In Ibara City, located in the southwestern part of Okayama Prefecture, French university students have been accepted as interns since 2023.
During their approximately two-month stay, a variety of programs will be implemented, including experiences of Japanese culture and factory tours of denim-related local industries in Ibara City.
How do Japan and Ibara City appear to the interns from France, where many young people are interested in Japanese culture such as martial arts and anime? We will report from the front lines of international exchange.
About the Ibara City Internship Program
The Ibara City internship program began in 2023 through the mediation of Professor Norimichi Idehara, who is from Ibara City and currently teaches at Tama University, and this year marks the third iteration (2025 fiscal year).
Interns will stay and experience various aspects of Japanese culture, and information will be disseminated through social media and newsletters.
Additionally, opportunities for interaction with local citizens are also provided as part of international exchange.
Programs During the Stay
In the 2025 fiscal year, a variety of experience programs will be conducted from July 3 to August 22.
The following programs are planned:
- Experiencing Japanese Culture in Ibara City
Making wagashi (Japanese sweets), calligraphy, kyudo (archery), and kimono dressing - Field Research Outside the City
Visiting the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum (Setouchi City) and more - Practical training at the Bisei Observatory located in the city
Additionally, for the first time, tours of the denim manufacturing process, a local industry will be conducted, allowing interns to observe the entire process from dye making to dyeing, fabric production, and sewing until the products are completed.
Introduction of the 2025 Interns
This time, the interns participating in the program in Ibara City are Christopher Marian (20 years old) and Loan Charette-Ubinow (18 years old).
They are visiting from ESIEA University, a technical university in Paris, France, and both are majoring in programming.
We asked them about their impressions of coming to the internship.
What prompted you to come to Japan?
Christopher (no honorifics)
I visited Japan two years ago, but at that time, I only went to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. This time, I wanted to experience rural culture, so I came to Ibara as an intern.
What was your image of Japan before coming?
Christopher
I had an image of Japan as a place where people follow rules and are serious. And of course, Japanese food. People in Paris also love Japanese food.
What are your impressions after spending about two weeks in Ibara?
Christopher
Everyone has been very kind to me.
Also, during the factory tour of denim products, I was surprised to see that all processes from fabric production to sewing are completed within Ibara City.
Loan (no honorifics)
The authentic Japanese food was very delicious.
What do you want to experience during the remaining stay?
Christopher
I would like to try Japanese cheese. Also, I want to go to karaoke.
Loan
I also want to go to karaoke. There is no karaoke culture in France.
Overview of the Denim Sewing Process Tour
On July 18, 2025 (Friday), I accompanied a tour of the denim sewing process at Aoki Hifuku located in Ibara City.
Aoki Hifuku is a denim factory that operates directly in the Bikan Historical Area (Kurashiki Main Store, Kurashiki SOLA Store, Kurashiki Ivy Square Store), and it conducts integrated production from fabric cutting to sewing and processing in-house.
Additionally, leveraging its strength in integrated production, Aoki Hifuku has recently been involved in creating stage costumes for artists such as B’z, X JAPAN, ONE OK ROCK, and Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi.
At the factory, the fabric is cut according to the drawings created on the computer, and the process of turning it into products is observed during the sewing process.
They also experienced riveting, which is essential for denim, and made straps as a memento of their visit.
I spoke with Kenji Fujioka, the secretary-general of the Ibara City International Exchange Association, about the internship program.
Data on the French University Student Internship Program (Ibara City International Exchange Association)
| Name | French University Student Internship Program (Ibara City International Exchange Association) |
|---|---|
| Address | Ibara City International Exchange Association |
| Contact | 0866-62-8850 |
