Keio University, Japan’s oldest and most prestigious private institution, offers a specialized summer intensive: “Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development in Japan.” This program provides a rare “insider’s look” into how one of the world’s most traditional business cultures is evolving into a modern innovation hub. From the high-tech streets of Tokyo to the meticulous craftsmanship of regional small businesses, you will explore the friction and synergy between Japanese heritage and global startup strategies. While the university provides elite academic instruction, site visits to major corporations, and official academic credits, Edulux Summer manages the high-end logistics and travel services required for your stay in the heart of Tokyo.
What You’ll Learn (at Keio University)
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The Japanese Startup Ecosystem: Investigating the specific challenges of launching a business in Japan, from venture capital access to the shifting cultural attitudes toward risk.
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Innovation Culture & “Monozukuri”: Exploring the Japanese philosophy of craftsmanship and how it translates into modern product development and service excellence.
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SME Strategy & Resilience: Analyzing how Japan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) maintain longevity and competitiveness across generations.
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Corporate Governance & Business Etiquette: Mastering the essential “soft skills” and formal protocols required to negotiate and partner with Japanese firms.
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Case Studies in Success and Failure: Deconstructing real-world examples of international brands entering Japan and Japanese startups going global.
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Policy & Economic Impact: Understanding the role of government initiatives (like “Society 5.0”) in fostering a more entrepreneurial society.
Our Travel & Experience Services
We manage the journey and the immersion so you can focus on the innovation:
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Cultural & Exploration Tours: Curated excursions including a private guided tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market, a traditional tea ceremony in a hidden Tokyo garden, and a weekend trip to Hakone for a view of Mt. Fuji and a classic “Onsen” hot spring experience.
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Ticketing & Flights: Full management of your round-trip airfare and international travel itinerary into Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) with seamless transfers.
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Guaranteed Housing: Vetted boutique living arrangements or high-end residences in Tokyo’s upscale districts like Minato or Shibuya, placing you at the center of the action.
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Visa & Insurance: Professional guidance on Japanese entry requirements and comprehensive travel health coverage for the duration of the program.
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Local Transfers: Seamless arrival pickup via private car and support for all official off-campus academic and “Company Visit” site visits.