2026 Volume 69 Pages 110-112
On July 24, 2024, 28 students who majored in chemical engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e, Eindhoven, The Netherlands) visited HMC’s Osaka headquarters as part of their three-week international study tour across Asia. The visit, arranged through HMC’s Netherlands subsidiary, Hosokawa Micron B.V. (HMBV), aimed to provide insights into Japanese industry and culture. The program included presentations by HMC executives and members of the Hosokawa English Program, covering the company’s technologies and career opportunities in Japan. A lively Q&A session followed and extended beyond scheduled time, reflecting the students’ strong interest. During lunch, students and Hosokawa English Program members engaged in cultural exchange over traditional Japanese dishes such as tempura and sushi. Many students experienced Japanese cuisine for the first time, showing genuine appreciation for the cultural experience. The event concluded with a farewell speech by President Kohei Hosokawa. While students gained valuable knowledge about chemical engineering careers in Japan and at HMC, HMC employees benefited from practicing English and interacting with international guests. The exchange fostered mutual understanding and inspired HMC staff to further improve their language skills. Participants showed increased confidence and motivation in English learning, with hopes that this initiative will inspire more employees to pursue language improvement.