MessageMessage from the CEO
            At SEKAIA, we believe that stepping beyond the familiar is the key to discovering who you are and what you can become.
				The name SEKAIA (pronounced Seh-kai-ah) combines the Japanese word sekai (“world”) with the Latin suffix -ia (“a place for”). It reflects our determination to be a place where every journey to explore the world begins.
For over 30 years, we have helped more than 20,000 students and young professionals turn challenges abroad into confidence, resilience, and new opportunities. Together with leading universities, schools, and ministries of education worldwide, we design high-quality programs that equip students with practical skills, global mindsets, and academic opportunities. Our work spans from high school and degree-seeking students to international internships and experiential training in Japan and beyond—all with the goal of nurturing talent that can thrive globally.
This conviction comes from my own journey. Years ago, I ventured overseas without speaking English. That leap—full of struggles and setbacks—gave me the unshakable confidence that still drives me today. It became the foundation of our mission: Life-Changing Experiences.
Our vision Explore the World is more than travel or study abroad. It is about creating opportunities that push you further, connect you with diversity, and transform your future. With SEKAIA, every journey abroad is not just a step forward—it is the turning point of a lifetime.
                
            
Yasuo Sone, CEO
            SEKAIA Inc. (Formerly ICC Consultants Inc.)
Awards
Our Programs at a Glance
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                        IBP Program
With the mission to "nurture a global workforce that could freely work in a cross-cultural environment," the IBP program partners with major academic institutions, such as the University of Washington, and has sent over 4,500 applicants overseas through its programs (as of March 2016). Those who graduated from the program established careers in business, government, cultural, diplomatic, NPO, and other fields.
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                        High School Study Abroad Program
SEKAIA has paved the path to make the world more accessible in what was once unheard of, and considered unrealistic, for Japanese high school students to accomplish.. With on-site advisors that act as parents and progression check systems in place to foster progression and success, this program follows and guides each and every student with the utmost of care. Over 2,500 students have graduated from overseas high schools and been accepted into national/ international universities.
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                        Overseas Internship
An internship that contributes to the enhancement of companies, this program trains and advances individuals through exposure to cross-cultural environments. In addition to the overseas internship program for Japanese nationals, in 2011 we began a program for international people coming to Japan. At SEKAIA, we assist the endeavors of students regardless of age and nationality.
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                        Australian University Study Abroad
Formerly, the most popular destination considered by Japanese nationals when it came to study abroad was the USA. However, SEKAIA understood the merits of universities beyond that of America, working closely and establishing great partnerships with Australia. Since then, SEKAIA has gained partnerships and trust from all Group of Eight Schools of Australia. SEKAIA has sent increasing numbers of excellent students around the world, and became a gateway to 20+ universities for students.
 
Company Profile
| Name | SEKAIA Inc. (Formerly: ICC Consultants Inc.) | 
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 6F Hulic Shibuya Mitake-dori Bldg 1-11-1 Shibuya Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0002 Japan  | 
                
| Capital | 50 million yen | 
| Established | April 1988 | 
| Executives | President and CEO: Yasuo Sone Vice-President: Megumi Mande Executive Director: Akie Suyama Audit & Supervisory Board Member: Toru Miyaguchi  | 
                
| Number of Employees | Approx. 85 (including full-time, part-time, and contracted staff in Japan and overseas offices) | 
| Domestic | Tokyo — Headquarters Osaka — Office Kyoto — Satellite Office Fukuoka — Agency Office (operated by Nishinippon Shimbun Travel Co.)  | 
                
| Overseas | Subsidiaries (SEKAIA-owned legal entities and offices) Seattle, United States — ICC Consultants USA Inc. Brisbane, Australia — ICC Consultants Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 84 634 864 832 Melbourne, Australia — ICC Consultants Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 84 634 864 832 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — ICC Education Consultants Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Representatives (Local professionals engaged by SEKAIA; not legal entities) London, U.K. — Representative Office Auckland, New Zealand — Representative Office Vancouver, Canada — Representative Office San Francisco, USA — Representative Office (contracted, part-time) Note: Representatives are local professionals engaged by SEKAIA; not legal entities.  | 
                
| Primary Business | SEKAIA designs and operates global education and training programs that connect Japan and the world. Through partnerships with leading universities, governments, and corporations, we support both Japanese students pursuing studies abroad and international students gaining experience in Japan. Our core business areas include: 
 Empowering people from Japan and around the world to explore, learn, and grow through life-changing experiences.  | 
                
