Lecture on Kikkoman’s International Operations for Junior and Senior High School Students in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture
September 12, 2025
In August 2025, Kikkoman gave a lecture on its overseas operations to junior and senior high school students from Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, who are preparing for a homestay in the United States. The lecture was held at the request of The Nagaoka International Exchange Association, which has close ties to Axial Retailing Inc., a key client of our Niigata branch. It was held as part of the “Junior High School Student Overseas Experience – Fort Worth Visit Program.” Mr. Seiichiro Shimoda, General Manager of Kikkoman’s Foreign Operations Department, spoke to 20 junior high school students scheduled for a short-term exchange in Fort Worth, Texas, and 8 senior high school students who had already completed a similar program (“The Harashin Summer Scholarship Program“) in the same area.
Mr. Shimoda explained Kikkoman’s corporate philosophy and initiatives aimed at making Kikkoman Soy Sauce a global seasoning, along with the company’s history. The students were markedly engaged, taking notes with great enthusiasm. Particularly memorable was the moment when Mr. Shimoda shared that approximately 80% of Kikkoman’s revenue comes from overseas operations—prompting surprised reactions including, “I didn’t realize Kikkoman had expanded internationally to such an extent!” The students also examined Kikkoman products sold around the world, carefully observing differences in packaging design and labeling compared to those available in Japan.
Students examine Kikkoman products sold around the world
Additionally, Mr. Shimoda shared his personal experiences studying abroad and working overseas. He offered heartfelt encouragement to the students aspiring to be active on the global stage, saying: “It’s okay if you don’t yet know what you want to do. Use this exchange opportunity to expand your possibilities. And while you're there, make an effort to speak as much English as you can.”
The students remained deeply engaged throughout the lecture. During the lively 90-minute Q&A session, questions such as “What exactly does Kikkoman mean by the ‘International Exchange of Food Culture’?”, “How does your soy sauce sold overseas differ from that sold in Japan?”, “What should we be mindful of when communicating with people from other countries?”, and “How can we stay strong and face challenges during difficult times?” were actively exchanged, making the session highly dynamic and energetic.
Kikkoman sincerely hopes that the students who participated in this lecture will carry the experience of intercultural exchange with them as they soar into the future. Aiming to cultivate the next generation with a global perspective, we will continue to create opportunities like this moving forward.