Ibara City, in southwestern Okayama Prefecture, has been welcoming French university students as interns since 2023.
During their approximately two-month stay, a wide variety of programs are held, including Japanese cultural experiences and tours of factories related to denim, one of Ibara City's local industries.
How do Japan and Ibara City appear through the eyes of interns from France, where many young people are interested in Japanese culture such as martial arts and anime? We report from the front lines of international exchange.
The information presented was current when this article was published in August 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Ibara City's Internship Program
Ibara City's internship program began in fiscal 2023 through the mediation of Professor Norimichi Idehara, who is from Ibara City and currently teaches at Tama University. This fiscal year (2025) marks its third year.
Interns stay in the city and, through a variety of experiences including Japanese culture, share information through social media, public relations magazines, and other channels.
Opportunities to interact with local residents are also provided as part of international exchange.
Programs During the Stay
In fiscal 2025, a wide variety of experiential programs will be held between July 3 and August 22.
The planned program activities are as follows.
- Japanese cultural experiences in Ibara City
Making Japanese sweets, calligraphy, kyudo (Japanese archery), dressing in traditional Japanese clothing, and more - Study tours outside the city
Bizen Osafune Sword Museum (Setouchi City), and more - Practical training at Bisei Astronomical Observatory in the city, and more
This time, as a first, the interns also toured the denim manufacturing process, a local industry, observing the entire process from making denim dye and dyeing the fabric to producing the fabric and sewing it into finished products.
Introducing the 2025 Interns
The two people taking part in the internship in Ibara City are Christopher Marian (20) and Loan Charette Ubinowa (18).
They came to Japan from ESIEA, a science and engineering university in Paris, France, and both are majoring in programming at university.
We asked them how they felt about coming to Ibara for the internship.
What prompted you to come to Japan?
Christopher (surname omitted)
I also came to Japan two years ago, but that time I visited major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. This time, I wanted to experience the culture of a rural area rather than a big city, so I came to Ibara as an intern.
What was your impression of Japan before coming?
Christopher
I thought Japan was a place where people follow the rules and are serious. And, of course, Japanese food. People in Paris love Japanese food too.
How do you feel after spending about two weeks in Ibara?
Christopher
Everyone has been very kind to us.
I was also surprised during the denim factory tour to learn that every step, from making the fabric to sewing it, is completed within Ibara City.
Loan (surname omitted)
Authentic Japanese food was very delicious.
What would you like to experience during the rest of your stay?
Christopher
I'd like to try Japanese cheese. I'd also like to go to karaoke.
Loan
I'd like to go to karaoke too. There isn't a karaoke culture in France.
Tour of the Denim Sewing Process
On Friday, July 18, 2025, we accompanied the interns to report on their denim sewing process tour at Aoki Hifuku in Ibara City.
Aoki Hifuku is a denim factory with directly operated stores in the Bikan Historical Area (Kurashiki Main Store, Kurashiki SOLA Store, and Kurashiki Ivy Square Store). It handles the entire production process in-house, from cutting the fabric to sewing and finishing.
In addition, leveraging its strength in custom-made production through integrated manufacturing, the company has in recent years created stage costumes for artists such as B'z, X JAPAN, ONE OK ROCK, and Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi.
At the factory, we watched as fabric was cut according to computer-drawn patterns and then turned into products in the sewing process.
They also tried setting rivets, an essential part of denim, and made straps as keepsakes from the tour.
We spoke with Kenji Fujioka, secretary-general of the Ibara City International Exchange Association, about the internship program.
French University Student Internship Program (Ibara City International Exchange Association) Information
| Name | French University Student Internship Program (Ibara City International Exchange Association) |
|---|---|
| Address | Ibara City International Exchange Association |
| Contact | 0866-62-8850 |
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