Japan

The Japan Immersive Field Course (IFC) was launched in 2012 in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011. Over the years, the program has evolved alongside the progress of reconstruction efforts in the disaster-affected areas. While the main program is now held in Tokyo, the group continues to visit the Tohoku region on weekends to maintain a meaningful connection with the area. This year, Professor Ramon Casadesus-Masanell led 43 students to Japan for the 12th Japan IFC, a 10-day immersive experience themed “Exploring Japan's Innovation Ecosystem.” During their time in Japan, the students participated in team-based consulting projects and attended a venture capital panel session in Tokyo. In Tohoku, they met local social entrepreneurs, engaged with the Mayor of Onagawa, and visited Tohoku University to connect with deep-tech companies and explore cutting-edge innovations. Beyond these academic and professional activities, the students also experienced both traditional and modern Japanese culture through various immersive activities. The program provided an enjoyable and rewarding experience, fostering a deeper understanding of Japan's innovation landscape and cultural richness.

On October 5, the HBS Japan Research Center hosted an engaging in-person MBA information session for prospective applicants, in collaboration with the MBA Admissions Office. The event welcomed over 100 attendees, offering them the unique opportunity to gain insights directly from a panel of local alumni. The panelists shared their experiences about the transformative MBA program, life at HBS, and the financial aid resources available to students. The session served as an invaluable platform for attendees to explore the possibilities of an HBS MBA and connect with both alumni and fellow prospective applicants.

In June 2024, 33 HBS faculty traveled from Boston to Tokyo and Kyoto for a week-long faculty immersion. The group visited various companies, including startups, companies with long histories, and innovative enterprises, broadening their insights into Japan. They also held a Global Research Symposium and Reception in Tokyo, which was joined by Dean Srikant M. Datar. Five inspiring faculty presented their current research in areas ranging from the life sciences and time management to digital innovation and generative AI. More than 100 company executives and HBS alumni attended the event, and the faculty enjoyed engaging with them at the reception. The group also enjoyed several cultural experiences. The Japan Research Center extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported making this a memorable and enriching experience for the faculty.

The Japan Research Center, in collaboration with Academyhills, hosted an in-person event featuring Professor Raffaella Sadun. During the event, Professor Sadun delved into the emerging evidence from the Digital Reskilling Lab at HBS. She focused on pivotal questions such as “What is the actual demand for reskilling among managers and workers?” “How should reskilling initiatives be deployed in organizations?” or “How do we get employees to participate in reskilling?”. The participants, including HBS alums and friends, found great value in the vibrant discussion led by Professor Sadun.