Great engagement with the team, curated for our needs including delving into a case study of particular relevance.
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The Japanese Business Etiquette course was amazing – I can’t believe it was 6 hours in total, the time flew by! The content was comprehensive, however felt very organic – topics that were of less interest were covered in passing, while topics that we were interested in were discussed in depth without ever feeling rushed to move to the next point. The use of anecdotes, examples and case studies really helped contextualise the content, plus the use of references to other cultures also helped us appreciate some of the nuances of our own way of working. There was a really good balance as well between the Japanese background/culture, and its manifestation/impact on the type of interactions that we could expect in business. Some very practical lessons could also be drawn from the course – e.g. what to think about/practically DO if hosting a Japanese delegation, what to watch out for, how to interpret/not interpret certain behaviours or actions…
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What a journey into lean! A week jam-packed with learning the true essence of lean from a Sensei, then being critiqued on your practical application of the skills. Followed up by site tours of what world class lean manufacturing looks like. Highly Recommended.
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These tours provide direct, hands-on experience with the Toyota Production System (TPS) and other lean principles in action, going beyond theoretical knowledge. Shinka Management are professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about lean, providing excellent organization. If you are wanting to learn more about lean manufacturing or TPS then this is the best place to start, you won’t be disappointed.
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Outstanding lean tour hosted by Shinka Management. When researching lean tours in Japan, I wanted to choose the provider offering the most credible program – rich in technical depth and practical, hands-on learning. I’m happy to say this turned out to be a world-class experience that I highly recommend.
The program combined expert training and factory visits that showcased Toyota Production System principles at the highest level. Training was led by seasoned Toyota practitioners who brought true technical expertise to life. Every detail of the tour was professionally planned and managed, which quickly lifted the burden of logistics and allowed me to focus fully on learning.
Grateful to the Shinka Management team for delivering a world-class experience. Many thanks to Paul Smith, Eri Dennis, and Ichi Yamada for their care and hospitality.
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This was an extremely insightful tour. Very well run by Paul and the team from Shinka Management. Highly recommended.
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The tour was highly professional. The food and hotels were excellent, and the best part was the learning experience. We had hands-on exposure to kanban, and seeing Lean and Kaizen in action during the factory visits was extremely informative. The Q&A sessions provided us with deeper insights into the thinking of each management team we met. I can’t wait to gradually implement these learnings in our company.
Many thanks to the Shinka team – especially Paul, Eri, and Ichi – for taking such good care of us.
Highly recommended! Excellent value for money.
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First of all I would like to offer an absolute gesture of gratitude to the Shinka Management team – Paul, Ichi, Kaji Sensei, and especially Eri who often went out of her way to make sure everything ran smoothly and we had a great time. In my opinion the organization of the whole tour was superb.
As for the learning journey, I came in expecting to receive answers to my questions, but left with a sense of self growth. What I have lived through this week was a realization that I can’t expect to have epiphanies about continuous improvement and the implementation of lean practices. Instead my eyes were opened to see that everyone has the same struggles and it was inspirational.
I leave this experience motivated and with a mind full of challenges, and I thank you guys for that.
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Paul, Eri and Ichi provided a fantastically well curated tour to the birthplace of continuous improvement. Hearing the theory, experiencing practical hands-on learning at the dojo, and then seeing the theory put into practice at a number of world class manufacturing plants was thought provoking, motivating and inspiring. Now the fun starts – putting theory into practice!
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Participating in the Shinka Management lean tour was an absolutely transformative experience. The opportunity to witness lean principles in action across renowned factories and a cutting-edge hospital offered unparalleled insights into operational excellence.
The factory visits were a masterclass in efficiency and continuous improvement. Observing Toyota Production System methodologies firsthand—from Gemba walks to 5S practices – highlighted the power of eliminating waste and empowering frontline teams. The meticulous attention to detail and culture of kaizen were nothing short of inspiring.
Equally impactful was the hospital tour, where lean thinking transcended manufacturing to revolutionize healthcare. Seeing workflows optimized for patient care, error reduction, and staff collaboration demonstrated lean’s universal applicability. It reshaped my perspective on how process excellence can save lives while boosting efficiency.
Beyond the sites, the tour’s cultural immersion – from engaging with Japanese business etiquette to savoring local traditions – enriched the learning journey. Shinka Management’s exceptional organization, knowledgeable leaders, and thoughtful itineraries made every moment invaluable.
This tour isn’t just educational; it’s a catalyst for innovation. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any professional seeking to deepen their lean expertise and ignite transformative change.
This experience will resonate in my work for years to come!
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