
About Virtual Japan
IBS has developed a completely online program that allows you to interact with business executives in Japan. Using our vast network of relationships, you will have the opportunity to learn how companies in Asia are operating, adapting and being creative in these challenging times. Participants will get an inside look into the Japanese economy, business etiquette and will explore some of the most famous locations in Japan through live virtual tours. Participants will also have cross-cultural discussions with Japanese students and collaborate with students from across the US. Earn credits, stay connected and capitalize on the opportunity to gain relevant international experience without leaving home.
Dates
5/15/2021 - 5/28/2021
Location
Connect to Tokyo, Himeji, Hiroshima, and Kyoto from your home
Program Cost
$895
Application Deadline
April 15
Program Orientation (Live interactive discussion)
• Outline structure of virtual experience
• Faculty presentation on key concepts, expectations, and desired outcomes
• Meet fellow students
Introduction to Japan (Live interactive presentation)
• General cultural introduction
• Business cultural introduction
MODULE 1 & 2
15-May
5:00 PM PDT
Optional Activity - Japanese Cooking Lesson (Live lesson)
MODULE 3
16-May
5:00 PM PDT
Basic Language Lesson (Live interactive lesson)
Introduction to Japanese Students Peer Teams
• Welcome message from American and Japanese faculty
• Individual peer team group live discussions
MODULE 4 & 5
17-May
5:00 PM PDT
d:matcha (Live presentation and Q&A session)
• Student presentations
• d:matcha presentation and Q&A
MODULE 6
18-May
5:00 PM PDT
Weber Grills Japan (Live presentation and Q&A session)
• Student Presentations
• Weber Grills Japan Presentation and Q&A
Faculty Check In (Live interactive discussion)
• Debrief concepts learned from business presentations
• Small group discussions
MODULE 7 & 8
19-May
5:00 PM PDT
Humans of Wagyu Japan (Entrepreneur Spotlight: Live presentation)
• Student Presentations
• Humans of Wagyu Japan presentation and Q&A
MODULE 9
20-May
5:00 PM PDT
Martial Arts and Bushido (live interactive lesson)
• Learn about the way of the Samurai and Japan’s martial arts
Live Virtual Tour of Himeji (Live interactive tour with local guide)
• Himeji Castle
MODULE 10 & 11
21-May
5:00 PM PDT
Day off
22-May
Day off
Day off
23-May
Day off
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Presentation (Live presentation)
• Hiroshima Legacy Successor Testimony
Japanese Students Peer Teams A-bomb Discussion
• Individual peer team group discussions
MODULE 12 & 13
24-May
5:00 PM PDT
en world Japan (Live presentation and Q&A session)
• Student Presentations
• en world Japan Presentation and Q&A
Faculty Check In (Live interactive discussion)
• Debrief concepts learned from business presentations
• Small group discussions
MODULE 14 & 15
25-May
5:00 PM PDT
Natural Disasters in Japan (live discussion)
• Learn about the national character of Japan through the lens of natural disasters
MODULE 16
26-May
5:00 PM PDT
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Live presentation)
• Student presentations
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries presentation and Q&A
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan (Live presentation)
• Student presentations
• Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan presentation and Q&A
MODULE 17
27-May
5:00 PM PDT
Live Virtual Tour of Kyoto (Live interactive tour with local guide)
• Yasaka Shrine
• Kiyomizu Temple
Final discussion and wrap-up session
• Faculty Debrief
• Student Discussion
• Outcomes
MODULE 18 & 19
28-May
5:00 PM PDT
Sample Seminar Itinerary
A little about the Modules

Module 1 & 2
Introduction to Japan
Discuss culture
The culture of Japan stands as one of the leading and most prominent cultures around the world, mainly due to the global reach of its popular culture. Japan has a fascinating and multifaceted culture; on the one hand it is steeped in the deepest of traditions dating back thousands of years; on the other it is a society in a continual state of rapid flux, with continually shifting fads and fashions and technological development that constantly pushes back the boundaries of the possible. Ranging from Japanese food culture to traditions like tea ceremony and martial arts, Japan has a wide array of cultural phenomenon that are distinctly Japanese.
Discuss business
Learning business etiquette in Japan is essential for anyone hoping to do business with the world’s second largest free economy. With the United States being characterized as a “loose” country and Japan often thought of as a “strict” country, expectations of what is culturally acceptable in Japan are much more defined and structured.
Module 3
Basic Language Lesson
Japanese, known in Japanese as Nihongo, is the sixth most spoken language in the world with more than 99% of Japan’s population speaking it. Some dialects are still used in certain areas, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, but standard Japanese, based on the speech of Tokyo, has become more popular through the use of television, radio and movies. While many Japanese people speak English, it is seen as a sign of respect for their culture and the people you interact with when you attempt to speak Japanese.


