About Us
Shaping a Japan where diverse PhD talent is fully unleashed
— beyond nationality and language.
We seek to establish an industry-academia-government platform
where stakeholders can jointly learn about transformative
initiatives and ideas for recruiting and retaining international
doctoral talent in Japanese industry.
Through this platform, we aim to open a new era in which
international doctoral talent is widely recognized, genuinely
needed by society, and empowered to fully realize their potential
as highly specialized professionals shaping Japan’s future.
For the background of this initiative, please refer here
This Salon aims to achieve the following objectives
-
Share best practices and visualize challenges related to the
recruitment and retention
of international doctoral talent in Japanese companies -
Promote broader societal understanding of Japanese universities’
efforts in attracting,
developing, and supporting the careers of international doctoral students -
Contribute to improving the effectiveness of policy measures and
making recommendations
for policy support through collaboration with governmental organizations -
Build a sustainable ecosystem for international doctoral talent
and
create new value through industry-academia-government collaboration
Organizers
Vice RepresentativeAya Puca
Professional Career Development Specialist, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology(OIST)
RepresentativeNaoya Taniguchi
Specially-appointed Assistant Professor, Career Services Office, Nara Institute of Science and Technology(NAIST)
AdvisorChiharu Takakura
Co-Representative, Takakura & Company LLC / Former CHRO, Rohto Pharmaceutical
― Why Foreigner × PhD? ―
Based on calculations from Japanese Government Survey,
the proportion of international students in doctoral programs
in Japan is
(As of May 1, 2025)
Ratio of International Students
in OIST and NAIST
Doctoral Programs
Background of the NAIST/OIST Collaboration
In July 2024, OIST and NAISTsigned a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at broad collaboration centered on research and education activities. Through collaboration between these two graduate universities—both known for their originality in research and strong international character—they aim to cultivate doctoral talent capable of thriving globally.
NAIST was selected for the 3rd PEAKS Demonstration Project, titled: "Implementation of a Japanese University Growth Model and Securing and Developing University Management Talent to Support It." Under the theme of "Strategic recruitment of international students aiming for careers in Japan as doctoral-level global talent, and career support for international students", NAIST began formulating university-wide strategies in collaboration with the Cabinet Office of Japanese Government and the University Support Forum PEAKS Office.
Based on the partnership agreement, NAIST and OIST launched discussions on collaboration in doctoral talent development and career support. Recognizing their shared challenges, the two institutions agreed to strengthen support systems for helping international doctoral students find employment in Japanese companies. They also agreed to collaborate in expanding industry partnerships and providing networking opportunities between students and employers.Joint initiative: Company visit programs for international doctoral students at major manufacturers and medical device companies (conducted in September 2025).
Building on discussions under the 3rd PEAKS Demonstration Project, NAIST and OIST began exploring a university-led model to address the recruitment, development, and retention of international doctoral talent in Japanese companies. As part of this effort, the two institutions designed the framework for the International PhD Talent Recruitment and Development Salon (TRI-PhD SALON) and jointly announced the salon concept in September 2025.
The second half of FY2025 was positioned as a planning and preparation period for the NAIST–OIST salon initiative. A Kick-off Seminar was held, bringing together universities, companies, and related organizations (including the Cabinet Office and JETRO) to discuss the concept. The seminar also surveyed potential interest in joining the salon as member organizations. Following strong interest from participants, discussions began on launching the initiative on a full scale in FY2026.
With support from the J-PEAKS Program, the International PhD Talent Recruitment and Development Salon (TRI-PhD SALON) was officially launched.
To mark its establishment, the Kick-off Symposium was held on April 27, 2026.
Trends among International Doctoral Students
（2023 Academic Year）
Among international doctoral
students at NAIST, the proportion who found employment in
Japan was:
NAIST definition of
“employment”: Among those employed in Japan, excluding postdoc
positions
According to the 2023 JASSO
Survey on Career Paths of International Students, the
nationwide employment rate in Japan for doctoral students was:
JASSO definition of
“employment”: Individuals who obtained work for salary, wages,
compensation, or other income.
74% of international students at NAIST and 76% of international students at OIST are interested in working in Japan. (or have already received job offers)
(NAIST: based on a 2025 internal survey)
(OIST: based on
individual career consultations conducted between June 2025 and
April 2026)
Expectations from Industry
Examples of International PhD Talent Thriving in Japanese Companies
Pharma Foods International Senior Researcher, Biomedical Department
Specialized in Molecular Immunobiology at Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) and earned a PhD degree. After graduation, joined the biotech venture company Pharma Foods International. Currently belongs to the Biomedical Department and is involved in the development of novel therapeutics using chicken-derived antibodies. At the time of job hunting, Japanese proficiency was still at a beginner level, but language skills steadily improved through meetings and practical email communication after joining the company. Now, as a Senior Researcher, leads an R&D team in a highly diverse environment that includes researchers from Japan, Asia, Europe, South America, and many other regions. Successfully leveraging doctoral expertise and currently in the seventh year with the company.
Sysmex Corporation Hematology Business Promotion Division
Obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Aberdeen. Entered Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in 2015 and specialized in developmental biology, earning a PhD through research on β-catenin. During job hunting, applied to major pharmaceutical companies but struggled due to the high barrier of Japanese language requirements. Eventually encountered the globally oriented company Sysmex, which conducted interviews in English. Inspired by childhood experiences suffering from malaria, was drawn to the opportunity to work for a company addressing this disease. Now demonstrates leadership as a “bridge between science and business,” combining expertise as a PhD scientist with business development activities such as market analysis based on scientific knowledge and global strategy development. Currently in the fifth year with the company.
Inquiry
Career Services Office,
Nara Institute of Science and Technology(NAIST)
E-mail：career@ad.naist.jp
Graduate School Curriculum and Programs Section,
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology(OIST)
E-mail：gscareer@oist.jp