Japan Study Tour
March 13-28, 2010  - University of Washington

The goal of this study tour is to provide a forum for students to learn about business issues of Japan and to gain an introductory understanding of Japanese business culture through company visits and cultural activities.

This study tour will focus on 3 main categories of Japanese business culture: innovation in products/services; innovation in people (leadership and management); and innovation in organizations.

Some questions this study tour seeks to answer are: How does a country that has embraced a seniority-based promotion system with lifetime employment change to a Western-style meritocracy? Would an individualistic business approach be more suitable to stimulate innovation and be the most beneficial to the Japanese economy? How might Japanese businesses adapt foreign ideals or business strategies to promote innovation and stimulate the Japanese economy?

Japanese businesses have strong relationships with many companies on the West Coast. Japan is WA State's 2nd largest trading partner. An introduction to Japanese customs and business practices will be directly applicable to students planning live and work in the Pacific Northwest.