#Japan #Tokyo #Language Training #hospitality #Zenken

Zenken's New Online English Conversation Training

On June 1, 2023, Zenken Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, officially launched a new online English conversation training program aimed at the hospitality sector, titled "Omotenashi English Conversation: Heart and Basics for Ryokan". This initiative is in collaboration with the well-regarded Tsuruya Ryokan in Echizen, Awara Onsen, and the company fondi, marking a significant development in the industry.

Training Overview

The program transcends traditional language learning by focusing on the unique Japanese concept of omotenashi, or hospitality, while also enhancing participants' intercultural communication skills. Designed with the busy schedules of those in the hospitality sector in mind, it allows for accessible learning from a smartphone 24/7 (with some exceptions).

In anticipation of a projected 36 million inbound tourists visiting Japan in 2024 and a consumption amount expected to reach 8 trillion yen, there is an urgent need for the Japanese accommodation industry to bolster its intercultural adaptability and multilingual customer service capabilities. Zenken aims to address these challenges by providing essential language skills and unique Japanese hospitality training to accommodations across the nation.

Program Features

1. Expert Supervision

The training is designed under the guidance of esteemed figures such as Yoshihiko Oda, former CEO of Kaga-ya Ryokan, recognized multiple times as the top hotel in Japan, and Erika Oda, the ryokan's manager. Their insights are invaluable in shaping the curriculum alongside Zenken's language training division, "Linguage," which has over 50 years of experience in corporate language education.

2. Technology-Driven Learning

With support from fondi, a company that specializes in metaverse conversation applications, the program incorporates cutting-edge AI-speaking training tools. This allows employees to learn anytime at their convenience and utilize brief intervals for practice, respecting the operational demands of the hospitality industry.

3. Comprehensive Curriculum

Each session centers on essential conversational skills relevant to key interactions in a ryokan setting, including welcome greetings, check-ins, and room presentations. The use of actual service footage from Tsuruya Ryokan enhances learning, bridging theory with real-world application.

4. Community Engagement

Participants can engage in conversation with foreign learners worldwide through the program’s app, offering exposure to various English dialects and enhancing overall communication abilities.

Detailed Curriculum Structure

The program not only includes AI-supported speaking training available on demand but also offers weekly one-on-one lessons with instructors. This enables a maximum of 48 practical sessions annually, allowing learners to gradually improve their language proficiency and service skills in real-time scenarios.

Through this program, accommodation staff will learn to deliver smooth and heartfelt service to international guests, which is expected to enhance customer satisfaction, positive reviews, and ultimately the brand’s value and revenue.

A Message to Participants

Erika Oda of Tsuruya Ryokan emphasizes that language is merely a tool; the essence of providing hospitable service lies in the genuine intention to welcome guests "from the heart.” It is this mindset, regardless of fluency, that should be cherished and imparted to service personnel.

Future Directions

Zenken aims to establish "Omotenashi English Conversation" as a groundbreaking standard in the Japanese hospitality industry, integrating language education with hospitality training. Plans are underway to launch further editions targeted at hotels and restaurants, further strengthening Japan's distinctive omotenashi spirit as it supports the expansion of the inbound market.

For more information on the program, visit Zenken's official page.