Some journeys begin far away and find their true value in the encounter with new environments. That’s the case for Hideaki Kitahara, an HR support professional who arrived from Japan at MEHITS as part of an international rotation program within Mitsubishi Electric Group.
Originally from Tokyo, Hideaki had already experienced life abroad at a young age, having also lived in Germany. He joined MELCO in 2019 and built a solid background in HR, working across a wide range of activities—from union negotiations to engagement analysis, onboarding planning, and MBO management. This variety of experiences eventually led him to seek an international opportunity, with the goal of broadening his perspective.
“I had already gained different types of experience in HR, so I decided to apply for the overseas training program. I couldn’t choose the destination, so when I found out I would be coming to MEHITS in Italy, it was a really positive surprise.”
His first impression of Italy matched what he had expected: welcoming people, beautiful cities, and a strong culture of social connection. What stood out most to him was also the everyday dimension of relationships—built through simple shared moments like coffee breaks or lunch with colleagues. Bassano and its surroundings played a key role as well, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the area and connect with local people, making the experience even richer outside of work.
From a professional standpoint, being exposed to a different business environment has been a valuable growth opportunity. While many aspects of HR work felt familiar, Hideaki was also able to observe new approaches and expand his perspective—something he hopes to bring back to Japan, contributing to stronger relationships across teams, departments, and functions.
“Working abroad can be challenging, but it also gives me many opportunities to experience the kindness of people. These moments really remind me how important relationships are, and how much the support of others can make a difference.”
An experience shaped by learning, exchange, and connection—once again confirming that, even in an international context, it’s the people who truly make the difference.
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