Explore Innovation in Prefabricated Housing and Lean Construction in Japan
Join a global delegation of housing and construction professionals for a study tour of Japan’s world-leading building sector. Discover how Japan is tackling global housing challenges with precision, efficiency, and sustainable innovation.
The Shinka Management Japan Housing Mission offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into one of the world’s most advanced housing markets.
This one-week housing industry study tour in Japan is designed for senior leaders in construction, housing development, government, and supply chain management. Participants will explore Japan’s prefabricated housing and building product sectors through site visits, executive seminars, industry networking and cultural experiences.
With a focus on prefabricated and modular building, lean construction and kaizen principles, the program showcases the practices and technologies that have enabled Japan to lead in housing quality, speed, and sustainability.
Since 2007, Shinka Management has hosted clients from over 70 countries on professional development tours to Japan. This program builds on that expertise, with leadership from bilingual consultants and support throughout the journey including interpretation, cultural guidance, domestic travel, meals, and accommodations.
Japan Housing Mission – Program Details
Dates: 12 – 18 April 2026
Program commences at 3:30pm on the starting Sunday in Tokyo and concludes the following Saturday in Tokyo with an optional day of sightseeing
Cities Visited: Tokyo, Inuyama, Nagano
Inclusions: Accommodation, meals*, domestic transport, factory tours, seminars, networking and cultural visits | *Meals exclude two free evenings and Saturday lunch
Registration Fee: USD 6,750
Itinerary and Registration: Contact Shinka Management to request brochure and registration form, itinerary and factory details via the form below or here.
Japan Housing Industry Study Tour – Program Highlights
Experience an immersive, on-the-ground look at Japan’s prefabricated housing and building materials sector, featuring shop-floor factory tours, expert-led seminars, and direct engagement with industry leaders.
Prefabricated Housing Factory Tours
Visit leading-edge production facilities specializing in modular and prefabricated housing. Observe automated assembly lines, advanced manufacturing systems, and high-precision quality control in action. Learn how Japanese builders are achieving speed, efficiency, and customization at scale.
Building Products and Appliance Manufacturers
Gain insight into how Japan’s top manufacturers of home fixtures and appliances apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to achieve world-class levels of productivity, quality and safety across the supply chain.
Customized Residential Construction Systems
Explore production systems designed for made-to-order housing, enabling high levels of personalization while maintaining operational efficiency. Learn how companies manage complex production flows, balance loads, and deliver consistent quality in a high-variation environment.
Seminars and Industry Networking
Engage with Japanese housing and construction industry stakeholders through seminars and roundtable discussions. Gain insight into current industry trends, challenges, and innovative approaches, while building valuable international connections with peers and experts.
Lean and Kaizen Training
Participate in seminars on lean construction and continuous improvement culture led by Shinka Management’s experienced consultants. These sessions provide context for what you’ll observe on site and equip you with frameworks to apply within your organization.
Cultural and Business Insight
Begin your journey with a Japanese business etiquette seminar and experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage throughout the week. Enjoy traditional cuisine, regional sightseeing, and immersive experiences that help deepen your understanding of Japanese society and customer expectations.
Jaime Zabala Jr, President
Advanced Hurricane Technologies
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
This was my first real experience with training tourism and it was a smashing success. Paul, Eri, and Ichi were professional and patient in their approach to dealing with the tour members and competent and knowledgeable on the subject of Lean/Kaizen. My time with them convinced me that this course of action is the right one for my business and I thank them profoundly for their efforts and care.
* Trip Logistics – fantastic communication before and during the tour. We had a clear schedule, meeting place, and expectations at every stop.
* Program education structure – well paced and purposeful. I learned fundamentals before being sent to a factory where I could appreciate them. We combined classroom with practical labs and then saw it all in practice.
* Culture exposure – we toured and ate things outside my experience and felt comfortable through Ichi and Eri’s assistance.
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Stuart Collins, Executive Director Tasmania
Housing Industry Association
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Paul and Eri from Shinka Management clearly understood the brief and greatly assisted in transforming our industry tour into an enjoyable and exceptional experience immersed in Japanese culture. Without their support we would not have gained the same level of factory access, learnings and knowledge. Well done!
