The University of Westminster has hosted a special week of meetings and celebrations in Tokyo, marking a major milestone in its global engagement and reaffirming deep-rooted partnerships in Japan. The visit brought together business leaders, partners, over 100 alumni and, for the first time, current students as part of the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme.
In September, Westminster hosted a series of events in Tokyo to celebrate and develop its international partnerships. A highlight of the week was the recognition of 30 years of partnership with ICC Consultants Inc, who are rebranding to SEKAIA from November 2025, a valued collaborator in supporting Westminster’s international outlook and commitment to student mobility. A celebratory lunch brought together alumni, programme supporters and colleagues from both organisations to reflect on collaboration and discuss future projects.
The University also celebrated longstanding Study Abroad and Student Exchange relationships in Japan with visits to partners including SAF Japan, Waseda University, BEO, Daito Bunka University and Musashino University.
An alumni event attended by over 100 graduates was held at The Sun and The Moon venue on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower to celebrate Westminster’s growing global community in Japan. Attendees included former full-degree and study abroad students, longstanding academic and organisational partners and senior University colleagues. The occasion recognised not only the strength of the Westminster community in Japan, but also its shared achievements and the future of collaborations.
Westminster student Muhammed Rohail delivering a speech at the alumni event
This year also marked the first WWC visit to Tokyo, as part of the University’s award-winning programme which connects students with alumni and industry professionals in major global cities to explore local working cultures, gain career insight and build their confidence. WWC is a key part of Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise due to open in Spring 2026. Zone29 provides students and graduates with access to work-related programmes, opportunities and experiences, and will connect students from all backgrounds to industry professionals to build the confidence and networks they need to succeed.
During their time in Japan, students visited a range of companies, met with Westminster graduates and engaged in cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of Japanese working life. Their participation in the Tokyo alumni celebration added an intergenerational element to the event, bringing together the past, present and future of the Westminster community.
The Tokyo visit reflects the University’s ongoing mission to build a Global Westminster, supporting alumni worldwide and giving students meaningful international experiences. It also highlights the institutional commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds who are united by their connection to Westminster.
Westminster students in Tokyo with Professor Dibyesh Anand
Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability, who led the University delegation, said: “Our mission to be a global university with London energy depends on the goodwill and contributions from our alumni as well as international partners. The Tokyo events gave our students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience work culture in Japan and allowed us to reconnect with our alumni living there and refresh our relations. We were delighted to engage with our international partners, especially the ICC with whom we celebrated our 30th anniversary.”
Yasuo Sone, CEO at ICC Consultants Inc, said: "As someone who has witnessed this partnership grow over 30 years, celebrating this milestone with the University of Westminster feels deeply meaningful. Watching the WWC students engage with our alumni and discover Japanese business culture reminded me why ICC exists: to open doors and create opportunities that wouldn't otherwise exist. This partnership isn't just about numbers; it's about transforming lives and building bridges between cultures. I'm excited to see what the next 30 years will bring."
Westminster’s global partnerships directly contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the Westminster Working Cultures programme at the University of Westminster.
Find out more about Global Westminster, including the University’s Global Partner Network.
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