On Tuesday, August 19, ahead of the upcoming TICAD9 event in Yokohama, MOL hosted a seminar titled “Kenya × Japan: Connecting the Future Through Human Talent” at the Toranomon Empowerment Center SANGO, in collaboration with CC Innovation (Hokkoku Bank Group), AAIC, and WaziWazi.
The highlight of the seminar was a panel discussion featuring two outstanding young Kenyan professionals, Mr. Baraka and Mr. Luwate, who had secured employment with Yamaguchi Sangyo, an energy trading company headquartered in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Facilitated by Mr. Matsui of LaMP, the discussion captivated the audience. The duo’s fluent Japanese and deep understanding of Japanese culture left everyone in awe, impressing many participating Japanese companies and showcasing the global potential of Kenyan talent.
On Thursday, August 21, Baraka and Luwate arrived at Yamaguchi Sangyo, where they were warmly welcomed by the staff. (You can view their arrival in the KRY Yamaguchi Broadcasting news video.) Although some employees initially appeared nervous, their expressions quickly turned to smiles after hearing the two speak.
During the week of Monday, August 25, Mr. Phyo from MOL Career, MOL’s foreign talent services group company, conducted a training session on Japanese business culture. This interactive and engaging workshop covered essential workplace manners and cultural norms. Baraka and Luwate’s enthusiasm and adaptability stood out, demonstrating the key qualities that will support their success in Japan.
On the evening of Thursday, August 28, a dinner reception was held with distinguished guests, including Ube City Mayor Keiji Shinozaki. The gathering fostered meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange, further strengthening the spirit of international cooperation. Mayor Shinozaki praised the duo’s Japanese language skills and commended the program’s achievements and the high caliber of its participants.
On the morning of Friday, August 29, the MOL team and Yamaguchi Sangyo held a special meeting with the Kenyan Ambassador to Japan, who expressed diplomatic support for the initiative. That afternoon, an official welcome ceremony took place at Ube City Hall, culminating in a celebratory atmosphere. The ambassador and mayor exchanged symbolic gifts representing the rich cultures of Kenya and Japan, reaffirming the deepening ties between the two nations. At the start of the ceremony, Baraka and Luwate confidently took the stage to introduce themselves and deliver speeches in Japanese, radiating poise and pride. Their warm reception in a new workplace and community marked the beginning of their journey to contribute meaningfully to Japanese society.
This milestone not only celebrates their personal achievements but also opens doors for cultural exchange, expands opportunities for Kenyan talent, and embodies the broader vision of building sustainable partnerships between Kenya and Japan.
