ISM Study Tour 2026: Exploring Japanese Business and Innovation

What can established companies teach us about innovation, and how can new ideas help them meet tomorrow’s challenges? These questions shaped the annual ISM Study Tour at NUCB Business School, held in October 2026. Nine students from Lithuania’s ISM University of Management and Economics, led by Professor Dr. Vida Škudienė, explored Japanese business through company visits, academic sessions, and cultural experiences in Nagoya, Kyoto, and Tokyo.

Learning from Japanese Businesses

The company visits explored how established businesses sustain growth and pursue new opportunities.

At the Alpen Group's headquarters, students learned about business succession, long-term sustainability, and innovation from Mr. Makoto Ijuin, Director of Alpen University. A visit to Toyota Kaikan Museum offered insights into Toyota’s products and technological developments.

At Nagoya Innovator’s Garage, Mr. Toshio Sumi, Director of the Nagoya City Government's Startup Support Division, introduced local initiatives supporting startups and entrepreneurship, as well as several startups benefitting from those initiatives.

Students visited Asahi Forge to observe manufacturing operations firsthand and learn about Japan’s automotive supply chain and its expansion overseas from the team led by Mr. Satoshi Hirose.

The program concluded its Nagoya business visits with a presentation by Deputy General Manager Kenji Tadakuma of Toyota Motor Corporation's  New Business Planning Department at Toyota's Midland Square headquarters, exploring how a firm synonymous with Japanese innovation responds to changing markets and pursues new opportunities.

Together, these encounters offered students a broader view of Japan’s business environment, from the realities of manufacturing to the pursuit of emerging opportunities.

From Business Insights to Innovation

The program concluded by bringing these perspectives into the classroom. Professor Ted Katagi, CEO and Co-Founder of tech solutions company Kenja KK, introduced his firm and explored the evolving AI and technology innovation landscape in Japan.

Building on the week’s business insights, Professor Hoe Chin Goi then led a design thinking workshop in which students began developing prototypes to address company challenges or explore future avenues for innovation. Rather than ending with observation alone, the workshop invited students to put their learning into practice, translating business questions into early-stage ideas.

Building International Connections

Alongside its academic and business focus, the study tour created opportunities for Lithuanian visitors to connect with NUCB Business School students and staff. Excursions to Kyoto and Tokyo added further cultural perspectives, while shared experiences helped build relationships across borders.

We thank Professor Dr. Vida Škudienė, the ISM students, participating companies, and everyone who contributed to the program. Through continued collaboration with ISM University of Management and Economics, NUCB Business School looks forward to creating more opportunities for international learning and exchange.