#Japan #Tokyo #RCIJ #Fumitake Koga #Groupthink

Online Seminar Announcement: Understanding Groupthink

Join us for an engaging online seminar on April 23, 2026, featuring the acclaimed author Fumitake Koga, known for his bestseller 'The Courage to Be Disliked,' which has surpassed 22 million copies in total sales. This seminar is organized by the Risk Communication Institute of Japan (RCIJ) and will delve into the phenomenon of 'groupthink' using the controversy surrounding Fuji TV as a case study.

Addressing Systemic Issues

Japan has witnessed numerous corporate scandals recently, raising concerns about underlying corporate cultures. A prominent example involves a major manufacturing company where a third-party investigation uncovered fraudulent accounting, impacting over 160 billion yen in net assets. The focus here has shifted from individual shortcomings to the organizational pressure that facilitated such failures.

Similarly, a foreign life insurance company was found to have over 100 employees improperly receiving about 3.1 billion yen from nearly 500 clients. Experts argue that these issues stem from overly valuing sales performance and maintaining a persistent organizational environment that prioritizes metrics over ethics.

The Dark Side of Intelligence

The seminar will explore how 'groupthink' manifests within organizations, where individual intellect tends to fade in collective settings. It is not merely about identifying incompetent individuals or leaders but rather understanding how collaboration can sometimes lead to cognitive dissonance. In striving for harmony and rational action, teams may inadvertently stifle diverse opinions and insights, which is the crux of the problem.

Deep Dive with Experts

Fumitake Koga will engage in a dialogue with Haruko Osugi, an expert in corporate crisis communications. Together, they will dissect the mechanisms that lead to groupthink and discuss actionable strategies to counteract this detrimental trend.

Recommendations for Participants

This seminar is particularly beneficial for:

• - Those sensing that, despite having compliance systems, honest conversations are lacking.
• - Individuals who feel a sense of discomfort about decision-making in board meetings or management discussions.
• - Those keen on promoting diversity within their organizations but unsure where to begin.
• - Business professionals who do not wish to treat corporate scandals as isolated cases.
• - Anyone interested in understanding why organizations veer off course.

Speaker Profiles

Fumitake Koga - The founder of Batons and writer since 1998, Koga has authored several influential works, including 'The Courage to Be Disliked,' which has been translated into various languages worldwide. His latest book addresses groupthink, highlighting its relevance in today's corporate environment.

Haruko Osugi - As the representative director of RCIJ, Osugi has led more than 300 corporate communication cases and is a recognized authority in risk management strategy aimed at realizing Japan's vision of a crisis management leader.

Event Details

• - Event Name: 'Groupthink Occurring in Your Company — Why Outstanding Organizations Go Astray'
• - Date: April 23, 2026 (Thursday), from 16:00 to 17:00
• - Format: Online via Zoom
• - Cost: Free
• - Organizer: Risk Communication Institute of Japan (RCIJ)
• - Participation Requirements: Pre-registration is mandatory.

Register Here

Seats are limited, and registration will close once full. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts on such a critical aspect of organizational dynamics.

About Risk Communication Institute of Japan (RCIJ)

Founded on July 6, 2020, RCIJ specializes in offering curriculums focused on risk management in communication strategies. The institute collaborates with industry experts to deliver comprehensive programs covering risk management to crisis communication. For more details, visit the official RCIJ website.

Contact Us

For inquiries regarding this event, please reach out to RCIJ at [email protected]. Media representatives interested in coverage are encouraged to contact us via email.