An exchange event in Okayama connected firms seeking foreign workers with local international students to address labor shortages; company representatives and students discussed job content and demanded skills, while many employers showed proactive hiring and the need to bridge cultural gaps; participants noted that Japan's recruitment schedule, tied to the school year, is a barrier for foreign students, and a seminar explained the system while firms proposed culturally considerate work styles; Okayama City said it will continue to run such exchanges to link firms with students.