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Hello, I’m Tatsunori Meiji of Daikin Industries Ltd.

For a period of 4 years, from July 2016 to June 2020, I was assigned to PREX as a staff member from a private company. During this period, I was in charge of various operations and was fortunate to have numerous valuable experiences. On this occasion, I have been given the opportunity to look back at what I learned at PREX and would like to organize these experiences.

At present, I am in the training division of Daikin Industries Ltd. and am in charge of support for the group’s overseas companies. My experience at PREX has been invaluable for me in training related work. For example, I have used the knowhow gained in managing PREX training courses for participants who came to Japan. Also, because of my involvement in the project related to ‘Development of Craftsmen in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam’ I had a better understanding of smooth communications when an overseas group company was cooperating with a public organization on site. A very important point I learned while at PREX was how to communicate and work with people of other cultures. In understanding the differences in our mutual cultural backgrounds, we can, through dialog and deeper understanding, find common ground. I had this experience on countless occasions at PREX.

Society’s needs have changed – and I can notice this more than I did before. In my position at the JICA collaboration office, I learned that the long-term activities of ODA (Official Development Assistance) have supported Japan’s presence overseas, as well as learning about Japan’s small and medium-sized businesses’ skills and spirit of challenge. As a result of this, when reading ODA articles and news I came to understand that this is the result of many people’s hard work. After meeting participants from not only from Asia, but also from Ukraine, former Yugoslavia region, Africa, etc. indeed participants from all over the world, I was able to understand the background of events in the news and media. The amount of negative news around saddens me.

One of PREX’s strengths is its status as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation. An example is ‘Human Resources Development for Vietnamese Company Staff’. This project was conducted with the cooperation of Japanese small and medium-size businesses. It not only promoted the development of the participants, but it also promoted mutual understanding between Japanese and foreign people living in Japan. It was a very valuable activity.

I continue to have great respect for the consistent and conscientious work of PREX staff in promoting international contribution through their concern for each participant and for mutual learning.

With the participants of the training program held in Japan in October 2024. Mr. Meiji is fifth from the left in the photo