Jump to...
Influencer Marketing
Expand your reach and engage with your target audience using this trending technique that blends celebrity endorsements with social media marketing.
Leading High Performing Remote Teams
How can leaders ensure that performance remains high in remote or hybrid-work environments?
Design Thinking
Learn the 5 phases of this problem-solving methodology and switch from technology-centered to user-centered thinking.
Gantt Chart
Invented in the early 20th century, the Gantt Chart is one of the building blocks of modern project management. In this online course, you'll learn how this tool can be used effectively to monitor progress and achieve your team's goals.
Navigating Change Successfully
The working landscape is continually shifting and being disrupted, so how to employees maintain a sense of stability? Listen to CEO and president of Carl ZEISS Japan Stefan Sacre share his expertise on dealing with change in organizations and entire industries.
Halo Effect
The halo effect is often leveraged for marketing and promotion. But as a type of cognitive bias, it can also have a subconscious impact on decision-making in the workplace. Learn why and (how to overcome it) in this online course.
Anchoring and Framing
Want to increase your confidence during negotiations? Master the principles of anchoring and framing to take your negotiation skills to the next level.
ZOPA and BATNA
Understanding ZOPA and BATNA will help you become a better negotiator, create more value, and feel more confident at the table.
Content Marketing
In this course, youโll learn how compelling blogs, videos, podcasts, and other media can reach customers and drive sales. Youโll also learn steps for creating an effective content marketing plan, and some important ways to measure its impact and success.
Content marketing is a essential digital marketing strategy for companies looking to provide relevant and useful information to support your community and attract new customers.
Get started on your content marketing journey today.
Sustainable Innovation in Times of Disruption: Choices for a Better Society
There are opportunities for progress all around us. The key is to innovate on these opportunities sustainably.
To help identify most effective path forward, you'll need to gain a global perspective to these challenges in an open discussion. How can Japan and the world take action to create a more sustainable, innovative world? Where do you fit in?
It's time to find out.
Social Media & Digital Communications: Impact on Global Public Opinion
Social and digital media have dominated the communications industry for decades. But it's no secret that social media has the power to sway public opinion, and the way in which many companies use these platforms could be seen as manipulative.
What do companies need to be aware of when utilizing social and digital media? How can these mediums be used to better communicate strategically with the world?
Discover what top media and communications experts have to say.
Blockchain
Blockchain is one of the most captivating technologies out there. Learn what it is and how to make use of its opportunities in this short online course.
Mehrabianโs Rule
The 7-38-55 Rule, developed by Albert Mehrabian, suggests that effective communication relies less on the words we choose than on our tone of our voice, appearance, and body language. Learn how to put this theory to use for better communication in business.
Pareto Principle
Your time and resources are limited. Efficiency means learning to prioritize. The Pareto principle (also called the 80-20 rule) can help you identify the best way to use your time for maximum results.
Country Analysis Framework
Overseas expansion requires careful planning. The Country Analysis Framework can help you look beyond an industry-level analysis and reframe your view based on performance, strategy, and context. Try this short course to learn how it works.
SECI Model
The SECI model illustrates how knowledge is created and shared. Learn how to put it to use for best practices, and how the Japanese concept of โbaโ fits in to broaden your perspective.
Johari Window Model
The Johari Window Model is a self-awareness framework that helps you better understand . . . you. Learn how its four quadrants can help you identify gaps between how you see yourself, and how others see you.
Sunk Costs
Wondering if you should continue an investment or look for something new? Sunk costs can have a powerful psychological impact on decision-making. Learn how to recognize them to ensure rational decisions.
CAGE Distance Framework
Want to expand overseas? The CAGE distance framework can help ensure you're constructing a solid global strategy in four areas: cultural, administrative, economic, and geographic. Learn how to leverage useful differences between countries, identify potential obstacles, and achieve global business success.
Groupthink
Groupthink refers to group pressure and the perception of consensus which together lead to ill-formed decisionsโor even unnecessary risks. Learn to identify the warning signs of groupthink and apply countermeasures in this online course.
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Solving problems with the best results means using two types of thinking: deductive and inductive reasoning. In this online course, learn to form a broad premise, make observations, and form conclusions from different perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Hypothesis-Driven Thinking
Anyone can come up with a good idea. The real challenge is putting that idea into action. In this online course, explore how to form compelling, testable hypotheses and bring ideas to life in your own organization.
Critical Thinking: Structured Reasoning
Even a few simple techniques for logical decision making and persuasion can vastly improve your skills as a leader. Explore how critical thinking can help you evaluate complex business problems, reduce bias, and devise effective solutions.
