#Japan #Nagoya #Family Business #Waseda University #MARK Consultants

Introduction to Family Business Education

In a remarkable collaboration between academia and industry, MARK Consultants, a consulting firm based in Nagoya, Japan, is set to launch a donation-based course titled "Family Business (Succession, Governance, Management) 1" at Waseda University during the fall semester of 2025. This initiative, backed by the Family Business Network Japan (FBNJ), aims to provide students with valuable insights into the intricacies and operational aspects of family-run enterprises.

The Importance of Family Businesses in Japan

Family businesses play a critical role in the Japanese economy, reflecting long-term stability and quick decision-making. These types of businesses constitute over 50% of listed companies and account for 90% of all enterprises in Japan. Despite their significance, the academic field has not extensively covered family businesses, leading to a gap in education regarding their practices and entrepreneurial spirit. MARK Consultants aims to bridge this gap by providing students with a comprehensive view of the family business landscape, the challenges they face, and the entrepreneurial drive they embody.

Course Overview and Structure

Course Title

• - Family Business (Succession, Governance, Management) 1

Faculty

• - Professor Junichi Yamanoi from Waseda University's School of Business

Schedule

• - Weekly classes on Tuesdays at 2 PM

Open to

• - All undergraduate students

The course will cover various dimensions of family business, including governance structures, succession planning, and strategic management practices essential for sustainable growth. The innovative aspect of this course lies in its delivery method; it will feature a range of successful leaders who will share their real-world experiences, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn about practical business management techniques and challenges that cannot be found in textbooks.

Engaging Lecturers and Diverse Perspectives

The course will welcome speakers from diverse backgrounds, including:

• - Current leaders in the family business sector
• - 650-year-old tradition bearers of Kyogen theater
• - Heads of notable family lineages like Tokugawa family

These guest lecturers will provide various perspectives, discussing not only the challenges of operating a family business but also the strategies that have allowed them to thrive across generations. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of maintaining traditions while adapting to modern business environments, thus gaining a holistic perspective on entrepreneurship.

Why This Course Is Essential

Engaging with family business education in a formal institution setting is essential for fostering a new generation of business leaders. The course aims to accomplish multiple objectives:
1. Enhancing Understanding: Fostering a deep understanding of family businesses and their intrinsic values, strategies, and challenges.
2. Creating Future Leaders: Training the next generation of leaders who will be at the forefront of business transition, succession, and governance.
3. Networking Opportunities: Offering students insights into various industries and building relationships with seasoned business professionals, which can aid their career paths.
4. Industry-Academia Cooperation: Establishing a robust model of collaboration between practical business insights and academic knowledge.

Support from FBNJ

The Family Business Network Japan (FBNJ) has pledged its support for this initiative. Established in 1989, the organization champions the growth of family businesses globally, providing platforms for networking and sharing best practices. This collaboration signifies a robust commitment to enhancing family business education in Japan.

Looking Ahead

As MARK Consultants continues its mission, they invite businesses that support the purpose of the Family Business course to participate as guest lecturers in the 2026 academic year. This outreach represents an opportunity for companies to contribute to education while promoting their brand and philosophy among young, aspiring leaders.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Family Business (Succession, Governance, Management) 1 course at Waseda University is not merely an educational endeavor; it is a strategic initiative aimed at influencing the future landscape of family businesses in Japan. By equipping students with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the complexities of these enterprises, MARK Consultants is making a valuable investment in the future of Japanese business.