The following work placement opportunities are open to Japanese Studies students.
If you are interested in getting involved in one of the work placements described below, please email the Japanese Studies Administrator.
Internship Opportunities in Japan
Usuki, Kyushu
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Takahashi Seicha - Organic Tea Growers
Takahashi Tea are organic tea growers who produce several varieties of Japanese tea. An internship with Takahashi Tea will allow students to learn about the current state of agriculture and organic farming in Japan, as well as the production and distribution of tea.
Please note that students applying for an internship position with Takahashi Seicha will be expected to take part in all aspects of the company's work, this will include physical work (i.e, agricultural work related to tea cultivation, and manufacturing work).
Website: http://www.tkhs-cha.com/
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Kuge Honten - Sake Brewery
Kuge Honten are an award winning sake brewery based in Usuki, Oita Prefecture. Their main products are sake, shochu and liqueur. An internship at Kuge Honten gives students the unique opportunity to experience the world of sake brewing.
Please note, while the company produces several products throughout the year, sake brewing takes place only in the colder months, December - April.
Website: https://kugehonten.jp/
About Usuki
Usuki is a picturesque town on Kyushu's east coast, which boasts a rich culinary heritage. UNESCO recently designated Usuki a 'Creative City of Gastronomy' as part of their Creative Cities Network. The town is home to a range of traditional and artisan food producers, with a particular focus on fermented products, including miso, soy sauce and sake.
Internships in Usuki are organised in partnership with the Usuki City Council.
Tobetsu, Hokkaido
- Tobetsu Community Development Company
The Tobetsu Community Development Company was formed in 2019 to promote and develop local and community businesses in Tobetsu. This internship position is working with the company director and local businessman, Mr Hiroshi TSUJINO, on a variety of local projects.
About Tobetsu
Tobetsu is a rural town about 40 minutes from Sapporo by train. The town is home to the Royce Chocolate factory and the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido.
Internships in Tobetsu are organised in partnership with the Tobetsu City Council.
Tokyo
- beBit - Business Consulting in Tokyo
The beBit office is located in central Tokyo, just minutes from Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.
With the simple and strong belief of human centricity, beBit was founded in 2000 as a business consulting company in Tokyo. Our belief has never changed but been evolved and reinforced over the years that companies should exist for the benefits of customers. Sustainable growth can be achievable only when customers and employees that serve customers are happy. We have been questing and redefining with most revered companies in the world what excellent customer experience is, what excellent companies are, and what it means to work for employees. Over 100 consultants sharing the belief and passions for customer centricity contribute and deliver best results to our clients in the Asia-Pacific region.
Internship Opportunities in UK
As well as opportunities in Japan, students may wish to consider the following work placement opportunities in the UK at MUFG and Gideon Franklin Ltd.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)
We are pleased to announce a new internship arrangement with MUFG Bank. We hope this unique opportunity, based in the Japanese Corporate Banking Division at MUFG’s London branch, will provide students with invaluable work experience in an international setting.
About MUFG: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is a global financial group that includes commercial banks, trust banks, securities companies, card companies, consumer finance firms, and asset management companies. MUFG Bank, a part of this group, is Japan’s largest bank and one of the world’s largest financial institutions.
** Please note the information was correct for 2024/25 applications. This information is subject to change, included as a guide only**
Internship Details: At the MUFG London branch, interns will assist the Japanese Corporate Banking team, providing support to various departments. Depending on the successful applicant’s interests and skills, they may be involved in:
- Assisting the Relationship Manager in the corporate sales department with corporate client proposals, documentation, and internal meetings.
- Supporting credit analysts in conducting credit evaluations and preparing internal memos.
- Gaining exposure to market and transaction banking, as well as participating in departmental training sessions.
Skills and Requirements:
- Business-level Japanese communication skills.
- Interest in working at a Japanese company (preferably in finance).
- Financial knowledge is not required, as relevant training will be provided.
Internship Period:
Short-term: 10-week summer internship (June-August 2025), for current students.
Long-term: 12-month internship for graduates (start date negotiable).
Compensation:
Annual salary: £28,000 (pro-rated for shorter internships).
Working hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Application:
Please note that application for the MUFG internship positions in 2025 has now closed.
A call for applications to the MUFG internship positions will be sent to Japanese Studies students, usually during Michaelmas Term.
Gideon Franklin Ltd
Gideon Franklin Ltd is a London based corporate finance advisory firm. Established by Cambridge Japanese Studies alumni Mr Gideon Franklin, Gideon Franklin provides solutions and support for non-Japanese companies in the Japanese and Asian markets. In the past, interns at Gideon Franklin have received basic training in financial accounting, been involved in meetings and prepared presentations.
Website: https://www.gideonfranklin.com/
A call for applications for summer intern positions at Gideon Franklin will be sent to Japanese Studies students, usually in early April.
