The Division of Graduate Studies has been implementing the Kyoto University Short-Term Academic Research (KU-STAR) Program, a short-term laboratory internship program, since last year. This marks the second time we’ve welcomed participants from India, with a total of 31 students engaging in research at their respective laboratories for approximately two months. On Monday, July 14, 2025, the participants visited HORIBA Ltd.’s Biwako Factory, where they toured the facilities and engaged in discussions with company staff.

The visit began with an overview of the company, followed by a tour of the production processes for emission measurement systems and stack gas analyzers. The participants learned how HORIBA maintains a flexible and efficient production system that meets customer needs, from parts manufacturing to final assembly. They attentively observed the employees’ work and the equipment in use, carefully listening to the explanations provided.

Next, at the automotive test facility “E-LAB,” the students had the opportunity to observe cutting-edge equipment used for high-precision and high-efficiency vehicle testing and measurement. The facility is equipped with a wide range of devices, from large-scale testing systems to on-vehicle measurement instruments, showcasing HORIBA’s technological excellence and comprehensive capabilities. The students were deeply impressed by the advanced technologies and well-maintained environment.

During the tour, the participants were also introduced to HORIBA Group’s active commitment to diversity management by embracing a multinational and diverse workforce, maximizing each individual’s unique talents and abilities. The company fosters collaboration among employees from different nationalities, cultures, languages, and career backgrounds by implementing original systems and frameworks that promote smooth communication and swift decision-making.
For example, all employees are envisioned as individual pieces of stained glass—each with differing colors, shapes, and sizes—and this concept is embodied in the “Stained Glass Project,” which regards the diverse individualities and values of employees as a source of corporate strength. Continuous training programs and networking opportunities are provided to deepen intercultural understanding.
These initiatives form the foundation for creating a workplace where employees from various backgrounds can thrive authentically, supporting work style reforms and global business expansion. The students showed strong interest in these unique workplace environments and systems designed to foster mutual understanding across cultures.

Through this visit, the participants were able to experience HORIBA’s advanced production and testing facilities firsthand, gaining a strong impression of the company’s technological expertise and global business presence. Moreover, the interaction with employees offered a meaningful opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese workplace practices and corporate culture.

Participant Comments:

• HORIBA was extremely welcoming, and the factory visit was an excellent experience. It provided a clear insight into their advanced technologies and work culture. The networking opportunities and the potential to contribute to their ongoing work made the visit truly enriching and inspiring. (Hemanta, IIT Kharagpur)
• The working environment is very beautiful. Also the visit gave lot of contact with professionals working in Horiba. They introduced their cutting edge technologies it’s application etc. They also invited us to collaborate with the company in future. Also we met some Indian Employees there. (Anand, IISc)