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Mark Sherlock, Operations Manager
Rondo Building Services
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
It was great experiencing factories that have implemented simple and effective processes in the right manner. I enjoyed the stories from each sensei on their journey of kaizen and how they implemented it within their factories. Ben, Eri and Juan were incredible hosts, the whole tour was seamless and the content was really valuable. This tour has really changed my understanding of what great looks like. Thank you.
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Mark Stratford, General Manager
KS Metal Fabrications
I was a part of the November 2013 Lean Japan Tour and would highly recommend it for anyone who is serious about Lean Manufacturing. Ben and Paul are well organised and have put together a great tour. The tour is very enjoyable and a great insight into Lean manufacturing. I have come back with a greater appreciation for Lean Manufacturing and excited about where we can go with the ideas and knowledge I brought back with me from the tour. Paul and Ben, WELL DONE.
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Ellen Wundersitz, Managing Director
Spacecraft Joinery
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
I have thoroughly enjoyed the lean tour to Japan. Not only have I learned lots of new concepts that I’m keen to implement in our business, but I also loved the cultural experiences and insight into the people of Japan. The tour organizers bent over backward to make us feel welcome and anticipate our every need. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of how lean can be practically applied in their business.
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Carmel Burton, General Manager – Supply Chain
Timberlink Australia
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
The Shinka Lean Management Tour was a great experience, with group members from across the globe. A combination of classroom, hands-on and site visit learning provided good insight into lean principles. The tour was very well organised, ran smoothly and was a pleasure to be a part of.
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Who Should Attend
This study mission is designed for professionals and organizations involved in the planning, design, manufacture, and delivery of housing. It is particularly relevant for those seeking to improve construction productivity, adopt industrialized building methods, or explore lean construction practices.
Participants will include decision-makers and leaders from across the global housing and construction ecosystem, including:
- Homebuilders and residential construction executives
- Government housing departments and regulators
- Building product manufacturers and suppliers
- Modular and prefabrication specialists
- Industry associations and policy makers
- Operations, supply chain, and lean professionals in the housing sector
Benefits of Joining a Japan Housing Industry Study Tour
The Japan Housing Mission offers a transformative professional development experience designed specifically for leaders and innovators in the global housing and construction sector. Through immersive site visits and direct engagement with Japan’s most advanced housing manufacturers and suppliers, you’ll gain a firsthand understanding of lean construction, industrialized building systems, and the continuous improvement culture that underpins Japan’s housing success.
You’ll observe how Japan consistently delivers high-quality, energy-efficient homes through precision manufacturing, modular design, and supply chain integration. From factory gemba walks to in-depth conversations with senior executives and housing experts, you’ll uncover proven strategies for increasing productivity, improving quality, and reducing waste across the building lifecycle.
Throughout the week, you’ll be supported by Shinka Management’s team of bilingual consultants—experts in lean manufacturing and Japanese business culture—who will provide interpretation, context, and coaching to help translate each site visit into meaningful insight for your organization.
A key strength of the program is the opportunity to build valuable connections within a global peer network. You’ll engage with fellow participants from across the housing ecosystem—including builders, suppliers, regulators, and developers—sharing experiences, challenges, and ideas that extend well beyond the tour itself.
By the end of the mission, you’ll return home inspired and equipped to lead innovation in your organization, with a deeper understanding of how Japanese management principles can be adapted to address today’s housing challenges—from supply shortages and labor constraints to sustainability and customer satisfaction.
Housing and Construction in Japan
Japan’s housing industry faces many of the same pressures challenging the global construction sector: an aging workforce, rising material and labor costs, tightening regulations, and the urgent need to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing at scale. Like many countries, Japan must reconcile increasing demand for housing with shrinking productivity, environmental concerns, and a shortage of skilled labor. These factors have driven Japanese companies to pioneer innovative solutions—particularly in the fields of prefabricated housing, lean construction, and industrialized building systems.
Japanese homebuilders and manufacturers have responded by developing highly efficient, factory-based production systems that enable faster construction with greater quality control and less waste. The integration of modular design, automated manufacturing technologies, and total quality management principles has transformed housing delivery in Japan into a model of precision, speed, and sustainability. Many of the country’s largest builders now operate fully integrated housing supply chains, from materials procurement through to delivery and on-site assembly.
