#Japan #Tokyo #Leadership Training #BATONZ #Nikkei Business School

BATONZ and Nikkei Business School's New Initiative

BATONZ, a platform focused on M&A and business succession support, has officially announced a collaboration with the Nikkei Business School to commence a public lecture series aiming at developing future leaders in Japanese companies. This new initiative, dubbed the "Gateway Camp for Leaders (GCL) - A Stepping Stone for Leadership", responds proactively to a pressing issue facing many organizations: a shortage of effective leadership.

In research conducted by Nikkei HC Lab, more than half of the responding companies indicated they face a lack of leaders, which raises significant concerns for their growth and sustainable success. One significant reason for this leadership gap is the scarcity of structured opportunities for aspiring leaders to acquire essential practical knowledge relevant to their roles. In today’s competitive marketplace, especially considering the increasing significance of M&A as a strategy for corporate growth, the demand for skilled leaders is more pressing than ever.

Data from RECOF Research suggests that in the fiscal year 2024, the number of M&A transactions involving Japanese companies is expected to reach a record high of 4,704. This reflects a growing trend that necessitates leaders to be well-versed in a wide range of management practices, from strategic planning to post-merger synergies and organizational integration. However, nurturing the core talent essential for planning and executing successful M&A transactions remains a challenge for individual companies.

In response to these challenges, BATONZ has partnered with the Nikkei Business School to support the development of future leaders by offering them comprehensive opportunities to learn various essential business skills. This collaborative effort aims to create an environment conducive to growth and transformation for many companies, particularly in relation to M&A activities.

Details of the Program

The Gateway Camp for Leaders (GCL) is designed to be a transformative opportunity for participants to deepen their management knowledge.

Course Overview:

• - Instructor: Hiroshi Kimura, CFO of BATONZ, has extensive experience in management consulting, having worked with multiple firms and developed crucial expertise while engaging with both large corporations and startups. His insight into strategic, financial, and organizational management will shape the learning experience.
• - Course Structure: The course will systematically simplify complex management concepts, categorizing them into three primary themes: business/strategy, finance/numbers, and organization/leadership. Each theme will highlight key practical points, providing participants with a solid foundational understanding. Furthermore, the program will encourage self-reflection among attendees, fostering in-depth discussions with peers to enrich their learning.

Event Details:

• - Dates: September 4 (Thu) - September 5 (Fri), 2025
• - Location: Nikkei Otemachi Seminar Room, 6th Floor, Nikkei Inc., Tokyo
• - Capacity: 40 participants
• - Tuition: ¥132,000 (excluding tax ¥120,000)

Speaker Profile:

Hiroshi Kimura is currently the CFO at BATONZ and has made significant contributions in the realm of corporate strategy and business transformation. His extensive background includes various management roles within consulting firms and recruitment companies, allowing him to amass awards like the Most Valuable Manager. Since joining BATONZ in December 2024, he has focused on governance and finance, directing multiple teams pivotal to the company's transformation.

About BATONZ

The BATONZ platform is dedicated to the vision of establishing a society where anyone can easily participate in M&A activities. By combining expert support with cutting-edge digital tools, BATONZ has become the industry leader in M&A assistance, with the highest market share in the Japanese platform sector.

About Nikkei Business School

As a branch of Nikkei Inc., the Nikkei Business School offers programs designed to enhance the skills and careers of business leaders and professionals. With a curriculum that emphasizes practical application led by experienced instructors, the school actively contributes to the development of the business community in Japan.

This innovative collaboration between BATONZ and the Nikkei Business School marks a significant step forward in addressing leadership shortages, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to lead effectively in a changing business landscape.