Cross-Cultural Education

Working Effectively with Japanese Teams

Helping global professionals understand Japanese business culture, build trust, and collaborate with confidence.

Overview

When cultures meet, even small misunderstandings can slow projects down. This program gives global professionals a clear, practical understanding of Japanese business culture—so they can interpret what’s happening beneath the surface and adjust how they communicate.

Participants learn how values like harmony, hierarchy, and long-term thinking show up in everyday behavior, and how to bridge differences without losing their own style.

Program Flow: Discover → Activity → Introspection

1. Discover

We begin by exploring what “culture” really means and how it shapes expectations at work. Using simple frameworks and real examples, participants see where Japanese and global mindsets naturally align—and where they clash.

2. Activity

Through case studies, group discussions, and role plays, participants practice navigating meetings, feedback, and decision-making across cultures. They experiment with different approaches and learn language and behavior that builds trust with Japanese colleagues.

3. Introspection

Finally, participants reflect on their own cultural habits and identify concrete shifts they want to make—whether that’s how they ask questions, handle silence, or follow up after meetings. Each person leaves with a personalized “cross-cultural action plan.”

Key Outcomes

  • Deeper understanding of Japanese values and workplace norms

  • Increased confidence in communicating across cultures

  • Fewer misunderstandings and smoother collaboration

  • Stronger relationships and trust with Japanese colleagues and clients

Delivery Format

  • Duration: 1 full day (in-person) or 2 × half-day sessions

  • Languages: English / Japanese

  • Format: Interactive training with case studies, activities, and reflection

On Demand Training

The programs below are ready to go. Just schedule a time and we’ll take care of the rest.

Leadership Influence

This topic explores who participants need to BE in order to lead effectively. Participants will explore how they view themselves as a leader, what it takes to influence others, how to think high-level, and set goals for behavioral change. Learn more >>>

Presentation Skills

Even though presentation skills may sound like it’s simply about sharing information in an effective way, presentation skills training opens the doors to discussions around comfort with visibility as a leader, communicating a vision, and persuasive tools that create buy-in. This is exclusively a 2-day in-person training. Learn more >>>

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

As humans, we experience situations first with our emotions and then we make logical decisions that are influenced by those emotions. Participants will learn the role their emotions and the emotions of others play in their ability to work effectively together, and how to manage relationships. Learn more >>>

Cross-cultural Education

This Cross-cultural education program is designed for foreigners new to living and working in Japan, and can be conducted as a group or a 1:1 program. Learn more >>>

Note: If you are seeking a more general cross-cultural program, please inquire.

Communication Skills

Communication skills is a broad topic; this program is specifically for leaders and covers Managing Up, Delegation, Giving Feedback, and Conflict Resolution. Learn more >>>

Time Management/Productivity

Participants will explore tools and techniques to get off the hamster wheel, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and make sure their attention is focused on high-level work. Learn more >>>