The influence of kaizen culture and the Toyota Production System (TPS) can be seen in many aspects of Japan’s housing industry—from production scheduling and just-in-time delivery to standardized work and continuous improvement routines on factory floors. These lean practices have enabled Japanese builders to maintain high levels of efficiency and product consistency, even in a market characterized by customization and seismic safety requirements.
Over the past decade, Shinka Management has worked with a number of Japan’s leading housing manufacturers and suppliers to introduce international participants to the systems and mindsets behind their success. These visits and discussions serve as powerful references for organizations seeking to implement lean building practices, increase housing productivity, and explore scalable solutions to global housing challenges.
Shinka Management Japan Study Missions
Shinka Management runs programs in Japan covering a variety of themes including the Lean Japan Tour, Lean Healthcare Tour, and the Japan Housing Mission. View a video from one of our previous lean manufacturing-themed study missions to Japan.
Want to see more? Access other kaizen study trip videos via our YouTube Channel or view our latest photos on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Inquiries
Interested in joining us in Japan for the Japan Housing Mission? To request program brochure, mission itinerary and host organization names, please fill in the form provided or email our team at
Japan Housing Mission FAQs
The following FAQ section is specific to our Japan housing industry study tour programs.
For general questions relating to our Japan study trips, including inquiries related to booking, travel arrangements and pre-departure preparation, see the FAQ section at the bottom of the Lean Japan Tour page.
What is the Japan Housing Mission?
The Japan Housing Mission is an immersive, one-week housing industry study tour in Japan designed for global professionals seeking insight into lean construction, modular building, and prefabricated housing practices. The program features factory site visits, executive seminars, industry networking and cultural experiences, offering a rare opportunity to observe Japanese building innovation and world-class manufacturing management in action.
Who should attend this program?
This study tour program is ideal for:
- Homebuilders and construction executives
- Modular and prefabricated housing specialists
- Building product manufacturers and suppliers
- Government housing departments and urban planners
- Developers, project managers, and housing investors
- Operations and supply chain professionals focused on housing productivity improvement
When will the next Japan Housing Mission be held?
The Japan Housing Mission is currently run on an annual basis. Dates for the next mission, as well as dates for all Japan-based study tour programs, can be found on the Shinka Management events calendar.
Where does the study tour begin and end?
The mission typically begins and concludes in Tokyo, Japan. Specific details, including the designated hotel and any intercity travel, will be confirmed closer to the tour start. In some cases, the program may end in a different city depending on the final site visit itinerary.
What does the program fee include?
The fee of USD $6,750 includes:
- Hotel accommodation throughout the tour
- Domestic transport within Japan
- Entry to all scheduled factory and site visits
- Seminars on Japanese management practices including lean manufacturing and kaizen
- Interpreting services and cultural support
- Group meals (excluding two free evenings and Saturday lunch)
Please note: international airfares, travel insurance and airport transfers are not included.
How many participants are expected on the mission?
Participation is capped at 20 participants to ensure quality interaction and site access. Our typical lean construction study tour group includes 10 – 20 professionals from around the world, representing a diverse mix of sectors within the housing and construction ecosystem.
What language is the program conducted in?
All seminars and tour activities are conducted in English. Our bilingual consultants provide full interpretation during Japanese-language factory tours and meetings to ensure you gain maximum value from every engagement.
Do I need experience in lean or modular construction to benefit from the program?
No. The program is structured to support both newcomers and experienced professionals. We will provide introductory seminars on kaizen and lean practices applied to manufacturing and construction to aid participants in gaining the most from factory and site visits. Similarly, there will be ample opportunity throughout the week to understand and witness Japan’s approach to prefabricated housing systems.
Will there be an opportunity to network with Japanese housing industry representatives?
Yes. In addition to meeting with management and company representatives during site visits, we also include seminars and specific networking events with representives from industry and housing-related associations.
How do I register or request more information?
Simply fill out the expression of interest form on this page, or contact the Shinka Management team directly. You’ll receive the latest Japan Housing Mission brochure, along with updates on confirmed dates, availability and registration instructions. Early inquiries are encouraged, as places are limited.
Contact Shinka Management via the contact form on this page for further information, including a brochure, itinerary, program fee details, and names of companies and factories to be visited during the week. Our team can also be emailed directly at
Our Building Industry Clients
