights offer valuable guidance for students considering the exchange program as part of their second-year MBA program activities.
MBA in Japan: My First Week at Hitotsubashi ICS and the Start of a Leadership Journeyのサムネイル

Posted by Soma Ushio on Dec 1, 2025 7:45:00 AM

MBA in Japan: My First Week at Hitotsubashi ICS and the Start of a Leadership Journey

Soma Ushio, MBA Class of 2025, began his Hitotsubashi ICS journey with an unforgettable first week of orientation that set the tone for his leadership development. Through team challenges, case-based learning, and reflective workshops, he discovered that leadership at ICS goes beyond strategy—it’s about collaboration, integrity, and self-awareness. With his cross-cultural background between Japan and Indonesia, Soma is eager to apply these lessons to strengthen business partnerships and foster sustainable growth between the two nations.
MBA Exchange Experience at Yale SOM: Insights from Christy Wangのサムネイル

Posted by Jingjing Wang (Christy) on Nov 11, 2025 7:14:59 AM

MBA Exchange Experience at Yale SOM: Insights from Christy Wang

Jingjing Wang (Christy), MBA Class of 2023, during her MBA journey at Hitotsubashi ICS, had the invaluable opportunity to spend a term at the Yale School of Management (SOM) as an exchange student. Building on her previous experience during the Global Network Week at Yale SOM, she was eager to return and further immerse herself in its inspiring academic and multicultural environment. This exchange allowed Christy to explore her passion for social entrepreneurship, connect with exceptional peers from around the world, and gain firsthand insight into life and learning in the United States.
A Summer of Leadership, Friendship, and Reflection: My Bai Xian Journey in Tokyoのサムネイル

Posted by Linh Pham on Oct 13, 2025 7:15:00 AM

A Summer of Leadership, Friendship, and Reflection: My Bai Xian Journey in Tokyo

Linh "Stacey" Pham, MBA Class of 2024, reflects on her experience participating in the Bai Xian Summer Program 2025, an initiative of the Asian Future Leadership Scholarship Program (AFLSP) sponsored by Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI). As Hitotsubashi ICS hosted the program for the first time, over sixty Bai Xian scholars from eight leading Asian universities gathered in Tokyo for fifteen days of cultural exchange, academic inquiry, and leadership development. The program not only broadened horizons and fostered lifelong friendships but also deepened participants’ sense of responsibility as Asian Future Leaders in today’s interconnected world.
Developing Bonds in Asia | Doing Business in Asia 2025のサムネイル

Posted by Yuri Harada on Aug 29, 2025 7:30:00 AM

Developing Bonds in Asia | Doing Business in Asia 2025

Yuri Harada, MBA Class of 2024, reflects on his experience in the “Doing Business in Asia” program, jointly organized by Hitotsubashi ICS, Peking University, and Seoul National University. Through company visits in Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul—including sites like Kawasaki’s AI SCAPE café, POP MART, and Amore Pacific—he explored how Japan, China, and Korea approach innovation, strategy, and culture in distinct ways. Beyond business insights, Yuri highlights the power of human connection across Asia, learning that collaboration, openness, and shared cultural strengths are key assets for leadership and global business.
A Journey of Resilience: What We Learned in Notoのサムネイル

Posted by Urvashi Kumari on Aug 26, 2025 7:15:00 AM

A Journey of Resilience: What We Learned in Noto

Last May, Urvashi Kumari (MBA Class of 2024) embarked on a transformative journey through Kanazawa, Wajima, and Noto as part of a Capstone Social Impact Project. This wasn't a typical trip; it was a deep dive into understanding community resilience after a devastating natural disaster. Over several days, they had the privilege of meeting with a wide range of individuals and organizations who are at the heart of Noto's recovery, from local government officials and business owners to dedicated volunteers and resilient residents.

Student Voice

Turning Diversity into Strength: Yasu’s Career Journey Built on the Core of HRのサムネイル

Posted by Ayako Araki on Apr 1, 2026 2:10:06 PM

Turning Diversity into Strength: Yasu’s Career Journey Built on the Core of HR

Interviewed and written by Ayako Araki (Hitotsubashi ICS MBA Class of 2024). Yasutaka (Yasu) Asada, an ICS EMBA graduate, shares his career journey from Fujitsu to leading global HR at Astroscale, highlighting how diverse experiences across Japan and Silicon Valley shaped his perspective on people and organizations. With a foundation in human resources, he reflects on navigating challenges such as being a “returnee” in Japanese corporations, adapting to fast-paced global environments, and embracing diversity as a strength. His time at ICS played a pivotal role in deepening his strategic understanding of HR, helping him connect the dots of his career and redefine his professional identity. Today, he applies these insights to build globally aligned yet locally adaptive HR strategies, offering valuable lessons for professionals seeking to turn diverse experiences into meaningful leadership.

Alumni Voice

The Art of Knowledge Creation: Evolution in Business & Watchmakingのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Feb 13, 2025 12:00:00 AM

The Art of Knowledge Creation: Evolution in Business & Watchmaking

Nico Moreno, an alumnus from the MBA Class of 2021, reflects on his transformative journey from founding a watch brand in the Philippines to pursuing an MBA at Hitotsubashi ICS. In his reflection, he shares how his search for deeper knowledge and perspective in watchmaking led him to Japan, where he encountered the SECI model of knowledge creation and the concept of 'Shokunin,' the spirit of the artisan. He discusses the challenges, insights, and motivations that shaped his decision to join the ICS program and how this experience helped guide the next chapter of his ongoing story.

Exchange Life

Bridging Technology and Business: Arimboor Sibin Sunny Exchange experience at SMUのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Jan 16, 2026 4:04:04 PM

Bridging Technology and Business: Arimboor Sibin Sunny Exchange experience at SMU

Arimboor (Sibin) Sunny, a student from the ICS MBA Program Class 2024, shares his exchange experience at Singapore Management University (SMU). With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sibin reflects on how SMU’s MITB program deepened his understanding of the intersection between technology and business. He shares the academic environment, course content, and practical learning approaches, as well as the professional and networking opportunities gained during the exchange. His insights offer valuable guidance for students considering the exchange program as part of their second-year MBA program activities.

Staff & Faculty Blog

GNW 2026: Connecting Insights on Human Capital in an Aging Societyのサムネイル

Posted by NOH, Sungchul on Apr 1, 2026 1:55:09 PM

GNW 2026: Connecting Insights on Human Capital in an Aging Society

From March 9 to 13, Global Network Week (GNW) 2026 brought together students, faculty, and global perspectives for an intensive and engaging academic experience. This year’s theme, “Managing Human Resources in a Super-Low Fertility, Super-Aging Society,” addressed one of Japan’s most pressing socio-economic challenges while encouraging broader global reflection. The program was co-organized by Professors Hiroshi Ono and Sungchul Noh, with invaluable support from Shoko Ui, Ami Honda, and Junko Takami of the MBA Office, alongside Roui (MBA Class of 2024), who contributed as a Teaching Assistant (TA). Their collective efforts ensured a seamless and enriching week for all participants.