Amazing Japan. How to read between the lines, appreciate and respect people. The experience of HSE GSB students in Asia.
From 12 to 22 January, 2025 the Second Winter School was organized by the Graduate School of Business, HSE University in partnership with NUCB Business School in the city of Nagoya. This year's theme was family business and management issues in Japan in the XXI century.
Within the framework of the Winter School, 14 students (bachelors of the International Business program and masters of the International Management program) immersed themselves in the subtleties of Japanese national and business culture, studying the specifics of managing family businesses in the historical and modern context. Company visits provided an opportunity to see how Japanese long-lived enterprises adapt to the challenges of the time, maintaining sustainability and developing unique approaches to business.
The program included visits to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest stock exchanges, and to the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Development Organisation (JETRO), where students learned about the overseas activities of Japanese companies. At Skylight Consulting company, the participants were told about the peculiarities of doing business in Japan, and at Shoyeido Incense and Koyodo companies about traditional Japanese products, such as incense and calligraphy and make-up brushes, with a demonstration of their production. At KINJIRUSHI company students learned about the history of wasabi production and participated in the process of making it, and at DAIDO company, a company specialising in the sale of industrial robotics, they learned about modern technological solutions. In the museum of TOTO company the students learnt the history of the company, its basic management principles and innovative approaches in the production of sanitary equipment. Special attention was paid to the Japanese car industry. Participants visited the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery, where they were able to learn about the history of these companies and their latest developments.
In addition to the educational program, the students were able to enjoy a rich cultural part. In Tokyo, they visited the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, the historic Asakusa district, Akihabara – the centre of contemporary culture, Kotokuji temple and the lively Shibuya district. Kyoto impressed participants with its architectural gems - the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji temples, the traditional rock garden and Kiyomizu-dera temple, and Nijo Castle. In Hiroshima, students visited the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Dome, Miyajima Island, and the famous Itsukushima Shrine with the ‘floating’ Torii gate. In Nagoya, they learnt about Yatai street food traditions and the history of the national doll Hakata ningyo. The program concluded in Yokohama, where the students were impressed by the innovative infrastructure of the city that symbolises the ‘city of the future’.
The Winter School was a unique opportunity for students not only to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese management and the specifics of family business, but also to broaden their cultural horizons by touching the multifaceted culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Associate Professor, Department of Strategic and International Management
The Winter School provided our students with an exceptional opportunity to delve into management principles within a global context, while also broadening their professional perspectives. It enhanced their understanding of cultural nuances, an essential skill for modern business leaders. Through this program, students gained critical skills and perspectives that drive professional growth and build global competence, preparing them to excel as future leaders in international business.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our business partners and NUCB Business School, represented by Professor Kenji Yokoyama, for bringing this project to life. We look forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration with our esteemed colleagues in Japan!
Svyatoslav Bulavinov
1st year student, International Management
The Winter School in Japan is something amazing and extraordinary as the program is focused on the studying the deep basics of the Japan culture and habits that are vital for understanding how Japanese people are doing business. The country itself is an interesting phenomenon, it's a kind of a nut shell. If you are open minded and prepared to see the details and read through the lines then it will open itself to you fully. Regarding the educational journey - that was extremely beneficial as the amount of knowledge gained is equal to the amount of studying the business in Japan for years. Moreover, the great plus of the Winter School is the rich list of companies to be visited as we as students are able to see the theoretical knowledge used on practice. The Winter School in Japan can claim the position of Mindset Changer for current or future business people.
Yuliya Yasinskaya
2nd year student, International Business
I am delighted to participate in the Winter School in Japan! For ten days, together with my colleagues and our teacher, Sergey Vyacheslavovich Shaposhnikov, we studied Japanese business from various aspects. The program included visiting lectures, seminars, museums, as well as leading Japanese companies working in the fields of consulting, the stock market, manufacturing and other industries. The program was carefully thought out: each element contributed to a deeper understanding of the Japanese economy and business culture. I express my sincere gratitude to our sensei, Sergey Vyacheslavovich, as well as the International Office of the HSB for the organization and support. I will be glad to have the opportunity to participate in future educational programs!
Vladimir Zhuravlev
1st year student, International Management
I think it's a miracle. Both Japan and our Winter School. In addition to the theoretical part, we tried to study all aspects of Japanese business life - corporations, small companies, unique handicrafts. Geography, values, people we met - it's a contrasting and unique experience. Thanks to our dear colleagues from Japan for the reception, special thanks to Sergey Vyacheslavovich for organizing, accompanying and "rediscovering" the country that I love so much, which, I hope, will continue to preserve its originality and charm.
