Lean Japan Tour – November 2024

Experience a week of immersive lean manufacturing with a series of factory visits to renowned companies like Toyota and Panasonic. Engage in senior management discussions, refine your skills at a Toyota Group lean training facility, and immerse yourself in the rich Japanese culture.

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Shinka Management Möbius Kaizen Study Mission

Immerse yourself over one week into the original Japanese thinking behind lean and its successful application across a range of industries. Whether you are new to the concept of lean, or searching for that next level of achievement, you will come home with a better understanding of how a continuous improvement culture can be embedded across your organisation. The Lean Japan Tour is brought to you by Shinka Management and in partnership with Möbius.

What can you expect?

Factory visits (examples: Toyota, Osaka City University Hospital, Panasonic, Yakult, Hamamatsu City Government, ...)
Senior management discussions
Training in a Toyota Group lean training facility
Japanese cultural experiences

Practical information

Tokyo, Japan

Tour dates: 17 Nov 2024 - 23 Nov 2024

Participation fee: US$6750

Includes: Accommodation, meals*, domestic transport, factory tours, seminars, interpreters

*Meals not provided for two free evenings, and Saturday lunch

About the organisation

The Lean Japan Tour is run by Shinka Management. Their lean tour was first run in 2007, and the program has since been attended by senior management and lean leaders from over 60 countries. Positions are limited and registrations are accepted on a first-come first-served basis.

More info

Lean concepts

Move beyond theory and experience lean manufacturing in action. During shop floor visits you’ll see excellent examples of lean concepts in action.

5S / TPM
TPS / Just-In-Time / Jidoka
TQM
Standard Work
Kanban
Visual Management
...

During the tour you’ll go beyond the fundamentals, and discuss managers’ experiences in implementing a kaizen culture across an entire organisation. You’ll return home ready to help your company take its next step in its lean journey.

Factory visits

Shinka Management has an extensive network of world-leading Japanese lean companies.

Toyota
Aijinkai Healthcare Corporation
Kikkoman
Panasonic
Omron
Hamamatsu City Government
INOAC
Toyota Boshoku
Osaka City University Hospital
and many more

Sam Boeykens

Ready to build your knowledge of lean management principles?

Join the Lean Japan Tour and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of lean manufacturing. Discover the secrets behind Japan's unrivaled success in efficiency and productivity. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets of lean manufacturing in the land of the rising sun. If you have any inquiries or need further information, feel free to reach out to our lean expert, Sam Boeykens.

FAQ

Who can join?

The Lean Japan Tour is designed for people who want to gain an in-depth understanding and experience of Lean directly at the source in Japan. The programme is suitable for both newcomers to the concept of Lean and those seeking a more advanced level of proficiency. There are no specific entry requirements or required prior knowledge, although basic knowledge of Lean is recommended.

How many people can join?

The group for the Lean Japan Tour usually consists of around 15 participants, with a maximum of 20. We want to keep the group small enough and ensure that every participant can get a lot of value out of it. If there are fewer than 10 participants, the organisation considers combining tours to form a full-fledged group. In exceptional cases, the tour may be cancelled if combining tours is not possible.

What is the exact itinerary?

The exact itinerary for the Lean Japan Tour will be determined no later than 45 days before the start. This is done depending on the availability of the companies to be visited and participants' preferences. The organisation will communicate the schedule as soon as it is finalised to all registered participants.

What is included in the price?

The price includes all costs from arrival in Japan: accommodation, domestic transport, factory visits, seminars, interpretation services, and meals, except for two evening meals during free nights. Participants should arrange their own international flight to Japan. Shinka Management recommends waiting to buy flight tickets until 45 days before the start of the tour and recommends buying flexible flight tickets.

What if I cannot participate last-minute after all?

Participants can cancel or change their tour without charge up to 28 days before the start of the tour. Cancellations or changes between 28 and 14 days before the start of the tour cost $500. Within 14 days before the start, the cancellation or change fee is $1500. Transfer of registration within the same company is allowed.

For full details, please refer to Shinka Management's Cancellation Policy listed on the registration form.

Impressions from previous tours

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Personally and professionally I found the week extraordinarily rewarding – not only as a fantastic lean tour but also as a cultural experience not to be missed.

I have emerged with a new passion and enthusiasm for Lean Manufacturing. If you have the opportunity to participate in this fantastic tour, you will not regret it, it is an investment in you and your company’s future.

The tour was a seamless and professional experience. This is not just a tour for production people but for everybody with an open mind to improving processes.

Outstanding, highly recommended - I don’t have this much fun when I go on holiday. To see the cultural home of lean manufacturing is an experience you will never forget.