[Mito Automobile College] Popular 'Jimny Nomad' Introduced as a Training Vehicle! Fostering Next-Generation Automotive Talent from Ibaraki through a 'Circular Ecosystem' with an Alumni Company
Mito Automobile College introduced a Jimny Nomad SUV as a training vehicle, supplied by ORIGINALZ, an alumni-run company. This partnership aims to boost practical 4WD education and regional talent.
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- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 10:30
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Yatsumonji Gakuen Mito Automobile College (Location: Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Principal: Tomohiro Yatsumonji) has newly introduced the rapidly growing popular SUV 'Jimny Nomad' as a practical training vehicle, aiming to further enhance the educational environment and strengthen regional cooperation.
What is noteworthy about this introduction is the realization of a 'circular ecosystem with alumni companies' that goes beyond a mere equipment update. The vehicle delivery was handled by ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ibaraki Town, Ibaraki Prefecture), represented by an alumnus of the school (7th graduating class). Alumni who have grown into professionals return their skills to the place where they learned their craft as students, giving back to education. This new form of industry-academia collaboration accelerates integrated human resource development within the region.
Background of Introduction: Education that shapes 'aspirations' and the acquisition of 4WD technology
Nowadays, as the departure of young people from cars is being talked about, Mito Automobile College places importance on practical training with vehicles that students intuitively feel 'want to touch' and 'are cool'.
- Practical 4WD technology education
By introducing a 4WD vehicle that was not in the previous lineup, we will create opportunities to learn the complex structure and maintenance technology of drive systems.
- Symbol of public relations and regional cooperation
The popular 'Jimny Nomad' will be utilized as an icon for events and local activities. We will visually broadcast the appeal of the profession of an auto mechanic.
Circular Model Demonstrated by Collaboration with Alumni Company 'ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd.'
The core of this project lies in the partnership with ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd. (Ibaraki Town, Ibaraki Prefecture), represented by Mr. Suzuki, an alumnus of the 7th graduating class of our school.
[Comment from Mr. Suzuki, Representative Director of ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd.]
'I am very happy to be able to return value in this way to Mito Automobile College, which is my origin. Looking ahead, through multifaceted collaboration such as customization, planning, and events, going beyond just providing vehicles, I want to liven up the region and the industry together with my juniors.'
In this way, the circulation of human resources of 'learning, going out into society, and returning to one's alma mater' serves as a powerful career education that lets students concretely imagine their 'future selves'.
Taking on Challenges Beyond the Framework of Education as 'Team Ibaraki'
Moving forward, we will develop student-led projects based on this Jimny Nomad.
1. Challenge in Custom Contests: Students will be responsible for everything from planning and production to dissemination, participating in off-campus contests and exhibitions.
2. Promotion of Project-Based Learning: As 'Team Ibaraki' and 'Team Mito', we will collaborate with local companies and alumni, creating opportunities to visualize achievements while still in school.
3. Holding Regional Cooperation Events: We will hold exhibitions and hands-on events to revitalize the automotive industry in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Pursuit of 'Quality' and 'Reality' in Education
'With the introduction of a 4WD vehicle, which our school did not have before, the technical areas students can touch will definitely expand. However, that is not the essence. Alumni return as a company and get involved in education. This circulation itself is a pursuit...'
What is noteworthy about this introduction is the realization of a 'circular ecosystem with alumni companies' that goes beyond a mere equipment update. The vehicle delivery was handled by ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ibaraki Town, Ibaraki Prefecture), represented by an alumnus of the school (7th graduating class). Alumni who have grown into professionals return their skills to the place where they learned their craft as students, giving back to education. This new form of industry-academia collaboration accelerates integrated human resource development within the region.
Background of Introduction: Education that shapes 'aspirations' and the acquisition of 4WD technology
Nowadays, as the departure of young people from cars is being talked about, Mito Automobile College places importance on practical training with vehicles that students intuitively feel 'want to touch' and 'are cool'.
- Practical 4WD technology education
By introducing a 4WD vehicle that was not in the previous lineup, we will create opportunities to learn the complex structure and maintenance technology of drive systems.
- Symbol of public relations and regional cooperation
The popular 'Jimny Nomad' will be utilized as an icon for events and local activities. We will visually broadcast the appeal of the profession of an auto mechanic.
Circular Model Demonstrated by Collaboration with Alumni Company 'ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd.'
The core of this project lies in the partnership with ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd. (Ibaraki Town, Ibaraki Prefecture), represented by Mr. Suzuki, an alumnus of the 7th graduating class of our school.
[Comment from Mr. Suzuki, Representative Director of ORIGINALZ Co., Ltd.]
'I am very happy to be able to return value in this way to Mito Automobile College, which is my origin. Looking ahead, through multifaceted collaboration such as customization, planning, and events, going beyond just providing vehicles, I want to liven up the region and the industry together with my juniors.'
In this way, the circulation of human resources of 'learning, going out into society, and returning to one's alma mater' serves as a powerful career education that lets students concretely imagine their 'future selves'.
Taking on Challenges Beyond the Framework of Education as 'Team Ibaraki'
Moving forward, we will develop student-led projects based on this Jimny Nomad.
1. Challenge in Custom Contests: Students will be responsible for everything from planning and production to dissemination, participating in off-campus contests and exhibitions.
2. Promotion of Project-Based Learning: As 'Team Ibaraki' and 'Team Mito', we will collaborate with local companies and alumni, creating opportunities to visualize achievements while still in school.
3. Holding Regional Cooperation Events: We will hold exhibitions and hands-on events to revitalize the automotive industry in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Pursuit of 'Quality' and 'Reality' in Education
'With the introduction of a 4WD vehicle, which our school did not have before, the technical areas students can touch will definitely expand. However, that is not the essence. Alumni return as a company and get involved in education. This circulation itself is a pursuit...'