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IMD Family Business Course 2026: Setting New Standards in Tokyo

In an exciting development for family businesses in Japan, the renowned IMD (International Institute for Management Development) is set to host its prestigious Family Business Course from April 13-15, 2026, in the heart of Tokyo. This event represents a unique opportunity for family business leaders and successors to gain insights from one of the world's leading business schools, recognized for its excellence in executive education.

The Importance of Transitioning in Family Businesses

Japan is known for having one of the highest numbers of long-standing family businesses globally. However, like many other countries, it faces contemporary challenges that revolve around succession and governance. These issues often revolve around how to effectively pass the baton to the next generation while ensuring sustainable growth. By offering this course, IMD aims to equip participants with vital know-how and strategies that have been honed over decades of research and teaching in family business dynamics.

What to Expect from This Program

The upcoming program will center around interactive lectures and discussions where participants will explore case studies that include both successful and unsuccessful family businesses. Attendees will delve into recent trends and learn about international best practices that can be applied in Japan's unique business landscape.

A significant addition to this course is its emphasis on philanthropy — exploring the significance of building a family legacy through social contributions. Participants will gain deeper insights into the responsibilities that come with family names and the impact of community engagement.

An exclusive highlight of the program will be a special session at the Swiss Embassy on the evening of the second day. This will coincide with a book launch party featuring Peter Vogel, a prominent professor from IMD's Global Family Business Center, where discussions on philanthropy are set to take place.

Outstanding Faculty

Participants can look forward to engaging with world-class faculty members, including Peter Vogel, who serves as the director of the Global Family Business Center, and Kazuo Ichijo, who is not only the first Japanese professor at IMD but also a celebrated academic in knowledge management. They will provide fresh frameworks and practical examples essential for navigating the complexities of family business governance and strategic ownership.

The course promises to blend dynamic learning methods, including case studies, group discussions, and action learning, enabling participants to gain profound insights into the governance structures and strategic frameworks of their enterprises.

Building Valuable Networks

One of the significant benefits of this program is the opportunity to connect with like-minded family business owners and successors who share similar challenges. Through dinner networking events and informal gatherings, attendees will forge a community dedicated to addressing common issues in family business management on both domestic and international levels.

Participants who successfully complete the program will earn an esteemed certificate from IMD, recognized globally and signifying their commitment to elevating their family business practices.

Course Objectives

This course aspires to provide a concentrated learning environment where participants can deepen their understanding of successful family business operations. They will be able to identify critical issues and challenges within their family business contexts and learn to navigate them effectively.

Over the three days, various critical themes will be explored, including growth, governance strategies, conflict management, succession planning, and more, which resonate with all family businesses worldwide.

Course Schedule Overview:

• - Day 1 (April 13th): Participants will introduce themselves and clarify their learning objectives. The afternoon will focus on governance strategies, utilizing both domestic and international case studies.
• - Day 2 (April 14th): The morning session will discuss family governance, examining intergenerational conflicts and succession challenges, followed by deeper insights into family office management. The evening will feature a philanthropic discussion at the Swiss Embassy.
• - Day 3 (April 15th): The day will start with an examination of often-taboo subjects related to family finance, culminating in a reflective session on global trends affecting family businesses.

Course Logistics

• - Dates: April 13-15, 2026
• - Venue: Akasaka Intercity Conference AICC 301, Tokyo
• - Target Audience: Owners, executives, successors, and board members of family businesses
• - Capacity: 70 participants (first-come, first-served basis)
• - Cost: JPY 770,000 (includes lectures, lunches, and dinners)

To register and learn more about this unique opportunity, please visit the official course website at IMD Family Business Course.

Co-hosts and Support

Co-hosted by Lombard Odier Trust and MARK Consultants, with support from the Family Business Network Japan (F.B.N Japan).

For inquiries related to the course, please contact the IMD Family Business Course Secretariat at MARK Consultants, with Mr. Kondo reachable via email at [email protected].