Japan Lean Tour Day 3

ANA Maintenance hangar group shot!

Day 3 - Asahi Printech 

On our way to Nagoya via bullet train!

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

It all began with the loom...

...and into the future!  Already on to Day 4 !  How time flies!

Photos from day two Japan Program - Toyota Logistics

Day 2 has come to a very successful close.  First stop was Toyota's impressive Logistics and Forklift company, Toyota L&F.  This facility is always a popular stop on our tour, but this time there were a number of new innovations and kaizen improvements on display that added even more excitement to the regular program.  

The tour features 3 separate floors that focus on explaining Toyota's impressive warehouse management expertise, automation and employee training practices. 

Large piece load handling area tour is translated by LSI founder and master coach, David Chao.

An in-depth explanation of the small piece load handling and the amazing "Pick-Navi" cart.

Photos from day one Japan Lean Tour

Participants begin the first day of the tour with great anticipation. The lovely Fall weather in Tokyo helps a lot.

Jake and Miyuki-san are ready to guide the tour.

Checking out the magic of Japan's many wonderful consumer products.

The Nissan Oppama Production Plant Tour begins.

First of all, a comprehensive overview of the Oppama facilities.

Here is the Fall 2014 group after the Nissan tour.  Ready for more!

Group photo at historic Asakusa.

Time for some souvenir shopping after a prayer at the temple.

The breathtaking "Thunder Gate" at the entrance of Asakusa!

Iconic temple roofs.

The bustling city life of the world famous Ginza district, just steps away from our hotel.

Tokyo night lights as seen from our hotel.

LSI team getting ready

LSI team members who will facilitate the Japan Lean Program - are busy preparing for the arrival of the members from all over the world. They also visited the new Lexus Intersect concept showroom to gather latest information about Lexus and its branding strategy.  Despite the busy schedule, they managed to carve out some relaxing time while reviewing and strategizing the Japan program.

Only days away! Lean Sensei's Benchmarking Tour in Japan kicks-off next week

Japan is a country like no other in the world. It built its economic power through manufacturing over the past several decades, earning a reputation around the world as the “Lean specialist.” Even though many Lean best practices can be found throughout North America, truly serious Lean practitioners still find that Japan is the only place that showcases Lean implementation in its purest form. Lean principles permeate every aspect of daily life in Japan and are not limited to production or engineering environments. People who travel to Japan are fascinated and surprised by the fact that even places like restaurants and gas stations utilize Lean principles in creative ways. It’s difficult to truly appreciate the impact of Lean thinking until you have seen and experienced Japan hands-on.

 Participants will also be introduced to Japanese culture and have the opportunity to do some sightseeing. Your tour hosts David Chao and Jake Cameron  are both bilingual, fluent in both English and Japanese. They will provide translating services to ensure that the nuances of Lean are not lost in translation and also provide cultural and lean insights throughout the trip.

Tour Features & Highlights

The program is intentionally designed to provide both educational and cultural exposure to Japan through various plant tours and historical sites. Tours are arranged with such big hitters as Toyota and its suppliers, but also with smaller players that can showcase different levels of Lean implementation.

 During the 5-day tour, Japan Lean Tour participants visit some of the best companies in the world and may include:

•Toyota Factory

•Toyota Pavilion

•Toyota Museum

•Toyota Supplier Denso

•Nissan Factory

•Food company (various)

•Distribution company (various)

Duration

5 days. For further information, including dates and availability, please contact us directly.

 Tour Costs

Please inquire. Tour costs may vary based on numerous factors. Pricing includes all meals, domestic transportation & miscellaneous expenses. Airfares and accommodation is not included and is organized individually.

 
Please contact us for more information at 604-264-1000 or at info@leansensei.com

Please keep posted for lots of updates next week! Hai-ya!

First Wave of HELP Graduates

This year we launched an all new Executive program, Hybrid Executive Lean Program. In total, this program is 6 days of intensive training and divided across 2 modules. Upon completion of this program you will have already reached the first level of executive training, Lean Leader.

Below are photos of our first wave of HELP students. Many of our attendees were from the industry of finance and banking.

And an Executive Chief Lean Officer achievement! This is the highest level of Lean Sensei executive certification. Congratulations!

Contact us at 604-264-1000 or email us for more information on HELP. We can also facilitate this program exclusively for your team of executives.

See our website for more information on our Executive Lean certification.

Greenbelt - Airplane Simulation

 

 

Here are some photos from the Greenbelt class this week. The class is doing the Airplane simulation to learn how to reduce cycle times, identify parallel processes and takt times.

The next Greenbelt in Edmonton will be as follows:

March  16-20, 2015

April 20-24, 2015

May 25-29, 2015

Register online, or contact us for more information.