auxiell-logo.png

Lean Japan Study Tour: journey to the origins of lean thinking

Lean Japan Study Tour: journey to the origins of lean thinking

The Lean Japan Study Tour is a unique educational experience that allows participants to immerse themselves for a whole week in Japanese culture and learn, through company visits and hands-on activities, about the ‘origins’ of the revolutionary approach known as lean thinking.

Guided by an auxiell lean expert and a Japanese culture expert, participants will have the opportunity to experience real Japanese kaizen first-hand. 

The course is adapted to the specific lean skills of each participant, fostering awareness of the possibility of initiating a transformation within their own organisation and effectively transferring what has been learnt to the individual workplace.

The Lean Japan Study Tour enables entrepreneurs, managers, company leaders, and lean agents to learn the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS), starting from where this approach was born, thereby facilitating the initiation or implementation of lean transformation in their respective organisations.

Programme

  • Preliminary meeting

Aimed at sharing the objectives of the trip and fostering mutual understanding among participants.

 

  • Visits to production and service entities

And to environments linked to civil society to learn how concepts derived from the Lean approach are applied in Japan, even in everyday life.

 

  • Practical training

Focused on waste reduction techniques delivered by former Toyota managers.

 

  • Daily debriefings

Group debriefings coordinated by a lean expert to maximise the benefits of the experience.

 

  • Cultural visit

A visit to the city of Kyoto to appreciate elements of Japanese history and culture.

 

Teaching methods

  • Company visits to production and service entities
  • Practical training in waste reduction techniques
  • Exchange of experiences, both between participants and with local Japanese management

Testimonials

"This experience allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the world of continuous improvement through visits to Japanese companies where you can feel the essence of kaizen as soon as you cross the office threshold. I was able to engage with realities that made me realise how improvement can only be achieved with the involvement of everyone."
Paolo Chilò
CEO S.P.F. Chilò
"The Lean Japan Study Tour was a source of great cultural and professional enrichment for me. I was able to see the lean system in its birthplace and witness its potential across various production contexts. I also experienced different tools first-hand, which I brought back with me. It was a unique opportunity to meet professionals from diverse backgrounds, gain a better understanding of Japanese culture outside the workplace, and, why not, have fun!"
Massimiliano Sartor
Plant Manager Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A.
"It was a fascinating experience, a journey that exceptionally captivated our attention. Professionally, it was undoubtedly stimulating as we were fully immersed in lean culture. We also enjoyed some delightful 'tourist' moments that allowed us to dive into a culture entirely different from our own." 
Gaetano Mercante
CTO Elite
"During the Lean Japan Study Tour, I was able to appreciate how, in vastly different contexts, the principles of lean, when applied consistently, help improve efficiency, flexibility, working conditions, the sense of belonging, and the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Methodology, collaboration, continuous improvement, discipline, and simplicity were the factors I appreciated most about this experience."
Marco Moro
President Morocolor
"Visiting Japan is itself a unique experience. Touring companies organised around lean principles was stimulating for our ongoing business transformation. The real challenge – and perhaps the most interesting aspect – is, once we return to Italy, to find the right approach to transfer the same principles to culturally diverse individuals."
Marco Moro
President Morocolor
"Everyone should have the opportunity to see with their own eyes where everything originated. This experience complements the theoretical training received on lean principles and techniques. If the phrase ‘learn by watching’ is true, on this trip I had the chance to learn a lot, to get to know a different culture and visit many companies similar to ours."
Lorena Frasson, Head of Quality, Environment and Safety
Cartotecnica Postumia
IMG_1307

Our experts are available to support you with process transformation

Contact us

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive exclusive content, practical tips, and updates delivered directly to your inbox!

Subscribe to the newsletter