Connecting Junior High School Students with the World | Red Look Delivers an International Understanding Class in Sagamihara

At the invitation of a junior high school in Sagamihara City, NPO Red Look delivered a special International Understanding class. President Eric (Yutaro Akami) shared his overseas experiences, global career journey, and perspectives on multicultural communities with approximately 30–40 students.

Connecting Junior High School Students with the World

"What is it really like to work overseas?"

"What kind of career allows you to work with people from different countries?"

These were some of the questions that inspired a special International Understanding class organized by NPO Red Look.

At the direct invitation of a junior high school in Sagamihara City, Red Look was honored to deliver a special educational program as part of the school's international understanding curriculum.

The session was led by Eric (Yutaro Akami), President of NPO Red Look, who spoke with approximately 30–40 students about his experiences living and working abroad, the importance of multicultural communities, and how global experiences can shape future careers.

Rather than simply giving a lecture, the class encouraged students to think about the world beyond their classrooms and imagine how they might contribute to an increasingly interconnected society.

For privacy reasons, the name of the school is not disclosed.

Why International Understanding Education Matters

Today's students will grow up in a world where international collaboration is part of everyday life.

Whether they work for Japanese companies with overseas clients, join international organizations, or simply live in increasingly diverse communities, they will encounter people with different languages, cultures, and perspectives.

Japan itself is also becoming more multicultural.

The number of international residents, foreign professionals, and international students continues to grow, making cross-cultural communication an essential life skill rather than a specialized one.

International understanding education is therefore much more than learning English.

It is about developing curiosity, empathy, respect, and the ability to appreciate different perspectives.

These skills help young people become confident global citizens while strengthening their understanding of their own communities.

Eric's Journey: A Global Career Beyond Borders

The class was organized after the school expressed interest in providing students with first-hand insights into international careers and multicultural experiences.

Eric shared his own journey, including his experiences living and working in Canada, and explained how those experiences eventually led to the founding of NPO Red Look.

Topics included:

• Why he decided to challenge himself overseas
• Cultural differences experienced while living abroad
• The importance of respecting different values and perspectives
• Why he founded Red Look
• Supporting international residents in Japan
• Building a global career regardless of where you live

Throughout the session, Eric emphasized that pursuing a global career does not necessarily mean leaving Japan forever.

Instead, it means developing the mindset, communication skills, and cultural awareness needed to connect with the world in meaningful ways.

Interactive Discussions with 30–40 Students

Approximately 30–40 junior high school students participated in the session.

Following the presentation, students eagerly joined the Q&A session and asked thoughtful questions about international careers and overseas experiences.

Some of the questions included:

• What inspired you to go abroad?
• Which country has left the strongest impression on you?
• What is the most rewarding part of your work?
• Why did you establish an NPO?
• What is the most important thing when communicating with people from different cultures?
• What kinds of community events do you organize?
• What can students do now if they hope to work internationally in the future?

The students showed genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere where conversations naturally developed beyond prepared materials.

Rather than one-way teaching, the class became a meaningful dialogue between the speaker and the students.

International Understanding Begins with Curiosity

One important message throughout the class was that international understanding is not about encouraging everyone to move overseas.

Instead, it begins with curiosity.

Learning about different cultures helps students better understand not only the world but also Japan and their own local communities.

Respecting differences, listening to diverse perspectives, and being willing to learn from others are valuable skills that benefit every aspect of life—from school and friendships to future careers.

Multicultural communities are built through mutual understanding, and that understanding starts with education.

Red Look's Commitment to Education

At NPO Red Look, we support both Japanese people pursuing international careers and international residents building their futures in Japan.

Beyond career support and community programs, education has become an important part of our mission.

We collaborate with schools, local governments, and educational institutions to deliver programs that introduce young people to global perspectives through real-life experiences.

In this project, Red Look worked directly with the school to plan and deliver a class tailored to the students' interests and educational goals.

We believe that even a single class can inspire students to see new possibilities for their future.

By continuing to partner with schools and communities, we hope to help the next generation develop the confidence and curiosity needed to thrive in an increasingly global society.

Looking Ahead

We hope this class encouraged students to think differently about their futures and recognize that the world is closer than they might have imagined.

A simple question asked in a classroom today may become the first step toward studying abroad, working internationally, supporting multicultural communities, or creating positive change in society.

At Red Look, we will continue connecting local communities with global opportunities through education, international exchange, and career development.

Together with schools, local governments, businesses, and community organizations, we are committed to building a society where everyone can connect with the world in their own way.

Join the Red Look Community

At Red Look, we believe that global connections begin with local communities.

Through international exchange events, educational programs, online communities, and global career support, we create opportunities for Japanese and international residents to learn from one another and grow together.

We also collaborate with schools, municipalities, and organizations that share our vision of building inclusive and multicultural communities.

If you are interested in working with us or joining our community, we would love to hear from you.

NPO Red Look
Supporting global careers for both Japanese and international residents,
toward sustainable multicultural communities.