IMPM’s first Module in Japan: 1996 in Tokyo
The International Masters Program for Managers (IMPM)'s first intake of participants (Cycle 1) experienced the Collaborative Mindset Module at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo. It was led by Professors Ikujiro Nonaka and Hiroyuki Itami.

Recent Collaboration in Japan
Cycle 25 started in September 2023 at Lancaster University in Northern England, with one participant from Japan (Panasonic). The Collaborative Mindset Module for Cycle 25 is scheduled to be held in-person at YNU and nearby venues in May 2024. This will be YNU’s fourth time hosting this 10-day module. For Cycles 22 and 24, the module was held in-person in May/June 2019 and 2023 respectively. For Cycle 23, the module was held online from April to June 2021.

Japan is a natural fit with the Collaborative Mindset Module. Japanese organizations have pioneered new ways of working together that have spread around the world. Working in harmony with the natural environment has also been a traditional strength of Japanese culture, which the world needs to rediscover now more than ever.

The Team
The Graduate School of International Social Sciences is committed to creating a fruitful learning environment for all participants. The Module’s Co-Directors are Kentaro Iijima (Cycle 1 graduate) and Daniel Heller (Professor, Chuo University). Key faculty members at YNU include, Professors Akira Omori (Dean), Hiroshi Morita (former Dean and Special Advisor to the University President), Satoru Otaka (Advisor to the University President), and Kodo Yokozawa. Key support staff are Minjin Ota (Program Coordinator), Akiko Sakakibara and Mina Maeda of the International/External Programs Office of the Graduate School of International Social Sciences (GSISS) at YNU, as well as Thomas Tatsumi (supporter, Cycle 6 graduate), Takafumi Nakamura (supporter, Cycle 6 graduate), Kazuyasu Adachi (supporter, Cycle 8 graduate), and Yoshiaki Tokuda (supporter, Cycle 9 graduate). For Japanese participant recruitment, we work closely with Nao Shigemitsu at J. Feel.

The Five Mindsets
Lancaster University (UK)
– The Reflective Mindset, Managing Self
McGill University (Canada)
– The Analytical Mindset, Managing Organizations
IIMB (India)
– The Worldly Mindset, Managing Context
YNU (Japan)
– The Collaborative Mindset, Managing Relationships
FGV EBAPE (Brazil)
– The Action Mindset, Managing Change

Company Visits and Site Visits
In the Module, participants will visit Japanese companies and other sites to get a direct look at examples of collaboration within and across organizations The visits will be highly interactive, with ample opportunity to explore how people can work together more effectively.

Related links
-Visit to YNU by Martin Brigham, Worldwide Academic Director of IMPM (in Japanese)
-Visit to YNU by Jonathan Gosling, co-founder of IMPM (in English)
-Roundtables for Experienced Managers, a sister program to IMPM (in English)

Please refer the IMPM website for further information: https://impm.org/