Lean Japan Tour – March 2026 – Kaizen Study Mission
The March 2026 Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour will run from Sunday 1st March to Saturday 7th March.
This immersive kaizen study mission includes seminars on lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System, practical kaizen training, factory visits with insights from senior management, and opportunities to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
The March 2026 Lean Japan Tour is now open for registration.
Visit our Lean Tours page for more information about our kaizen study mission programs together with feedback from tour alumni.
Contact us to express your interest or download the registration form to secure your spot today.
The March 2026 Lean Japan Tour welcomes English-speaking professionals from around the world.
Hosted by Shinka Management, the Lean Japan Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the origins of lean management through an in-depth kaizen study mission in Japan.
Designed for professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of lean principles, this immersive experience provides insights into both the practices and cultural foundations that support continuous improvement.
Participants will visit globally respected Japanese factories to observe lean systems in action and gain practical knowledge of the Toyota Production System. Through hands-on training and real-world examples, the program builds skills that can be applied directly within one’s own organization.
The program also features seminars and interactive sessions with senior leaders and lean practitioners, offering strategic perspectives on implementing and sustaining lean practices. These discussions help participants explore challenges, share best practices, and gain new ideas to support innovation and operational excellence.
This comprehensive approach ensures that participants return with practical tools, deeper insight, and renewed motivation to lead lean transformation in their own workplaces.
Example Itinerary based on previous kaizen study missions
Sunday: Arrive Tokyo
- Tokyo Sightseeing / Free Time
- Orientation & Japanese Business Culture 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 | Auotomotive final assembly plant or supplier
- Factory Tour | Precision tools manufacturer
Friday: Site Visit & Debriefing
- Factory visit | Automotive parts supplier
- Factory visit | Supplier to the building industry
- 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 featured visits to over 50 factories, service providers, hospitals, and government offices across Japan. Each tour is tailored based on the time of year, the availability of host companies, and the focus areas set by the tour leaders. Site selection prioritizes the strength of lean and kaizen learning opportunities over specific industry types, ensuring a broad and valuable experience for all participants.
Contact Shinka Management to learn more about the agenda for the March 2026 Lean Japan Tour.
Our kaizen study missions to Japan have welcomed participants from more than 70 countries worldwide…
Pforzheim, Germany
The Lean Japan Tour was the best lean management experience I have had. I wish I had done this earlier, so I could have done some things differently. One learns that some aspects of lean that one thought one knew, really have a different dimension to them. It helps to see lean management where it…
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Cupertino, California, United States
Great experience delivered by passionate professionals. The training is well-balanced between real life factory/hospital visits (lean in action), theory (basic concepts, why it makes sense) and exercise (set up your own mini factory line using lean concepts). All of this where it started: Japan. Definitely recommend the tour for any professional looking for ways to…
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Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for organizing such a fantastic tour. From the seamless logistics to the thoughtfully curated, authentic Japanese experience, everything was meticulously planned, making for an unforgettable trip. Your team’s professionalism, and passion for what you do really shone through, and it truly enhanced the entire experience. I appreciate…
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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…
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Göteborg, Sweden
I would like to give my deepest thanks for helping us end the executive program on a high note. This week has summarized TPS / VPS in a very practical and eye-opening manner. The lean journey has become real and exemplified through the many visits we have done. The coaching by Hattori Sensei, and by…
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Learn More About Our Kaizen Study Mission Programs
Offered several times throughout the year, the Lean Japan Tour is Shinka Management’s flagship professional development program and a leading kaizen study mission catering to global industry professionals. Designed to deliver deep insights into lean management and continuous improvement, the program combines practical training with real-world factory visits and expert-led discussions.
While all Shinka Management Japan study tours follow a consistent structure rooted in the principles of the Toyota Production System, each program is uniquely shaped by the timing, region, and availability of host companies. This tailored approach ensures every group experiences a dynamic and diverse program, with access to a range of industries and lean maturity levels. Participants gain firsthand exposure to best practices in lean implementation, from world-class manufacturers to innovative SMEs.
Learn more about our Japan study missions, and view detailed program information, upcoming tour dates, and reflections from past Lean Japan Tour participants. Whether you’re aiming to build foundational knowledge or seeking practical ideas to support your organization’s lean journey, our tours offer a powerful and transformative learning experience.
Participating Companies in Shinka Management Kaizen Study Missions
Contact us about a Lean Japan Tour
Speak to us about our kaizen study mission programs, or secure your position now.