On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Media Hall of the Ehime University Information and Media Center, an event for companies considering the recruitment and promotion of foreign human resources, “Solving Multicultural Issues for Companies! Practical Workshop: Gaining New Ideas and Perspectives through Pattern Language” was held at the Ehime University Media Center on Tuesday, March 4, 2007. This event was attended by 12 participants from companies and universities in and outside of the prefecture.
The workshop was moderated by one of the developers, Kumi Tanaka, President of Language Plus One, who began by giving an overview of pattern language and the purpose of the workshop. Pattern Language is a method in which participants share their knowledge and experiences using “pattern cards” based on past success stories of companies that have accepted foreign employees, and obtain hints for solving problems.
Participants were divided into four groups and experienced working with “Pattern Cards. In addition to Representative Tanaka, Professor Fumihiko Kuroda of the International Center, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Associate Professor Naoko Kinoshita of the Center for Japanese Language Education and Research, Waseda University, and Specially Appointed Lecturer Yuki Nabeshima of the School of Global Communication, J. F. Oberlin University served as facilitators for each group, and participants engaged in lively discussions. During the work, participants were able to gain new perspectives by sharing their own experiences and ideas through the use of cards.
Participants commented, “I was able to hear people from various backgrounds speak, which helped me to understand my future plans,” “This was my first experience with Pattern Language, but I learned a lot by listening to many opinions through the cards,” and “It was a meaningful time to hear the viewpoints of university professors. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of multicultural practice using Pattern Language.
At this event, participants were able to think about issues related to multicultural conviviality at companies and educational institutions from a variety of perspectives and learn practical methods to find solutions. The International Student Employment Promotion Program Office will continue to provide such learning opportunities and promote efforts to realize a multicultural society in the workplace.
Work experience in groups
＜Institute for International Relations, Office of International Student Employment Promotion Program