Critical Thinking: Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is a central business skill, and yet it's the one many people struggle with most. This course will show you how to apply critical thinking techniques to common business examples, avoid misunderstandings, and get at the root of any problem.
How to Dream
Join globally renowned author and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Sheena Iyengar as she explains how to approach your dreams with a new perspective. Learn to reflect on what you long to accomplish and what stands in your way.
Logical Thinking
Logical thinking is at the heart of confident, persuasive decisions. This course will equip you with a five-point approach to more becoming a more logical thinker. Learn to classify ideas and distinguish fact from opinion.
Investing & Diversity: The Changing Faces of Venture Capitalists
Is the venture capital industry embracing diversity in investors? Watch global venture capitalists from around the world discuss the state of things and what needs to be done for a more inclusive future.
Servant Leadership
There's more to leadership than driving a team to profit. In fact, there's a word for looking beyond self-interest to prioritize individual growth: servant leadership. Try this course for a quick breakdown of what that is, how it works, and how it can lead to organizational success.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Ever wonder what makes a great leader? Whether your role requires leadership or not, understanding organizational behavior is useful for your career. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can set you on your way.
Leadership vs. Management
Leadership and management are different skills, but todayโs leaders must have both. Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value.
Strategy: Creating Value Inside Your Company
Have you ever wondered why certain companies are more successful than others? The answer is strategy: internal processes that control costs, allocate resources, and create value. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can give you the tools you need for that strategic edge.
Strategy: Understanding the External Environment
To plan strategy on any level, you need to understand your company's external environment. In fact, your level of understanding can impact hiring, budgeting, marketing, or nearly any other part of the business world. Want to learn how to do all that? This course from GLOBIS Unlimited is the perfect first step!
Using Japanese Values to Thrive in Global Business
Japanese companies have unique cultural, communication, and operational challenges. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. Check out this seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees.
Turnaround Leadership: The Differences Between Japan and the West
What's the best way for leaders to communicate a shift in corporate strategy? How do you even know when it's time for such a change? This course explains how Japan might have one answer, Western companies another.
Conflict Management
Conflicts in the workplace are inevitable. But they can lead to positive outcomes if theyโre managed well. Check out this online course for a two-step process that can help you manage conflict successfully.
Evernote Founder: How Tech Startups Can Break through in Japan
Can startup models from Hollywood and Silicon Valley succeed anywhere? Phil Libin, cofounder and CEO of startup incubator All Turtles, explains how AI can solve everyday problems to bring products to market.
Women Empowerment: Lessons from Cartier
How can women overcome gender inequality and reach their leadership goals? Cartier Japan CEO June Miyachi shares her secret in this special course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Marketing: Reaching Your Target
Every company works hard to get its products into the hands of customers. Are you doing everything you can to compete? In this course, youโll find a winning formula to turn a product idea into real sales. Follow along through the fundamentals of the marketing mix and see how companies successfully bring products to market.
Marketing Mix
Seeing good products into the hands of customers is no easy task. The marketing mix can help. It's a collection of strategies and tactics companies utilize to get customers to purchase their products or services, and is an essential part of the overall marketing process.
The Principles of Negotiation
With the proper skills and attitude, anyone can become a successful negotiator. But first, you'll need to learn the basics to prepare for, assess, and respond to offers for the best results. GLOBIS Unlimited can help.
Negotiation: Creating Value
Want to create more shared value between yourself and your negotiation opponent? Discover how cognitive bias affects the judgment of others. Try this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to master the value of negotiation.
Finding Your Life Purpose with Ikigai
Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Listen to Japanese brain scientist Ken Mogi explain why and how.
Maslowโs Hierarchy of Needs
Want to leverage Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a leader? Try this short course to see how the theory can be applied in practical work scenarios.
Confirmation Bias
We all subconsciously collect information that reinforces our preconceptions. It's natural . . . but it does lead to a kind of flawed decision-making called confirmation bias. To become more objective and impartial, check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!
An Investor’s Lesson to Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs have the power to transform societies for the better. But how do you attract investors to start or grow a business? Or to sell one? Check out this seminar for the answers to these and more, straight from a master venture capitalist!
Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting is a powerful way to measure progress, identify problems, and meet your goals. Check out this course to learn how data-backed decisions can help you run your business.
Finance Basics: 1
For a healthy mix of quantitative planning, evaluation, and management, you need solid decision-making. And finance is the secret sauce! Get the essentials of finance in this two-part course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Basic Accounting: Financial Analysis
Want to compare your performance vs. a competitor? Or evaluate a potential vendor? Then you'll need to conduct a financial analysis. This course will teach you how to use three financial statements and evaluate financial performance in terms of profitability, efficiency, soundness, growth, and overall strength.
