JPort 2025 Senpai Meetup – Building a Community of Former International Students in Japan
JPort 2025 Senpai Meetup – Building a Community of Former International Students in Japan
Event Overview
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, JPort hosted a networking event in Tokyo for its Senpai Community.
Around 30 former international students from 13 countries and over 25 companies took part, including professionals from Amazon, KPMG Japan, PayPay, Woven by Toyota, Cisco, Kirin, BAT Japan, and more.
Participants graduated from top Japanese and international universities such as the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, the University of Toronto, Purdue University, and Hitotsubashi ICS.
The community was diverse in both academic background and nationality: roughly 70% had humanities backgrounds and 30% were from STEM, with participants from countries including Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Philippines, Canada and others.
Sharing Experiences, Making Connections
Senpais openly shared the challenges and experiences they faced when joining Japanese companies, such as:
- Language and cultural barriers
- Adapting to Japan’s work style and communication norms
- Navigating career growth and job changes
Hearing these stories helped senpais realize they weren’t alone. Senpais also exchanged tips on overcoming language barriers, learning technical terms, and planning next career steps.
Hearing these stories helped senpais realize they weren’t alone. Senpais also exchanged tips on overcoming language barriers, learning technical terms, and planning next career steps.
Are you interested in joining JPort Senpai community?
By joining the Senpai Community, you can meet like-minded people and learn from their real stories. You will have the opportunity to:
- Attend community events: Participate in networking and skill-building activities.
- Support current international students: Share your experiences and guidance to help others navigate life and career in Japan.
- Build a diverse network: Connect with professionals from various industries and backgrounds.
Exchange with Scholarship Recipients
Another highlight was hearing from three JPort’s International Student Scholarship! who shared their impactful projects:
- Paundra is researching nanomaterials and luminescence, creating stable, high-efficiency LEDs. Motivated by his upbringing in Indonesia’s Dieng Plateau, he aims to apply these innovations to improve energy access and education in Southeast Asia.
- Le is running Present Banhmi, a Vietnamese food business in Japan. Starting with a weekly pop-up and dorm deliveries, he manages recipes, cooking, and social media, sharing authentic banh mi and gaining business experience, with plans to open a full-time store after graduation.
- Lester founded Bayanihon, a Filipino student network in Japan, and launched JUMPStart!, mentoring over 100 students to apply to Japanese universities and secure scholarships. Inspired by his own journey from a low-income background, he continues to expand opportunities for Filipino students in Japan.
Their stories highlighted how international students are already making a difference. Students and senpais connected naturally, showing the power of learning from and supporting one another.
Inspired by these stories? Learn more about different Senpais and their tips on JPort journal!
The Power of the JPort Senpai Community
The JPort Senpai Community isn’t just a networking space — it’s where students and professionals share experiences, learn, and grow together.
- Students gain guidance, practical tips, and job-hunting support through encouraging senpai–kohai relationships.
- Senpais can mentor, reflect on their own careers, expand their network, and inspire the next generation.
By connecting students and senpais, the community creates a space to learn from each other, support one another, and grow together.
What’s Next for the Community
Participants suggested future activities, including:
- Industry-focused discussions with senpais sharing practical tips
- Networking sessions with senpais and students to exchange experiences and support growth
These ideas show the community values connection, learning, and mutual support, and JPort is excited to help turn them into real opportunities.
Ready to Join?
Whether you’re a student starting your career in Japan or a senpai eager to connect with other ex-international students, the JPort Community is here for you.