Expanding Horizons: Global Professionals Inspire Students on Career Paths and International Mindsets
On May 20, 2026, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering at Kumamoto University organized and hosted a special "Global Seminar." The event was specifically designed for third-year undergraduate students—who will be exploring their future career paths next spring—as well as master's students enrolled in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program and the Urban and Regional Design Program.The seminar aimed to foster a global mindset and broadening the horizons of students contemplating their future career paths. The university welcomed two distinguished speakers with extensive international backgrounds: Mr. Glenn Newman, an American attorney licensed in California, Oregon, and Illinois with deep expertise in international business, and Mr. Kimihiro Imaizumi, a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has operated his own accounting firm in the United States for many years.
Language is Not a Barrier: The Power of Mindset and Clear Communication
Mr. Newman opened the session by emphasizing the importance of looking beyond Japan and venturing onto the global stage, illustrating his points with several real-world business cases. He offered reassuring advice regarding language barriers, noting that students do not need to speak perfect English. "Language is no longer a wall, especially in an era where we can utilize AI tools," he emphasized. "What matters most is your mindset, not just the words."
Furthermore, Mr. Newman highlighted a crucial cultural difference in communication styles. While Japanese society is often "high-context"—where people can understand ten things just by hearing one—this approach does not work in the United States. He explained that in a global environment, one must express thoughts clearly and directly, sometimes even repeating a point multiple times to ensure mutual understanding. This insight provided students with a valuable lesson in cross-cultural communication.
Embracing Identity While Mastering Global Presentation
Mr. Imaizumi then shared his perspective on leveraging Japanese identity while adapting to global standards. He noted that while Japanese sensitivity and cultural nuances are core strengths that should be cherished, they must be paired with effective global skills. "When interacting with people from different backgrounds, the most important things are to present yourself confidently, express your thoughts clearly, and deeply understand the other party's culture," he advised.
He also pointed out that Japan traditionally faces challenges in global marketing and self-promotion. He concluded with a strong message of encouragement, urging the next generation of students to maintain a proactive awareness of global marketing and to confidently bridge the gap between Japan and the world.
The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session, leaving the attending students with a renewed sense of confidence and a clearer vision for their international careers. Kumamoto University remains committed to providing students with opportunities to connect with global leaders and prepare themselves for the international stage.
Speaker: Mr. Glenn Newman
Speaker: Mr. Kimihiro Imaizumi
A Student Raising a Question During the Q&A Session
Speakers Responding to a Student’s Question
Group Photo
Meeting with Executive Vice President Jun Otani (center)