Career Anchors
What drives you to be good at your job?
Career anchors are based on your values, desires, motivations, and abilities. They are the immovable parts of your professional self-image that guide you throughout your career journey.
Try this short GLOBIS Unlimited course to identify which of the eight career anchors is yours!
Digital Marketing Psychology to Transform Your Business
How does digital marketing really differ from traditional marketing? How is social media changing things really? And what's going on in Asia?
Pyramid Structure
Having the pyramid structure in your communication toolkit can not only help you approach a problem, but convince others that your solution is valid. Break away from linear thinking and test your logical thinking with this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!
Leadership with Passion through Kokorozashi
The key ingredient to success? Passion.
Finding your kokorozashi will unify your passions and skills to create positive change in society. This GLOBIS Unlimited course will help you develop the values and lifelong goals you need to become a strong, passion-driven leader.
AI First Companies โ Implementation and Impact
AI is changing the way companies operate. How do you structure teams to increase efficiency?
Technovate in the Era of Industry 4.0
Is Industry 4.0 is the next step of human evolution human civilization? Dr. Jorge Calvo seems to think so. Join him to learn how the past can help you set goals for an exciting future of digital innovation.
Technovate Thinking
Business leaders of tomorrow need to harness the power of technology and innovation. That means understanding algorithms and how they drive business results. Discover opportunities to make technology work for your competitive edge.
Product Life Cycle
Every product takes a natural course through the marketโthere's a how, when, and why customers adopt products at different stages. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to find out how a product you use every day is part of this cycle.
Logic Tree
Logical thinking is the most valuable asset any business professional can have. That's why logic trees are such a valuable toolโthey can help you identify a problem, break it down, and build it back up to a solution.
MECE Principle
Using the MECE principle can help ensure you categorize without gaps or overlaps. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited for a practical demonstration of how it works!
GLOBIS Partner Faculty Cristian Vlad discussed leadership, culture, and modern hospitality practices in Japan with Kato Pleasure Group (KPG) Founder and Representative Director Tomoyasu Kato. Kato Pleasure Group owns Fufu Resorts, Tsuru Tontan restaurants, along with numerous other entertainment facilities, river cruise boats, high-end restaurants, and hotels. The discussion offers insights into service management practices typical of Japan, as well as recommendations for those who aspire to build a career in Japan.
Cristian Vlad: What prompted your interest in the hospitality industry? It’s a very competitive and tough game to play, with new entrants and so many substitutes these days.
Tomoyasu Kato: When I was twenty-two years old, my father passed away, and I inherited a family business.
Rather than interest, I entered the world of service and hospitality out of a mission to repay the debts and protect my employees and their families. I worked diligently every day, but as I directly provided products and services to customers and received compliments such as “delicious” and “thank you,” I realized a very simple but extremely important thing: that “the joy of our customers is our joy.” This has become my motto, my main driver for value creation, and my daily motivation.
Thanks to everyone concernedโguests, work colleagues, and the broader societyโI am now able to further expand the business, and I truly believe it has become my lifework and vocation.
The Heart of Japanese Hospitality
Vlad: What characteristics do you think Japanese hospitality has? Can it be replicated in other countries?
Kato: I strongly believe that the quality of hospitality in Japan is, by far, the best in the world. Of course, there are many star players highly regarded in other countries, but I think Japan’s strong sense of hospitality, which stems from our national character, and the heartfelt spirit that goes beyond service and customer care are significant factors.
Additionally, the level of comprehensive hospitality that is achieved through teamwork is exceptionally high compared to other countries. In particular, Japan’s fundamental standards are high not only in the high-end class but also across all casual segments, which I believe is a strength. While it is not easy for people from other countries to offer the same level of hospitality, I feel that the level of hospitality in other countries in Asia has been rising significantly through information, training, and focus on customer experience.
To us, though, I believe it is a source of pride for us Japanese people that more people can experience our hospitality here in Japan and then take back lingering memories to their respective countries. When it comes to replicating this experience production mechanism in other countries, we have to take into account both operations and mindset. It is not just a system; it is a matter of feelings, emotions, consideration, passion, and pride in everything that we do.
Next Article
Creating Value Through Food, Culture, and Customer Connections
Is A Future Without Food Waste Possible?ย
The Ultimate Food Fight: Sustainability
Building a Global Brand: A Look at KPG’s Future Strategy
Vlad: How do you envision your future business strategy? What kind of competitive advantage do you think you will be able to create and maintain?
