#Japan #Tokyo #Progrit #Mercer Japan #English Coaching

Progrit and Mercer Japan's Strategic Alliance

In a groundbreaking move, Progrit, an innovative English learning platform based in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, has announced a strategic partnership with Mercer Japan. This collaboration aims to provide a specialized English coaching program tailored for expatriate managers starting from July 9, 2026.

The Challenge of Finding Skilled Talent

Many Japanese companies venturing abroad encounter significant challenges when it comes to securing skilled local talent. According to a survey by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) conducted in November 2025, over 31.9% of companies reported a deterioration in local labor market conditions, while only 7.7% observed an improvement. This troubling trend highlights the increasing demands for competitive salaries and benefits. Moreover, a notable skill mismatch between applicants and the desired traits sought by employers, especially among management levels, complicates the recruitment of capable local personnel.

As the competition for talent intensifies, the role of Japanese expatriate managers in guiding local teams becomes crucial. To successfully lead a team comprised of individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, proficiency in English communication is of utmost importance. This skill serves as the foundation for establishing trust and facilitating organizational cohesion.

Bridging the Gap with Tailored English Coaching

However, traditional business English training often fails to address specific managerial scenarios such as performance reviews, feedback mechanisms, and conflict resolution. The necessity for practical skills to manage subordinates in English has emerged as a common issue for many expatriate employees and their companies.

In response to this pressing need, Progrit and Mercer Japan have jointly developed an English coaching program focused on management scenarios. Utilizing Mercer’s framework of “11 management scenarios,” a series of dedicated English learning content has been created. This collaboration merges expertise in organizational behavior with English language education to provide a unique coaching experience tailored to managerial contexts.

Program Highlights

1. Specialized Speaking Content: 460 new English expressions tailored to the 11 management scenes identified by Mercer have been incorporated into Progrit's coaching services. Learners can choose from two methods for mastering these expressions: constructing their own sentences through grammar and structure studies or memorizing practical phrases that can be utilized immediately in real-world settings.

2. Personalized Coaching: Progrit’s experienced consultants will work closely with individuals to thoroughly assess their current English proficiency and address specific challenges. Each curriculum will be customized based on the individual’s level and the timeline leading up to their assignment overseas, with weekly meetings and daily progress checks to maintain motivation and achieve set goals.

3. AI-Powered Role-Playing: Progrit’s AI conversation app, DiaTalk, will allow users to engage in role-playing exercises that simulate real management scenarios. Users can determine their role, the opposing party’s role, the context, and the goal of the conversation, enabling them to practice various management situations, including feedback sessions and crisis management. Feedback on the conversation will be provided post-session to reinforce correct expressions and enhance practical skills.

Future Prospects

This partnership marks the beginning of an ongoing collaborative effort between Progrit and Mercer to enhance their joint service offerings. Looking ahead, both firms aim to integrate Mercer’s expertise in talent and organizational development with Progrit’s accumulated knowledge in English education, paving the way for innovative initiatives to support the development of global talent within Japanese firms.

Comments from Leadership

Tsuyoshi Kusaka, President of Mercer Japan, emphasized the importance of communication skills in determining the success of expatriate managers. He noted that beyond technical skills in designing compensation structures and HR measures, practical English skills capable of mobilizing people on-site are increasingly demanded. Through this collaboration with Progrit, Mercer aims to strengthen its overall support for global talent.

Shogo Okada, President of Progrit, expressed excitement over the partnership with Mercer, highlighting the alignment between Progrit's expertise in language learning and Mercer’s in organizational knowledge. He believes that by producing leaders capable of guiding local teams, they will significantly contribute to the global development of Japanese enterprises.

About Progrit

Progrit is dedicated to empowering individuals with the ability to thrive in a global landscape. With a focus on intensive English coaching, Progrit offers a range of services, including subscription-based language learning programs and tailored workshops designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses aiming to strengthen their global workforce.

For further details, please visit the official Progrit website at Progrit Inc..