ABOUT

ABOUT

MessageMessage from the CEO


Raising potentials for as 
many individuals as possible 
through the “SEKAIAE xperience.”

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

Yasuo Sone, CEO
SEKAIA Inc. (Formerly ICC Consultants Inc.)

Awards


Our Programs at a Glance


  • IBP Program

    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.

  • High School Study Abroad Program

    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.

  • Overseas Internship

    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.

  • Australian University Study Abroad

    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:
  • IBP Global Business Program – A university-based academic and internship program that develops globally minded professionals capable of working across borders.
  • Australian University & Graduate Programs – Academic consulting and placement for undergraduate and postgraduate study at leading Australian universities, including the Group of Eight.
  • High School Study Abroad – Counseling and on-site support for students studying in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, ensuring safe and meaningful overseas experiences.
  • Malaysian University Pathways – Providing affordable, high-quality education and pathways from Asia to the world through partnerships with leading Malaysian institutions.
  • Global Internships – Short-term internship programs in Australia, Vietnam, and Singapore, helping students gain real-world experience and broaden their perspectives.
  • Airline & Hospitality Study Program – Practical training in customer service and hospitality English, including airport-based experience in the U.S.
  • Malaysia Education Relocation – End-to-end consulting for families seeking new opportunities abroad through education, real estate, visa, and lifestyle support.
  • Corporate & Government Training – Customized global human resource and leadership development programs for major corporations, government agencies, and universities.
  • Internship in Japan (IIJ) – International internship program connecting overseas students and young professionals with Japanese companies, bringing global diversity and fresh perspectives to Japan’s workplaces.

Empowering people from Japan and around the world to explore, learn, and grow through life-changing experiences.

Base of Operations


Japan Offices

Japan Offices
Japan Offices

Overseas Offices

Overseas 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

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