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.
One of the most memorable highlights took place on Day 2 during the Japanese Business & Economy session. This lecture marked the final official class of Professor Yoshi as a member of the ICS faculty.
True to form, his dynamic and passionate teaching style captivated students from across the globe. The session was not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply meaningful, as students and faculty came together to celebrate his contributions and extend their best wishes as he embarks on a new chapter at IMD in Switzerland this April.
On Day 4, the ICS community welcomed back Yumi (MBA Class of 2010), who delivered a compelling case study on her company, Eureka, the operator of the popular dating app Pairs.
Her presentation explored how Eureka collaborates with local governments to tackle Japan’s declining marriage rates—an issue closely tied to the country’s demographic challenges. The session sparked an energetic discussion on Public-Private Partnerships and the evolving role of AI in matchmaking, with enthusiastic participation from students offering diverse global perspectives.
Global Network Week continues to exemplify the strength of the ICS community—where academic rigor meets real-world application, and where alumni remain actively engaged in shaping current student experiences.