Junten Junior High School / Senior High School

On January 21st, Junten invited a distinguished negotiation strategist, Mr.Kunihiko Shimada, the CEO of KS International Strategies, for a one-hour lecture for the Junten 2nd Year Senior High School students.

Mr.Shimada talked about his boyhood experiences and examples of his negotiation strategies in conflict areas. He advised the promising young students about how they should proceed in the future.

Mr.Shimada did not just stand still at the podium, but moved around the stage and audience.

“In Arab countries, showing the sole of your shoe like this,” Mr. Shimada showed his feet to the audience, “that would be a great insult” Mr.Shimada talked at length about cultural differences.

“What do you think?” Mr.Shimada jumped off the stage to talk directly to the students. “Why do you think so? 

Try not to simply accept what other people say, but remain curious and think about their opinion until you can assess if their approach is reasonable.”

Student S: Often, I am unsure about my own opinions or can’t come up with one, but it may be because I don’t challenge what I am taught.

Mr. Shimada encouraged students to think in great detail about where they want to be in their lives in 20 years. If they can do that, then they can picture themselves only 15 or 10 years into the future. This exercise enables students to clearly envision their goals.

Student A: I had never thought about my life in 20 years. I always assumed I would figure it out somehow. But now I will try to imagine a more focused future me.

After the lecture, students who wished to ask questions to Mr.Shimada gathered in the conference room. Mr. Shimada answered the students’ questions one by one.

Mr. Shimada said, “If you have something you are very interested in studying, then explore and dig deeper into the subject, regardless if the subject results in future work. Openly tell people around you about your interests. Job opportunities will find you. If opportunities don’t come, then you can create your own job.”

As Mr. Shimada was leaving Junten campus, another group of students came to ask him questions.

Today’s lecture was inspirational for the students.

Student N: I have heard many different lectures about globalisation, but today’s lecture resonated the most with me. I learned that exploring our opinions and thinking “why” is very important.