Lean Japan Tour – March 2027 | Kaizen Study Tour Japan
Join Shinka Management in Japan from Sunday, 28 February to Saturday, 6 March 2027 for an immersive Kaizen Study Tour exploring lean management and continuous improvement at their source.
The March 2027 Lean Japan Tour combines factory visits, practical training, seminars and discussions with experienced Japanese industry leaders. Participants will see how organizations in Japan apply the Toyota Production System and kaizen in day-to-day operations, while developing practical insights they can take back to their own workplaces.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Visit our main Lean Japan Tour page for full program information, FAQs, participant feedback and other dates, or contact Shinka Management to discuss joining the program.
Download the Lean Japan Tour registration form for further details.
The March 2027 program will be conducted in English and welcomes leaders, managers and lean practitioners from organizations around the world.
Experience Kaizen in Japan
A kaizen study tour provides something that classroom training alone cannot: the opportunity to observe continuous improvement within the environment in which many of its principles were developed and refined.
During the March 2027 Lean Japan Tour, participants will visit Japanese companies to observe production systems, workplace organization, visual management, standard work and improvement activity at the genba. Factory visits are complemented by seminars, practical exercises and discussions designed to help participants understand not only what Japanese organizations do, but also how and why their lean cultures are sustained.
Training covers key elements of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and the management practices that support kaizen over the long term. Participants also have opportunities to engage with experienced Japanese practitioners, including former Toyota managers and senior industry leaders.
The result is a highly practical professional development experience for those seeking fresh ideas, greater lean capability and a deeper understanding of continuous improvement.
What to Expect from the March 2027 Kaizen Study Tour
Shinka Management has been leading lean study missions in Japan since 2007, providing participants with access to Japanese organizations across manufacturing, healthcare, government and service industries.
Each Lean Japan Tour is developed around the learning opportunities available at the time of the program. Rather than focusing on particular company names, we select host organizations that can demonstrate valuable examples of lean management, kaizen and the Toyota Production System.
The March 2027 program is expected to include:
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Factory and company visits – observe lean management and kaizen directly at the genba.
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Toyota Production System training – develop a deeper understanding of TPS principles and their practical application.
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Hands-on kaizen activities – apply concepts through structured exercises and simulations.
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Management discussions – learn from the experiences of Japanese leaders and lean practitioners.
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Japanese business culture – understand some of the cultural and management context behind continuous improvement in Japan.
- International peer learning – exchange ideas and experiences with professionals from different industries and countries.
Throughout the week, Shinka Management provides the coordination, interpreting and cultural support required to make the experience both productive and enjoyable.
Example Itinerary Based on previous Kaizen Study Tours
Sunday: Arrive in Tokyo
- Tokyo Sightseeing / Free Time
- Tour Orientation
- Japanese Business Culture and Etiquette Seminar
- Welcome Dinner
Monday: Lean Leadership and Company Visits
- Travel to Aichi Prefecture
- Seminar | Lean Leadership in Japan
- Site Visit | Suzaki Industries | Toyota Supplier
- Seminar | Toyota Production System
- Group Dinner in Inuyama
Tuesday: TPS and Practical Kaizen Training
- Seminar | Toyota Production System and Standard Work
- Hands-on Training | Kaizen Team Challenge
- Group Dinner | Traditional Japanese Restaurant
Wednesday: Site Visit and Practical Training
- Company Tour | Metal One Isuzu (Steel Processing Facility)
- Hands-on Practical Training | Kanban Simulation
- Cultural Experience and Sightseeing at Inuyama Castle
Thursday: Factory Visits
- Factory Tour | Auotomotive supplier
- Factory Tour | Precision tools manufacturer
- Management Discussions and Reflection
Friday: Company Visits & Tour Debrief
- Factory Visit | Automotive Parts Supplier
- Museum Visit | Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
- Debrief Session
- Return to Tokyo
Saturday: Tokyo – Sightseeing and Departure
- Self-Guided Sightseeing | Asakusa and Ginza
- Departure
Shinka Management has had the privelege of hosting clients from over 70 countries to date on our Japan study tours…
Christchurch, Cantebury, New Zealand
I was very pleased to join the March 2026 Shinka Management Lean Tour in Japan. Having previously worked with the Toyota Way and Kaizen in the early 1990s, I was keen to revisit this manufacturing philosophy, and the opportunity to see Lean in action in Japan was not to be missed. The tour was outstanding.…
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Sydney, NSW, Australia
I am finishing my final day of the Lean Tour with Shinka Management, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. For anyone serious about mastering the Toyota Production System (TPS), this tour in Japan is a must. Shinka provides a masterclass in combining detailed theoretical frameworks with hands-on practical training. Seeing the concepts…
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
The March 2025 Lean Japan Tour was an incredible opportunity to experience Japanese culture and kaizen practices firsthand. I would rate my overall satisfaction with this tour as outstanding. Honestly, it is very difficult to identify areas for improvement in the program, as it is executed with such professionalism and extensive experience. The dedication and…
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Karachi, Pakistan
I wanted to express my appreciation for the incredible Lean Japan Tour experience. I am grateful for the hospitality and support Shinka Management provided. Your guidance on Japanese Business Etiquette was invaluable. I am not aware of any training consultants who pay such meticulous attention to details. Your warm and welcoming approach created an excellent…
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Shanghai, China
Shinka Management’s service here was truly exceptional. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure that every detail of our experience was perfect. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, and it was truly appreciated. Their hospitality was warm and welcoming, making us feel like valued guests.
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Learn More about the Lean Japan Tour
The Lean Japan Tour is Shinka Management’s flagship Japan-based professional development program for leaders and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of lean management, kaizen and the Toyota Production System.
Programs are held several times each year, with each study tour providing a different combination of company visits and learning experiences according to host-company availability and the strengths of the organizations visited.
Explore our Lean Japan Tour programs to learn more about the format, inclusions and experiences of past participants.
Past Participants on Shinka Management’s Japan Study Tours
Join the March 2027 Lean Japan Tour
Experience lean and kaizen where they originated.
Contact Shinka Management to discuss the March 2027 Kaizen Study Tour or download the registration form to reserve your position.