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Internships
Internships are an important part of the GPS experience because they allow students to take what they have learned in the classroom and test it in real professional settings. For students, this opportunity can be especially meaningful as interning in Japan is not only a chance to gain work experience; it is a chance to work across language, culture and institutional differences while seeing how Japanese organizations operate from the inside.
Students often pursue internships between their first and second year, using the summer to clarify their career goals and identify the skills they want to strengthen before returning to campus. While students are responsible for securing their own placements, GPS’s alumni network and Japan-related professional connections give students access to a wide range of opportunities in the public, private, nonprofit and research sectors.
Internships directly associated with JFIT include opportunities with the Japan Research Institute (JRI), Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) and Mizuho, giving Japan Focus students access to professional environments closely connected to Japanese business, policy and research. However, students have also interned with organizations such as the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Nomura Real Estate and GR Japan. All in all, these experiences give students the rare opportunity to build professional confidence in Japan while connecting their academic training to real policy, business and research environments.
JFIT Internship Opportunities
Japan Research Institute (Summer)
Company Profile
The Japan Research Institute, Limited, or JRI, is a Tokyo- and Osaka-based “knowledge engineering” company within the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. Founded in 1969, JRI combines three major functions: information systems, consulting and think tank research. Its systems integration work includes IT strategy planning, implementation and outsourcing across industries, with a particularly strong reputation in financial systems development. Its research and consulting divisions also work on domestic and international economic issues, policy recommendations, corporate strategy, public administrative reform and incubation activities for new markets and industries. In short, JRI sits at the intersection of finance, technology, policy research and organizational problem-solving. As of April 2026, JRI listed 6,324 employees, capital of ¥10.1 billion and SMFG as its shareholder. Its Economics Department publishes research on macroeconomic trends and international affairs and provides policy recommendations based on that research.
Internship Role/Duties
The JRI internship is built around producing a concrete research output. Interns can choose their area of interest, such as economic research or the policy division. From there, they take on a specific research topic and practice the core skills of think-tank work, including quantitative data collection, analysis, logical writing, discussion, and presentation. The final deliverable is a brief research paper in English. The internship runs in person at JRI's Osaki office in Tokyo, from mid-July to early September. JRI provides lodging and commuting support while GPS covers air travel and insurance.
Mitsubishi Research Institute (Summer)
Company Profile
Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., or MRI, is one of Japan’s major private think tanks and consulting firms. Established in 1970, MRI describes itself as a Japanese think tank focused on helping solve societal issues. Its work combines policy research, management consulting, IT consulting and solution services for both public- and private-sector clients. The company’s official profile lists 4,695 consolidated employees and 1,217 non-consolidated employees as of September 30, 2025, showing that MRI is not a small research office but a large professional services organization. Its business covers government policy, social systems, technology, management strategy and information services. MRI’s profile is especially distinctive because it operates across both “think tank” and implementation-oriented consulting functions: it studies social and economic problems, prepares research and recommendations and supports clients in turning analysis into strategy, systems and projects. This makes the company relevant to students interested in how Japan connects public policy, corporate strategy, digital transformation and social innovation.
Internship Role/Duties
MRI accepts two students each summer. The summer assignment is based on student interests. This means that the application should have a clear intellectual direction. Once placed, interns carry a specific research topic through the full arc of think-tank practice, consisting but not limited to case research, quantitative data collection and analysis, document preparation, discussion, and presentation. Applicants name at least two research fields they want to pursue and explain why, along with the coursework or experience they bring. The internship runs in person at MRI's Nagatachō headquarters, from mid-July to early September, with some remote work from provided housing possible depending on the division. MRI covers lodging, a daily living allowance, and commuting support.
Mizuho Leasing (Year)
Company Profile
Mizuho Leasing Company, Limited, is a Japanese leasing and financial services company headquartered in Toranomon, Tokyo. Founded in 1969, the company works beyond traditional leasing by providing finance-related solutions across domestic leasing, circular economy, renewable energy, real estate, international business and investment. Its domestic leasing business uses its national sales network to provide solutions such as vendor finance, subscription services, business succession support and joint investment in collaboration with Mizuho Group and other partners. In renewable energy, the company participates in electricity supply schemes using solar and other sources through corporate PPAs and is expanding into grid storage battery businesses. Its international business has also expanded through alliances with Marubeni and Mizuho Financial Group, including aircraft leasing, refrigerated trailer leasing, finance in Vietnam, used-car finance in Australia and equipment leasing in India. As of March 31, 2025, Mizuho Leasing listed 2,282 consolidated employees and 819 non-consolidated employees.
Internship Role/Duties
This is a year-long fellowship that runs from September–August. Students may take a gap year (between the first and second year), or apply to assume it after graduation from GPS. The fellow works in the International Business Administration Department, where responsibilities include independent market research, communication tasks, and language work. Thus, this internship may include briefing the International Departments on global business news and peer company developments, producing market research reports on target industries and regions, leading English classes for Mizuho Leasing staff, and supporting Japanese-to-English translation of sales and presentation materials. The company provides instructional sessions on the Japanese leasing industry and related financial topics. Fellows with sufficient Japanese may attend internal discussions of prospective deals. This internship/fellowship requires intermediate or higher Japanese, and native-level English. The company pays for transportation and housing, and the fellow earns an entry-level salary commensurate with Japanese salary levels.