Lean Japan Tour – September 2025 – Lean Study Mission
The September 2025 Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour is scheduled from Sunday, 31st August to Saturday, 6th September. This immersive lean study mission features lean manufacturing and Toyota Production System seminars, hands-on kaizen training, factory visits with insights from senior leaders, and a range of Japanese cultural activities.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Visit our Lean Tours page for more information about the tour and insights from past participants.
Reach out to us to express your interest or download the registration form to secure your spot today.
The September 2025 lean study mission welcomes English-speaking professionals from around the world.

Hosted by Shinka Management, the Lean Japan Tour provides an exceptional opportunity for participants to embark on an in-depth journey into the heart of lean management, learning directly from its origins in Japan.
This immersive lean study mission is designed for professionals seeking to gain a profound understanding of lean principles and practices, as well as the cultural context that underpins them. Participants will have the rare chance to engage directly with industry experts who bring decades of experience in implementing and sustaining lean strategies.
The tour includes exclusive visits to prominent and globally recognized factories, where participants can observe lean methodologies in action and witness the impact of continuous improvement (kaizen) on operational excellence. Through hands-on training sessions, participants will not only learn about the Toyota Production System but also apply these principles in a practical setting, gaining valuable skills to bring back to their organizations.
The program is further enriched by thought-provoking seminars and in-depth discussions with senior leaders from the host companies. These sessions provide participants with a unique opportunity to gain strategic insights into effective lean implementation, overcome common challenges, and learn best practices from those who have successfully embedded lean culture into their organizations. This comprehensive approach ensures participants leave with actionable knowledge and a renewed perspective on how to drive improvement and innovation within their own teams.

Example Itinerary based on previous lean study missions
Sunday: Arrive Tokyo
- Tokyo Sightseeing / Free Time
- Orientation & Japanese Business Etiquette Seminar
- Welcome Dinner
Monday: Site Visits & Training
- Travel to Aichi Prefecture
- Seminar | Lean Leadership in Japan
- Site Tour | Suzaki Industries | Toyota Supplier
- Seminar | Toyota Production System
- Group Dinner in Inuyama
Tuesday: Seminars & Practical Training
- Seminar | Toyota Production System Standard Work
- Hands-on Training | Kaizen Team Challenge
- Group Dinner | Traditional Japanese Restaurant
Wednesday: Site Visit & Practical Training
- Site Visit | Metal One Isuzu (Steel Service Center)
- Practical Training | Kanban Simulation
- Sightseeing at Inuyama Castle
Thursday: Site Visits
- Factory Tour | Toyota Final Assembly Plant
- Factory Tour | Precision tools manufacturer
Friday: Site Visit & Debriefing
- Site visit | Automotive Parts Supplier
- Toyota Commemorative Museum
- Final seminar and Tour Debrief Session
- Return to Tokyo
- Farewell Dinner in Shibuya
Saturday: Tokyo – Recovery and Sightseeing
- Tokyo Sightseeing | Asakusa and Ginza
- Departure
The Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour has visited over 50 different factories, service facilities, hospitals and government offices in Japan over the course of its history. The tour schedule and factories visited vary between tours depending on time of year, host company operational requirements and tour leader preference. Sites are selected with a focus on lean and kaizen learning content rather than particular industry type.
Contact Shinka Management to learn more about the September 2025 Lean Japan Tour program agenda.
Shinka Management has hosted participants from 70 countries on lean study missions in Japan…
I attended Shinka Management’s Lean Japan Tour and it was an incredible experience. The content was highly informative and practical, offering deep insights into lean culture and principles and their real-world applications. The organisation of the program was excellent, ensuring a seamless and engaging learning experience. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to…
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I must say thank you to the whole Shinka team – very grateful to meet you. The senseis and the Shinka team always cared about integrating us, teaching us and making us feel comfortable. The planning for the tour was brilliant. All my expectations were met. I saw TPS totally implemented, and it was amazing…
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I highly recommend this tour. You will learn lean from the experts which will greatly facilitate your lean journey.
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For me, the Lean Japan Tour was a journey through different companies guided by experts who explained the tools and demonstrated how to live in a work culture based on continuous improvement. This allowed me to discover new concepts and approaches to facilitate the successful implementation of a kaizen culture in American companies.
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Shinka Management organized an excellent tour. It was structured to capture professional development and cultural experience. The tour also provided me with experiences related not only to the local culture and food of Japan, but also to the culture and languages of fellow participants from all over the world. This tour has made a significant…
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Discover More About Our Lean Study Mission Programs
Offered multiple times each year, the Lean Japan Tour is Shinka Management’s premier lean professional development program, designed to provide participants with deep insights into lean management practices. While all Shinka Management lean study mission programs follow a similar framework, each tour is uniquely tailored, with factory visits and program content varying based on the availability of host companies. This ensures a fresh and dynamic experience for every tour group, offering exposure to a wide range of lean implementation examples and best practices.
For more details about our lean study missions, visit our Lean Tour page, where you can find comprehensive program information, or explore feedback from participants who have benefited from previous tours. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of lean principles or gain practical insights into lean manufacturing and kaizen, our study missions offer a transformative learning experience.
Participating Companies in Shinka Management Lean Study Missions

















Contact us about a Lean Japan Tour
Speak to us about our lean study mission programs, or secure your position now.