On Monday Dec. 19, the Consul General of Japan in Denver, Makoto Ito, accompanied by Consul Murai visited the CU Denver Business School. The Consulate helped coordinate the Kakehashi Program, which allowed business school students visit Japan on a weeklong trip this past November.

During his visit to the school, the Consul General met with Dean Rohan Christie-David who introduced him to the building and discussed ways to continue building partnerships with the Business School and Japan.

Five students from the trip shared their experience with the Consuls. A common thread between the students was the emphasis on the genuine hospitality from the Japanese. Josh Lopez, a recent graduate from the business school said, “Everyone treated you like family wherever you went. I think we all fell a little bit in love with Japan when we were there.”

Other participants also spoke of the homestay experience as particularly rewarding. They were able to integrate into Japanese culture and see beyond the usual tourist destinations. Austin Adams, recent MBA graduate, viewed this trip as the culmination of his graduate school experience at CU Denver. Many of the students from the trip hope to return again in the new future for both business and pleasure.

Cecilia Shepherd, recent graduate from both the 11-Month MBA and MS in International Business programs, spoke of how she plans to integrate this experience as the CEO of Powercore 360. She hopes to enter in the new market just in time for the 2020 Olympics. “It’s the perfect fit and time for us to enter into the Japanese market,” she explained.

To close the morning, both parties shared gifts. The Consul General gifted a crystal figurine from Japan. Dean Rohan Christie-David shared a little Denver hospitality as well to thank him for his efforts and the impact he’s made on Business School students. The Business School continues to foster relationships around the globe to provide experiences like the Kakehashi Project for its students.