Innovation and Excellence in Japan

Japan, or “The Land of the Rising Sun,” is a country spread over 6,000 islands that harnesses innovation in ways that are rooted in its unique culture. Japan’s innovation in technology ranges from bullet trains to QR codes to the emojis we all use today. Japan is the world’s number one producer of industrial robots, accounting for 45% of global supply. Japan is focusing on innovation to promote growth as its population is in decline. Japan’s philosophies of kaizen (continuous incremental improvement) and omotenashi (wholehearted hospitality) are concepts that are at the heart of its innovative culture.

This program will focus on understanding Japan’s relentless drive for excellence and how ideas of continual improvement and selfless service are applied to promote innovation in Japan. Students will be provided with the opportunity to witness firsthand the way Japanese companies innovate and produce world-class technologies. Meetings with industry leaders and experts and visits to innovation hubs will enable students to observe Japan’s approach to excellence and innovation. Culturally immersive activities focusing on both traditional and modern Japan, including anime, baseball, sumo wrestling, music, tea ceremonies, riding the bullet train, and Japanese dining, will provide a context within which to enjoy and learn from the Japanese way of life.