Kato: At Kato Pleasure Group (KPG), we believe that our unique total production capability, enabling the development of various business formatsโfrom casual zones to high-end classes across a wide range of fieldsโis a key point of absolute competitive advantage. We think our strength lies in our commitment to “customer satisfaction,” which encompasses tailored marketing by location, business format development, facilities under our own brand, and operations by caring and passionate hospitality specialists.
We have several ideas for future business initiatives, including creating a theme of Japanese resorts that can be promoted worldwide, through which we plan to expand the “Fufu brand” nationwide and complete the journey with “Fufu Tokyo Ginza,” which is scheduled to open this coming winter. Furthermore, we aim to not only have customers visit our facilities but also to successfully implement a new project called the “Branded Asset Sales Project,” which allows guests to enjoy our offerings while owning our properties. Additionally, we aim to achieve the “One Thousand Room Project” across Okinawa to gain market share.
We will also continue with our projects for regional revitalization through the operation of beloved facilities rooted in the community, such as Island Nagasaki in Nagasaki’s Iojima, ASOBIYUKU Kyoto Rurikei Onsen in Nantan City, Kyoto, and Izu Akazawa Onsen in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. We understand the strong importance of branding, and we are currently considering the development of new business initiatives under the banner of “New KPG Vision.”
Leading with the KPG Mind: A Philosophy for Team Growth
Vlad: You must have a fantastic team to conceive and deliver all these initiatives. How do you maintain motivation within your team? How do you make sure that they all grow? While asking this, I am also wondering whether you also learn from your team as part of your journey?
Kato: To my mind, the term “team” refers to “values of the heart.” We also have a company motto named the “KPG Mind”โwe share this with everyone working at KPGโwhich emphasizes that it is not just about building a career along a defined career path but also about respecting and honoring one another, and genuinely sharing values of the heart as a “one team.”
Furthermore, it is essential to convey to our guests that our daily work creates precious moments and joy that transcend various boundaries, and that it is a job full of dreams with infinite possibilities. I communicate this through internal workshops and other means of engagement to maintain and enhance the motivation of everyone involvedโmyself and the broader team.
Needless to say, it is difficult to keep track of the growth of all 5,000 KPG members, but I believe we have highly reliable talent working at each business location, each of whom has formed excellent teams and are all performing well. Their growth can be felt directly when visiting and using our hospitality facilities nationwide, but above all, I believe it is reflected in the voice of the customers who utilize those facilities. Sometimes there is, of course, negative feedback from customers as well, but I believe that this indicates areas where I and our teams may not be living up to their expectations, and we need to seek ways for immediate improvement, while compliments and other positive feedback are evidence that our people are growing daily and are able to provide high levels of service.
I make a point to spend time with my colleagues and provide guidance and support on-site, while also seeking opportunities to learn from their experience with our guests and stay focused on creating ultimate experiences for allโour guests, of course, but also our colleagues and communities.
My profession is fundamentally based on “people” first and foremost. This includes not only our guests but also all the team members, our colleagues, our suppliers, our ecosystem partners, who understand my vision, share it wholeheartedly, and convey that sentiment directly to everyone involved in our value chain on the front lines. Just as I feel trust and respect from all of them, I also learn daily about trusting and relying on whom I can in the same way, and I wish to return the gift of learning and growing to everyone who works with and for us.
Vlad: Is there any advice you might have for young entrepreneurs in Japan and to those who study at GLOBIS University?
Kato: As you well know, currently, Japan’s competitive advantage in business is changing significantly alongside environmental changes, but I believe there are potential business opportunities in all fields and industries.
I also think there are many wonderful Japanese entrepreneurs who are active today, but when I reflect and compare the times in which I started my business with those of my predecessors, I often feel that society as a whole in Japan now lacks a hungry spirit. When I see young entrepreneurs and venture founders in Asian countries working tirelessly to climb to the top in their markets and industries, I feel that such energetic vitality is one of the keys to success. I hope that everyone going forward will have a strong mindset, resolution, aspirations, and commitment to achieve success not only in Japan but also on a global scale, maintaining a spirit of perseverance to challenge various ventures until the end.
I would really like to see such entrepreneurial spirits emerging, challenging, and transforming the business landscape of our country. I would like to encourage everyone to learn from both failure and success and to build grit and resilience, while staying focused on value creation for all those who are part of our ecosystem of creating social impact and growth.
Related Articles
Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a way to explore the startup ecosystem
How Mobile Games Balance Monetization, Engagement, and Value For Players (And Shareholders)
