#Japan #Tokyo #Impression Management #Social Design University #Intelligence Training

New Short Program at Social Design University

In an ever-complex world, trust in leaders has never been more crucial. Social Design University, located in Minato, Tokyo, recently announced the launch of a new short-term training course named 'Impression Management x Intelligence Training'. This program, aimed at enhancing the skills of those who represent their organizations, will begin on October 5, 2026.

The course addresses the growing risks organizations face, highlighting the need for individuals in leadership roles such as management, public relations, and sales to possess the ability to assess both their own behavior and the information they convey. Miscommunication or overlooking vital information can lead to damage to a company’s reputation or even a serious crisis.

The Intersection of Non-Verbal Cues and Intelligence

The program emphasizes that gaining trust hinges not solely on spoken words, but also on non-verbal cues like attire, posture, and overall demeanor. Participants will learn to discern the essence of information amid the overwhelming amount of data available today, developing a critical eye for assessing truthfulness and intent.

The course combines the techniques of 'Impression Management'—creating a trustworthy presence—with the analytical thinking found in 'Intelligence'. This fusion aims to cultivate the expression and depth of understanding needed for individuals to act as their organization's face.

Key Skills Developed Through the Program

1. Designing Purposeful Impressions: Participants will learn to strategically embody the impression they want to project through their attire and non-verbal communication.
2. Adaptive Expression and Response Skills: Training will enhance presence and adaptability in dynamic environments, ensuring effective communication even under pressure.
3. Identifying Information Essence and Authenticity: Attendees will grasp the distinction between fact and truth, gaining skills in information gathering and analysis.
4. Communication Skills Under Pressure: Mock interview training will foster effective questioning techniques and the ability to articulate key messages clearly.
5. Crisis Management as an Organizational Face: The course will combine impression management and intelligence techniques to safeguard an organization’s reputation, even in challenging times.

Comprehensive Curriculum Overview

The program consists of 15 sessions systematically organized to cover essential themes:

• - Orientation on impression formation and risk management
• - Wardrobe basics from a top stylist
• - Risk management through body language lessons from a former Paris Fashion Week model
• - Intelligence insights from a former police investigator
• - Business improv techniques for effective expression
• - Differentiating between facts and truths with a former journalist from weekly news

The teaching staff includes professionals from various fields, guaranteeing a rich educational experience:

• - Keiko Ishikawa, Professor and Crisis Management/Public Relations Consultant
• - Isuko Takano, Stylist
• - Kanako Takamatsu, Smart Act Director and former Paris Fashion Week model
• - You Inamura, Covert Intelligence Association Representative and former police investigator
• - Kazuko Yamaguchi, Human Producer and former theater actor
• - Ryutaro Nakamura, Journalist and former news magazine reporter

Course Logistics

• - Program Name: ’Impression Management x Intelligence Training’
• - Duration: Funded from October 5 to December 7, 2026
• - Format: Online via Microsoft Teams, with some live sessions offered in-person
• - Eligibility: Open to professionals in management, public relations, sales, and HR who wish to learn about impression management and intelligence
• - Capacity: 40 participants with a specialized group for in-person coaching of 5 to 8 individuals
• - Tuition Fees: 450,000 yen for in-person attendees and 250,000 yen for online participants
• - Application Deadline: September 21, 2026, or until capacity is reached

Attend an Information Session

Prior to the course's commencement, an information session will be held to go over the program and curriculum. Interested individuals can register for the online session scheduled for August 30, 2026.

For more details and to register, visit Social Design University.

Social Design University was established in April 2017 in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, focusing on graduate-level education for professionals. It aims to train specialists capable of developing strategic communication and organizational design expertise through its various research departments.

For further inquiries, please reach out to the Communication Office at Social Design University, located at 3-13-16 Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo. Contact us by phone at 03-3478-8411.