Global Insights: JYU (Finland) EMBA Students Discover Japan’s Business Culture

NUCB Business School recently had the honor of hosting the Executive MBA program from Jyväskylä University (JYU) in Finland for an immersive study tour across Nagoya and Tokyo. The visiting group included senior leaders from Finland’s top companies, such as Toyota Finance Finland, Kesko Corporation, HUS Hospital District, and more. From chief physicians to commercial directors, their diverse expertise and high-level positions brought a dynamic and inspiring energy to every session, making this program a truly exceptional experience at our school.

The case method class sessions, led by Prof. Kenji Yokoyama (Dean for External Relations), Prof. Ted Katagi (CEO and Co-Founder of Kenja), and Prof. Nigel Denscombe, offered participants a deep theoretical understanding of Japanese business. Prof. Yokoyama explored Japanese management and culture, Prof. Katagi introduced digital transformation and AI in Japan, and Prof. Denscombe guided a session on sampoyoshi, the Japanese business philosophy that predates sustainability and CSV, featuring a case on ITOCHU, a leading Japanese trading company with operations spanning textiles, machinery, food, energy, and lifestyle sectors. These interactive sessions encouraged participants to apply global business concepts to the Japanese context.

Complementing the classroom experience, participants received presentations from representatives of Alpen Group and Mitsubishi HC Capital, gaining firsthand insight into corporate strategy and operations. They also visited the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and Tobu Railway offices, touring the Skytree and learning about Tobu’s expansion from a transportation company into the lifestyle and leisure sectors. These visits reinforced the lessons from class, allowing executives to experience Japanese business practices in action across multiple industries.

By hosting distinguished global executives and providing opportunities for partner school students to engage directly with Japanese companies, NUCB Business School creates a unique platform for insights into business innovation, strategy, and sustainability—highlighting the value of experiential learning across Japan’s two major economic hubs.