About 250 alumni, current students, faculty and staff gathered
The Professional Graduate School, Graduate School of Global Business (Meiji Business School) held a conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of its establishment at Surugadai Campus Academy Common on December 8, 2024. Three sessions were organized at the conference, each based on the Graduate School’s core themes. With professors from the Graduate School of Global Business moderating, alumni active in their fields were invited as guest panelists. They engaged in lively panel discussions, reflecting on their school days and providing updates on their current business.
In the first session, Professor ADACHI Yukihiro served as moderator, with three panelists joining the discussion: FUEKI Kichigoro, President and the twelfth head of Fueki Syoyu Brewing Co., Ltd. (graduated in March 2009), KAMADA Shingo, President of Enakawakamiya Co., Ltd. (graduated in September 2015), and YAMAMOTO Kazuki, Representative Director and President of TESS Holdings Co., Ltd. (graduated in March 2013). Under the theme “Corporate Persistence,” the participants discussed how companies can achieve long-term success.
In the second session, moderated by Professor FUJIOKA Takamasa, the discussion focused on the theme “Overseas Business Expansion.” The panelists were FURUSHIMA Kazuo, President of FASHION CLOTH FURUSHIMA Co., Ltd. (graduated in March 2019), TAKESHITA Kojiro, Professor at the Faculty of International Studies, Takushoku University (graduated in March 2021), and CHIBA Asami, Managing Director of Denkei Europe GmbH (graduated in September 2021). Drawing from their experiences, the participants shared insights on challenges and strategies related to international business development.
The third session, moderated by Professor OKA Toshiko, featured panelists, SHIBAHARA Yuki and OURA Manabu, CEO and COO of FUNDINNO,Inc. (graduated in March 2012 and 2013, respectively), YAGI Katsuhisa, former CEO of Chocolate Design Company Co., Ltd. (graduated in March 2018), and SHIGEMORI Michio, Board Director CFO of SOCIUM Inc. (graduated in March 2010). In particular, the story of SHIBAHARA and OURA meeting in school and launching their business as co-founders captured the audience’s attention.
After the panel discussions, Professor SUZUKI Takanao announced the establishment of the Graduate School of Global Business Promotion Fund (MBSi Fund) and invited cooperation. The conference continued with a reception, organized by the MBS Network Reunion, an alumni organization, featuring various events to liven up the party. Many donated items from alumni also added to the festive atmosphere at the reception venue.
The conference gathered about 250 participants, including faculty members (including those retired), alumni, and current students, while about 60 joined online. It provided an opportunity for participants to recognize the many who have supported the Graduate School, strengthen bonds across generations, and share their commitment to moving forward.