Business Visit Modules
Business Visits
Visit with the local and multi-national companies in Japan to learn about the local economy, bright spots, and the challenges of doing business in Japan. Students will have the chance to meet with local executives to deepen their knowledge of international business in Japan. Get a behind the scenes look while investigating how companies in Asia are operating, adapting, and being creative in these challenging times
Live Virtual Tours
Live Virtual Tour of Himeji
This virtual walking tour will open your eyes to the architecture of the past. Reveling in these ancient structures will allow you a small glimpse into the heart of Japan. Steeped in history, Kyoto is home to roughly one quarter of Japan's national treasures, countless shrines and temples, and seventeen sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Kyoto's rich and colorful history, combined with its geographic and climatic factors, has created a city with a very unique blend of tradition, culture, and industry
Live Virtual Tour of Himeji
Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji. The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. Explore the castle grounds virtually, as you avoid the traps, mazes, and ninja to reach the top!
Virtual Tour Modules



Module 12

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Presentation
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the bomb. The Museum has exhibits and information covering the buildup to war, the role of Hiroshima in the war up to the bombing, and extensive information on the bombing and its effects, along with substantial memorabilia and pictures from the bombing. Hear the narratives of those that experience the use of nuclear weapons first-hand.

Destinations
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Virtually Visit Tokyo, Himeji, Hiroshima and Kyoto, Japan.
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Experience virtual city tours to see the most well-known attractions, including the Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Himeji Castle, and more.
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Participate in a basic Japanese language lesson as well as an optional Japanese cooking lesson.
Business Experience
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Learn from business executives at global companies such as Amazon, Coca Cola, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and more.
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View international business practices in a variety of industries, including finance, marketing, economics, and more.
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Experience an opportunity to network with global executives, like-minded students, and university professors.
Why Virtual Study Abroad Now?
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Meet with six global companies and learn about their response to COVID-19.
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Discuss global supply chain interruptions, the extreme shifts in the global market, and the implications of working in a variety of industries.
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Join the global conversation and gain new perspectives in a unique way.
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Learn about international business from local executives during this historic time.
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Demonstrate your creativity and adaptability to future employers by being one of the first to participate in a virtual study abroad experience.
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Gain international experience and perspectives in a time where global travel is limited.
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Connect and network with future business leaders from other US universities.
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Access a global network of aspiring young leaders.
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Stay on track and skill-up while staying at home.
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Have an international experience without having to take time off work or school.
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See the world without the jetlag!
How long are the Modules?
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Students should expect each session to last one to two hours on average.
Program Fees
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Includes a $500 rebate applicable towards a future travel study abroad seminar from IBS.
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Does not include tuition from your university.
Seminar Highlights

What's Included
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International company seminars
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Networking opportunities
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Experienced and dedicated US faculty leaders to provide guidance, insight, and direction
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Sightseeing and unique activities
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Personal advisor to help you with questions, concerns, processes
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Easy online access to academic reading materials, and program itinerary
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Access to our Alumni & Professional Network
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Receive an Alumni Scholarship for a future IBS program
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Gain valuable business experience for your resume and career

Student Testimonials
This seminar definitely taught me some business and marketing techniques. One of the other experiences I can see helping me is being open to cultural business etiquette. That doesn't only mean Japan, but any other country one would like to do business with in the future.
California Lutheran University student,
Virtual Japan 2020 alumni
I came out of this seminar filled with ideas for making business operate smoothly during the worst of economic times. The insights shared with us about Japanese business responses to the global pandemic were incredible. I learned some Japanese and a lot about our virtual tour destinations, Himeji Castle and Kiyomizu-dera.
Thunderbird School of Global Management student,
Virtual Japan 2020 alumni
This seminar helped teach me how to learn about other cultures. It gave me the open mindset needed to study other cultures and ask questions, ponder traditions and recognize things that I admire about that culture. It's also helped me keep the mindset that culture isn't good or bad, it just is.
Northern Illinois University student,
Virtual Japan 2020 alumni
Student Testimonials
I came out of this seminar filled with ideas for making business operate smoothly during the worst of economic times. The insights shared with us about Japanese business responses to the global pandemic were incredible. I learned some Japanese and a lot about our virtual tour destinations, Himeji Castle and Kiyomizu-dera.
Thunderbird School of Global Management student,
Virtual Japan 2020 alumni