Base of Operations
Japan Offices
            
            Overseas Offices
            
            History
| 1989 | Launched a study‑abroad business out of the wish to “help more people spread their wings from Japan to the world,” established as a new business within Cosmo Research Institute Co., Ltd. | 
|---|---|
| 1995 | 
                         Tempstaff Inc. invested; company name changed to Temp Research Institute (predecessor of ICC Consultants Inc.); adopted a policy focusing on study‑abroad and overseas training. Began full‑scale programs centered on global talent development; partnerships started with the University of Washington, the University of Westminster, and the Department of Education of the State of Victoria. Alliances with broadcasters/newspapers (tvk, Kyoto TV, Kyoto Broadcasting, Radio Osaka, China Broadcasting, Nishinippon Shimbun, RKK Kumamoto) expanded domestic bases to seven cities.  | 
                
| 1996 | 
                         IBP Business Study Abroad training schools expanded to three sites: University of Washington, University of Westminster, and Bellevue College. Opened directly managed overseas offices in four cities: Seattle, Auckland, Melbourne, and London. Began publishing with the mook “International Study and Career Journal,” totaling 30+ titles by 2010.  | 
                
| 1997 | 
                         Held the High School Study Abroad Fair inviting New Zealand high schools; continued for 28 consecutive years (about 12,000 total visitors as of 2024).  | 
                
| 1998 | 
                         Signed a business alliance with the University of Melbourne; thereafter partnered with all Group of Eight universities and 20 universities in Australia (as of Apr 2025).  | 
                
| 1999 | 
                         Cumulative IBP graduates surpassed 1,000 (6,200 as of Apr 2025). Expanded local Japanese‑resident adviser network to 50 to support high‑school study‑abroad students.  | 
                
| 2001 | 
                         Partner high schools reached 100 in New Zealand and 40 in Australia; cumulative high‑school program graduates reached 1,000 (3,300 as of Apr 2025).  | 
                
| 2002 | 
                         Launched senior language programs “Jukunen Yugaku” in New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Australia (suspended in 2007).  | 
                
| 2008 | 
                         Launched the paid overseas internship program “Aspire Internship” (excluding the U.S.).  | 
                
| 2010 | 
                         Agreed with Griffith University to operate the IBP; intake began the following year with an on‑campus office.  | 
                
| 2011 | 
                         Developed and launched the inbound program “Internship in Japan” for non‑Japanese.  | 
                
| 2012 | 
                        Moved headquarters to the F‑Nissay Ebisu Building (Ebisu, Shibuya).  | 
                
| 2013 | 
                         Started overseas training services for companies and schools; established ICC Academy (suspended in 2020).  | 
                
| 2015 | 
                         Formed business alliances with Malaysian universities such as the University of Malaya; launched PR and counseling services.  | 
                
| 2016 | 
                        Became independent from the PERSOL Group through a management buyout; renamed ICC Consultants Inc.  | 
                
| 2017 | 
                        Agreed with San Francisco State University to operate the IBP Business Study Abroad program; intake started the next year and a San Francisco branch was opened.  | 
                
| 2018 | 
                        Established ICC Education Consultants Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur.  | 
                
| 2019 | 
                        Established ICC Consultants Australia Pty Ltd. in Australia. Ended partnerships with broadcasters and converted domestic bases to direct management.  | 
                
| 2020 | 
                        Amid COVID‑19, shifted to hybrid work and online training.  | 
                
| 2021 | 
                        Relocated headquarters to the J‑6 Building (Jingumae, Shibuya).  | 
                
| 2022 | 
                        Established a management policy: “An organization that offers growth opportunities to people who act with ownership.”  | 
                
| 2025 | 
                        Formulated a new vision: “Enjoy the World” — supporting people’s growth and future creation through life‑changing experiences.  | 
                
Clients
Business Partners
the Nishi Nippon Shimbun Travel Co. Ltd. (Fukuoka)
*SEKAIA Fukuoka office operates in cooperation with Nishi Nippon Shimbun Travel Co. Ltd. Tokyo head office, other national branches and the overseas offices operate under direct SEKAIA management.
Principal Clients
Educational Institutions: Rikkyo University/ Kanagawa University/ Yokohama City University/ Musashino Art University/ Aichi Shukutoku University / Kwansei Gakuin University and others
State Governments: Victorian Government Tokyo Office/ Education New Zealand Trade and Investment/ Queensland, Japan Office/ Government of Western Australia Tokyo Office/ British Columbia Trade and Investment, representative office in Tokyo
Insurance Offices: AIG, Inc./ Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Company / JI Accident & Fire Insurance Co.,Ltd. *Insurance Agencies
Overseas Clients
University of Washington (USA)/ Bellevue College (USA)/ Purdue University (USA)/ San Francisco State University (USA)/ University of Westminster (UK)/ University of Sydney (AUS)/ University of Melbourne (AUS)/ University of Queensland (AUS)/ The Australian National University (AUS)/ University of New South Wales (AUS)/ Monash University (AUS)/ University of Western Australia (AUS)/ University of Adelaide (AUS)/ University of Auckland (NZ)/ University of Otago (NZ)/ and others
State of Victoria Department of Education and Training/ Education Queensland International/ The Government of Western Australia Department of Education (AUS)/ the Greater Victoria School District/ Langley School District/ Delta School District/ Sooke School District/ Comox Valley School District Saanich School District (CA)
Bank References
Resona Bank, Muromachi Branch Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Meguro Branch
Affiliates
Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS)
Travel Agency Registration : The reach of Tokyo No.2-8694
All Nippon Travel Agents Association (ANTA) Full Member
        
                        
    
    