What I noticed while conducting workshops with young people overseas. (Part 1)

The Dentsu Inc. Youth Research Department (nicknamed Wakamon), which researches young people's "present and future." We asked Wakamon researcher Okura to discuss insights gained through exchanges with young people overseas, based on a workshop attended by members of the student group "Bizjapan," introduced previously.

Joining the discussion were Mr. A and Mr. B (both first-year university students), members of the student group "Bizjapan," which focuses on "Entrepreneurship" and "Global" themes. They were central to organizing this workshop. Amid recent data suggesting "Japanese students lack interest in overseas experiences" and "the number of Japanese students studying abroad is declining," why did these two choose to join an organization focused on international perspectives? What did they feel and what kind of inspiration did they gain through interacting with students from other countries? Let's hear their detailed thoughts.

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Japanese Youth Prioritizing "Conformity" Over "Cooperation"

Okura: What initially prompted you two to join Bizjapan?

A: Before entering university, I visited Singapore during their National Day, and the city was decorated with flags. In Japan, displaying the national flag on National Foundation Day carries various connotations, right? I wanted to understand why the meaning of patriotism differs between Japan and other countries, so I joined Bizjapan, which has a global theme.

B: I was looking for something to get passionate about outside my university studies, and I happened to come across Bizjapan. At the time, I wasn't particularly interested in overseas opportunities; rather, I was drawn to the concept of entrepreneurship as a potential career path after graduation.

Okura: Are all Bizjapan members interested in going abroad?

A: I think that's generally true. Many have studied abroad or are returnees. B and I haven't studied abroad, which makes us a minority in the group. But we both want to study abroad now.

Ōkura: For you two, this must be your first experience working with students your age from overseas. What did you discover?

A: I had this image that people overseas were very assertive, but actually interacting with them, I found them surprisingly cooperative.

B: Especially people from Asia, right?

Ōkura: Personally, I have this image that people overseas assert themselves clearly while also cooperating. It's not just about cooperation; they each have their own opinions and voice them.

B: I agree. What surprised me was how quickly opinions started flowing once group discussions began, making the debates progress smoothly.

A: There's absolutely none of that Japanese "Who should go first?" feeling of testing the waters (laughs).

B: It was really stimulating how everyone asserted themselves based on the premise of cooperation, then quickly consolidated it all into a final output. I feel like Japanese people spend more time on "conforming" than on "cooperating."

 

It really drove home that "university = a place to learn."

A: Also, it was shocking that during the discussion we were in casual clothes, but before the presentation started, they deliberately went back to get their suitcases and changed into jackets. We were practically in pajamas (laughs).

Ōkura: I spent my four university years in the US. They start giving presentations in elementary school, and universities have "One-on-One (101)" courses covering the fundamentals of various subjects. These include classes on presentation etiquette and conventions.

A: Exactly. That's why their discussions flow so smoothly—it's built on what they learn daily in university. Every action is grounded in their education. We Japanese students aren't like that. It really hit home that they learn more practical things.

Ōkura: There's data showing that "while overseas students spend their time absorbing academic knowledge at university, many Japanese students spend their time on friends and making memories." In Japan, it's common to decide your major right at the entrance exam stage. In America, however, everyone takes the same entrance exam regardless of major. After enrolling, they take various classes, choose a major they're interested in, and finally decide on their department.

A: Overseas students often asked me, "What department are you in?" They were more interested in what I was studying than which university I attended. I'd usually reply, "I plan to major in economics," but that made me wonder, "Do I really want to study economics?" It made me rethink why I was going to university in the first place.

Okura: So you rediscovered that "university is a place for learning."

 

※The second part of this conversation will be updated on Wednesday, March 11.

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【Wakamon Profile】
Dentsu Inc. Youth Research Department (nicknamed Wakamon) is a planning team that engages with the real lives and mindsets of young people, primarily high school and university students. By understanding their "present," we seek hints to brighten and invigorate the near future. Drawing insights from them, we foresee the future and realize new businesses that foster better relationships between young people and society. Currently, 14 project members are based across our Tokyo headquarters, Kansai branch, and Chubu branch. Information is also shared on the Wakamon Facebook page.