Kair Dzhamalov
2nd year student, International Management
The Winter School in Japan became one of the most incredible practices in my student (and not only) life. Never before have I spent my days in such an intense rhythm: in 2 weeks we managed to visit 8 cities, walking each one up and down. We had to get up early in the morning to catch the Shinkansen, sacrifice our lunch break for the sake of another attraction and walk-walk-walk. But all this pays off a hundredfold with indescribable impressions of the amazing culture of Japan and a huge amount of new knowledge that no educational publication will convey. The opportunity to directly get acquainted with the business and university life of the land of the rising sun is rare, and the presence of S.V. Shaposhnikov guaranteed that not a single one of the many questions that arose would remain unanswered.
Lyubov Kuznetsova
1st year student, International Management
Our study trip to Japan was educational, productive, and captivating. While studying at NUCB, I had the opportunity to exchange opinions and knowledge with some of the most eminent professors in Asia. Visiting various companies deepened my understanding of the specifics of doing business in Japan and helped me realize the unique aspects of Japanese business culture. Exploring cultural heritage sites expanded my expertise in Japanese culture and enriched my understanding of the specifics of Japanese management, which is undoubtedly filled with unique cultural characteristics. Traveling to different cities formed a comprehensive and holistic view of this country, where each city and each district contributed to the diversity and depth of my knowledge. Upon my return, I can confidently say that I learned a lot of useful information, know how to apply it, and plan to connect my career path with Japan.
Valentin Lopatko
2nd year student, International Management
Several months of experience and impressions in just two weeks. You are not imagining it, Winter School in Japan 2025 really goes beyond its time limits. It gave me the opportunity to gain invaluable experience through full immersion in business, education and culture of Japan. We visited such cities as Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Yokohama and Kokura, which gave a unique opportunity to see the diversity of this country and its people. Yes, this richness required endurance both physical and mental, but what I gained in return motivated me and gave me strength. In conclusion, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organizers, especially Sergey Vyacheslavovich Shaposhnikov, who is the heart of this school and who made it truly special.
Mohsin Mehmood
2nd year student, International Management
Japan is a blend of advancement, traditions, and art, with a unique management style. From Tokyo to Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Yokohama and Fukuoka, every moment was unique and a valuable learning experience. The lectures at NUCB were highly valuable. Professors Kenji Yokohama and Yuri Sadoi taught us about the Japanese management style and the influence of family businesses. We learned important management concepts that will be helpful in our careers. We visited multiple companies and museums, which showcased the practical application of these ideas in Japanese management practices. Cultural visits to temples, gardens, and shrines taught us meaningful lessons about living in peace, kindness, and harmony as a community. For someone from a developing country, it was a truly life-changing journey that inspired us with lifelong lessons. I hope to visit Japan again someday! Heartfelt thanks to Professor Sergei and the GSB management team for this incredible opportunity.
Renat Fedorov
1st year student, International Management
The Japan winter school was a fulfilling and enlightening experience. I gained a profound appreciation of Japanese family businesses, their unique management traditions, and how they are able to respond to modern challenges without diluting tradition. The lectures from japanese professors and field visits to companies provided much-needed real-world context to my learning of international management. Beyond the classroom, Japan's vibrant culture and world-renowned sites provided the personal element of the trip with a long-lasting memorable experience. Not only did the experience improve my global perspective, but it also increased my interest in global business and collaboration. I eagerly anticipate applying these lessons and skills to my life's work in the future.
Artem Kamenskij-Kuptsov
2nd year student, International Business
Зимняя школа в Японии, несомненно, стала самым запоминающимся опытом за все время моего обучения! Я изучил важные идеи о международном бизнесе для своей будущей карьеры, а также смог очень глубоко погрузиться в абсолютно новую культуру.
В течение этих двух недель мы посетили содержательные лекции японских профессоров, которые создали для меня прекрасное понимание того, как японцы ведут бизнес и как они подходят к своим долгосрочным стратегиям. Более того, мне удалось раскрыть знания о японском HR, которые оказались чрезвычайно ценными для моего личного отношения к бизнесу. Более того, после посещения производственных объектов я понял, на какие подходы к управлению операциями нам следует равняться.
В конце концов, одним из самых любимых впечатлений для меня стало посещение храмов и святилищ, потому что погружение в азиатскую духовность было одной из моих долгосрочных целей, и я рад, что мне представилась такая возможность!
Подводя итог, можно сказать, что во время зимней школы я собрал большую коллекцию идей как для своего профессионального, так и для личного развития; и я абсолютно уверен, что есть много японских деловых практик, которые я хотел бы внедрить в свой управленческий подход как можно скорее!
