#Japan #Workforce Management #Toyota Mobility #Otsu #Multicultural Training

Insights on Managing Multicultural Staff

On February 16, 2026, the Japan Management Development Association and the Kansai Management Association are set to host the first local training session at Toyota Mobility Shiga's Otsu store. This initiative focuses on how companies can better manage and integrate international staff into their operations.

As more businesses ramp up their recruitment of foreign workers, many face the ongoing hurdles of training and retaining these employees due to cultural and language barriers. Toyota Mobility Shiga has proactively addressed these challenges by significantly increasing its foreign mechanic workforce, which now comprises one-third of its total team with around 40 skilled professionals from diverse nationalities.

The Importance of Multicultural Workforce Management

The contemporary corporate world increasingly embraces a multinational workforce. However, managing such diversity comes with its own set of challenges. Toyota Mobility Shiga has developed an innovative framework to attract, train, and retain foreign staff, focusing on several key strategies:

• - Partnerships with International Institutions: Collaborating with industrial universities in Vietnam to foster talent.
• - Local Training Facilities: Establishing local training centers to provide essential skills and knowledge.
• - Effective Recruitment Process: Implementing a selection process that assesses candidates effectively and highlights their strengths.
• - Continuous Education and Support: Ensuring that proper training and follow-up strategies are in placepost-hire.
• - Management Training for Supervisors: Educating managers on effective management strategies suited for multicultural environments.

The upcoming training session will serve as a platform for participants to observe these best practices in action.

Key Takeaways from the Training Session

The training will focus on three main points:
1. Real-life Application of Multicultural Management: Participants will visit stores and service workshops where foreign staff are actively engaged, providing insights into daily communications and operational strategies.
2. Comprehensive Framework: Learn about the cohesive system from recruitment through to retention, emphasizing long-term employment and growth.
3. Cultivating a Supportive Workplace Culture: Discover how Toyota Mobility Shiga fosters an environment of respect and collaboration among all employees, regardless of nationality.

Special Lecture by President Nobuyuki Ozawa

Kicking off the training, President Nobuyuki Ozawa will share his insights on various topics:

• - The rationale behind employing foreign workers.
• - What makes a successful multicultural organization.
• - Principles and structures necessary for working across cultures.
• - The role of managers in this framework.
• - The company's philosophy and policies that support a diverse workforce.

Event Details

• - Date: February 16, 2026
• - Time: 1:20 PM to 3:30 PM
• - Venue: Toyota Mobility Shiga, Otsu Store, 1-1 Fujimidai, Otsu City

(Approximately a 5-minute taxi ride from JR Ishiyama Station)

Schedule:
1:20 PM: Assemble at the venue
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Lecture by President Nobuyuki Ozawa
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM: Tour of the store and workshop
2:50 PM - 3:30 PM: Q&A session
3:30 PM: Conclusion and disperse

Participation Fees

• - Individual: 58,000 yen (tax included)
• - Two or more participants from the same company: 52,780 yen each (tax included)

Capacity: 20 participants (first-come, first-served)

Target Audience:

• - Companies struggling with the recruitment and training of foreign staff.
• - Business leaders interested in multicultural communication and management.
• - Small businesses looking to leverage the strengths of a diverse workforce.
• - Leaders and managers focused on enhancing organizational culture.

Organizer

Japan Management Development Association / Kansai Management Association
For registration, please visit: Register Here. For inquiries, contact: [email protected].

President Nobuyuki Ozawa emphasizes that while hiring foreign staff is becoming commonplace, understanding the core challenges that follow is crucial. This event presents a unique opportunity to uncover strategies for building an organization that thrives on cultural diversity.

About JMDA and KMCA

Founded in 1953, JMDA and KMCA have a storied history of leading the management sector in Japan. They support the growth of domestic industries through comprehensive training and consultation services, including regular seminars that gather hundreds of attendees. Now, they continue to adapt to industry needs, equipping businesses with the tools to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.