Bridging Theory and Industry: ONE DEJIMA Challenges Global Talent at APU’s Capstone

Beppu, Japan — In a powerful fusion of academic rigor and corporate strategy, ONE DEJIMA recently concluded a semester-long collaboration with Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, College of International Management (APM). Serving as guest lecturers for the prestigious Global Management Capstone course, ONE DEJIMA challenged the next generation of business leaders to solve a high-stakes, real-world business challenge.

The Capstone serves as the culmination of the undergraduate experience at APU, requiring students to integrate years of learning into actionable solutions for industry partners.

The Challenge: Reimagining the “Dejima” of the Future

The journey began on October 16, 2025, when President Toyama, along with several members of ONE DEJIMA, visited APU to introduce ONE DEJIMA’s unique identity as a Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) firm. He issued a formidable “How Might We” (HWM) assignment that carried a hypothetical budget of 10,000,000 yen:

“How might ONE DEJIMA, as a ‘Dejima Organization,’ Open itself to the outside world and create new value for external clients by leveraging its own knowledge and digital capabilities?”

Students were tasked with developing viable business models in sectors such as Shared Accounting Manager Services, HR-Tech Solutions, or Nagasaki-based export trading services.

President Toyama announces the Assignment for the Capstone class

ONE DEJIMA’s member during the first visit

Mentorship and Iteration: The Road to the Finals

As the semester progressed, the collaboration deepened. During the second and third visits on November 27 and December 4, four members from various ONE DEJIMA divisions traveled to APU to mentor the student teams (comprising 7-9 members each).

These sessions were intense. ONE DEJIMA members provided direct feedback, offered sharp opinions on market viability, and engaged in spirited Q&A sessions to align student visions with corporate expectations. Under the guidance of Professor Hiroaki Saito, Professor Bryan Gordon Usrey, Professor Akiko Shigemoto, and Professor Pham Tam Long, the initial 32 teams were eventually narrowed down to the elite four. 

Capstone Professor: Professor Pham Tam Long, Professor Bryan Gordon Usrey, Professor Hiroaki Saito, and Professor Akiko Shigemoto.

The Climax at Millennium Hall

The semester reached its peak on January 22, 2026, at APU’s iconic Millennium Hall. Six representatives from ONE DEJIMA’s Business Intelligence, Corporate Planning, Human Resources, and Data-Driven Enterprise divisions, alongside President Toyama, formed the judging panel for the final four presentations. 

And the Winner is…. Team Dejinovator

After a series of sophisticated presentations, Team 9 (self-titled “Team Dejinovator”) was crowned the champion. Their proposal stood out for its strategic depth and innovative approach to ONE DEJIMA’s KPO model. Additionally, one member of Team Dejinovator, Jha Ashmi, was honored as the Best Speaker, captivating the judges with her exceptional presentation skills and unwavering confidence.

Rewarding Excellence

Recognition for the top three teams went beyond mere grades. Winners were awarded exclusive ONE DEJIMA merchandise, including custom T-shirts, mug cups, and tumblers. Most significantly, the top-performing students were granted a “Golden Ticket”: the option to participate in the ONE DEJIMA internship program without the standard screening process.

ONE DEJIMA’s Member and the winner: Team Dejinovator

The Capstone class ended with a blast, leaving the students with more than just credits–they left with the experience of having defended their ideas in front of industry veterans. For ONE DEJIMA, the partnership provided a window into the innovative minds of a global student body, reinforcing the company’s role as a bridge between Nagasaki and the world.