Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour

Lean Japan Tour

Join the Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour for an experience of a lifetime. Immerse yourself over one week into the original Japanese thinking behind lean and its successful application across a range of industries. Whether you are new to the concept of lean, or searching for that next level of achievement, you will come home with a better understanding of how a continuous improvement culture can be embedded across your organization.

The Challenge:

Many organizations have attempted implementing lean management programs in recent years, but there are limited cases of its successful and ongoing implementation outside of Japan. There are some key reasons behind this:

  1. Companies have never seen a genuinely successful example to benchmark against.
  2. Companies overlook the people and culture side when implementing lean programs.
  3. Companies miss the true essence of lean due to a flood of misinterpreted material and opinions in the marketplace.

Shinka Japan Tour

Next Tour Dates:

  • March 9-15, 2025
  • April 13-19, 2025
  • August 31 - September 6, 2025
  • November 9-15, 2025

Experience Lean Manufacturing in Japan through the Lean Japan Tour

SRMA invites its members to visit Japan to participate in the Lean Japan Tour, a program designed to provide insights into lean manufacturing principles and their practical application. The program, organized by global lean manufacturing consulting firm Shinka Management, offers manufacturing professionals the opportunity to visit leading Japanese companies, learn from experts, and explore how lean practices are embedded into organizational culture and operations.

Lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System focus on minimizing waste while maximizing value. These practices have become a critical approach for businesses aiming to improve efficiency, quality, lead time, safety and customer satisfaction. By understanding lean practices at their source in Japan, participants can identify ways to implement these strategies in their own workplaces.

The Lean Japan Tour includes factory visits, seminars, hands-on training and discussions with Japanese industry leaders. Participants will see lean principles in action and gain insights into how continuous improvement and operational excellence are achieved in diverse industries.

For SRMA members, the program is a chance to learn proven techniques for improving workflows, reducing costs, managing inventory and enhancing productivity. It’s also an opportunity to network with peers and gain fresh perspectives on operational improvements.

Benefits of the Tour:

The Lean Japan Tour will broaden your thinking and build your knowledge of lean management principles. You’ll experience lean implantation in some of Japan’s top companies, and develop the understanding necessary to implement these within your organization.

Shinka Management consultants have been running the Lean Japan Tour since 2007. The program includes an intensive week of training, company tours, senior management discussions and Japanese cultural experiences. We look after you throughout the program, providing domestic transport, accommodation and meals, cultural guidance and interpreting services.

Companies We Visit:

Shinka Management has an extensive network of world leading Japanese lean companies including: Toyota, Metal One, Kikkoman, Gifu Auto Body, Panasonic, Sekisui Heim, Subaru, Denso, Omron, NK, Hamamatsu City Government, Chuo Malleable Iron, TESSEI, Toyota Boshoku, Osaka City University Hospital, and Taikoh Transportation 

Register HERE

Terms and Conditions HERE

Learn more about the Lean Japan Tour HERE

SRMA members are encouraged to contact SRMA's Business Advisor Pavel Kuviarzin for more information and to discuss a special offer related to this program.

This program is available to SRMA members through a collaboration with Shinka Management. The Lean Japan Tour is coordinated and delivered by Shinka Management, with all agreements and arrangements handled directly between participating businesses and Shinka Management. SRMA and its affiliates disclaim any liability associated with this program.