Kikokushijo Academy Alumni Pursue Careers in Autonomous Driving, International Development, Healthcare, and Cutting-Edge Research — Where English Leads Next

Kikokushijo Academy (KA) helps students develop the ability to think, learn and communicate in a 100% English environment. Following the first installment in this series, which explored where KA alumni went to university, KA is now sharing the career stories of four graduates. The first installment looked at where they studied. This time, the story continues beyond university: developing autonomous driving technology; working across cultures to turn support into action; caring for patients; and pursuing new discoveries with researchers from around the world. Each of these four alumni has taken the expertise developed at university into their current work or research. Careers that draw on English are not limited to language-focused or international relations roles. English does not determine a single career path. It can help people deepen their chosen expertise, connect with others and expand what is possible. Through these alumni stories, KA shares what comes next in its vision of “English for a Lifetime.”

Read Part 1: University Destinations

Key Highlights

• Four alumni pursuing paths in autonomous driving, international development, medicine, and quantum and semiconductor research

• Other confirmed alumni careers span finance, pharmaceuticals, global trading, cybersecurity, public infrastructure and more

• English as a tool for deepening expertise and connecting with people and knowledge

• Alumni examples incorporated into seminars for KA's University Prep program

From University to Career: Four Alumni Journeys

English × Technology: From Tokyo Tech to Autonomous Driving

One KA graduate who attended Tokyo Institute of Technology, now Institute of Science Tokyo, currently works as a software engineer developing autonomous driving technology. Autonomous driving brings together a wide range of technologies, including software, AI, and sensors. By engaging with technologies and knowledge that continue to evolve around the world, the graduate is applying expertise developed at university to work shaping new possibilities for mobility.

English × International Development: From Waseda University to Supporting Children and Communities

One KA graduate who attended Waseda University now works for an international development organization, helping manage programs that support children and local communities. The role involves working with people from different cultural and social backgrounds, understanding challenges and the support communities need, and turning those needs into concrete programs. English serves as a tool for communicating across countries and cultures and working together with local communities to address challenges.

English × Healthcare: From Kanazawa Medical University to a Career in Pediatrics

A KA graduate who attended Kanazawa Medical University is currently completing medical residency training and working toward a career in pediatrics. Alongside caring for individual patients, medical professionals must continually update their knowledge of research and treatment. Access to studies and clinical knowledge published in English helps this graduate continue developing the expertise needed in daily practice.

English × Cutting-Edge Research: Quantum and Semiconductor Research at the University of Tokyo

A KA graduate pursuing graduate studies at the University of Tokyo is conducting advanced research in quantum science and semiconductors. The laboratory brings together researchers from different countries and regions, with English serving as a shared language for discussion and collaboration. Here, English is a practical tool for deepening specialist knowledge and sharing new findings with the wider research community.

The profiles featured in this release are selected examples from alumni whose education and career paths KA has been able to confirm. They should not be interpreted as representative of employment or career trends across the full KA alumni community. They also do not represent outcomes of University Prep, which launched in 2026.

KA Alumni Are Working Across an Even Wider Range of Fields

Beyond the four alumni featured above, KA graduates whose career paths have been confirmed are working across a wide variety of fields, including finance, pharmaceuticals, trading, consulting, marketing, cybersecurity, public infrastructure, and media.

These alumni journeys illustrate how English can be used within many different industries and professions, rather than being limited to particular career paths. As alumni pursue the subjects that interest them and turn those interests into careers, English becomes another tool for deepening their expertise and expanding their options.

At KA alumni events, graduates speak in English about their university experiences, current careers, and time at KA.

Watch the KA alumni gathering: https://youtu.be/SfHAB34oWI8

University Prep: Preparing Students for Universities in Japan and Abroad

KA launched University Prep in the 2026 academic year for students from Grade 9 through Grade 12, helping them choose universities with their interests, areas they want to study, and future goals in mind. Building on KA’s existing programs for junior high and high school students, University Prep places a greater emphasis on university preparation. Students develop their ability to read, think, discuss, and express themselves in English while also working on test preparation and university application essays.

In June 2026, KA held a university pathways seminar for students and parents at its Shibuya school. The seminar introduced a range of educational pathways, including those of KA alumni, featured in Pathways: Celebrating Japan’s Bilingual Youth, a book by KA founder Charles Knudsen. Going forward, KA plans to incorporate alumni career examples into classes, university pathways seminars, and other opportunities to help students consider their choice of university, field of study, and future career paths.

Related Links

• Learn more about Pathways: Celebrating Japan’s Bilingual Youth

• Learn more about University Prep: https://www.kikokushijoacademy.com/core_program_jhhs

About Global KA Group Company:

Global KA Holdings Inc. Website: https://globalka.com
Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Representative Director and President: Charles Knudsen
Main brands:

• Kikokushijo Academy (KA)

• KA International School (KAIS)

• Global Step Academy (GSA)

• The International School Times (IST)

• Kokusaba Tutoring

Media Contact

Global KA Holdings Inc. Public Relations

Email: media@globalka.com