Event Detail

Please inform ACCJ Kansai < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it > if you would like to attend the presentation only. 3,000 JPY - Members 3,900 JPY - Non-Members (trial rate) 6,000 JPY - Non-Members Dr. Kumiko Nishio will unveil the mystery behind the traditional world of the Kyoto Geiko* from the standpoint of business management. Don't miss this chance to hear how centuries old business practices are applied to today's modern business world. This is a rare opportunity to learn about traditional business practices in Japan and Kyoto. The Maiko and Geiko*, their tradition is representative of our cultural image of Kyoto. However, these women are actually masters of the traditional Japanese service industry that has continued for 350 years. The “O-Chaya” or traditional Japanese Tea Houses that present guests with a place to experience the coordinated services of Maiko, Geiko and Japanese culture and cuisine are almost all small, women owned and operated enterprises that are concentrated in a very small area of Kyoto. People often say that Kyoto’s traditions and business practices are difficult to understand. The same as “by introduction only” is an example of business traditions that continue today, the actual meaning is seldom made clear to outsiders and without any detailed verification, such practices are most often referred to merely as tradition and culture. However, the core of Japanese business tradition that stresses the importance of quality and sustainability, are alive in the business practices of these professionals. In order to understand it all it is necessary to go beyond simple tourism and entertainment. We need to take a careful look at business practices that stress the importance of tradition and culture while adapting to today’s modern business world. Why has such an industry been sustainable for 350 years? How can the Maiko and Geiko traditional service skills that are used to entertain guests from around the world be applied to training modern day youth? How has this traditional service been structured in a way to convince even the discerning client? Dr. Nishio will answer these and many more intriguing questions during her presentation. Kumiko Nishio was born in Kyoto, and her family have been rice merchants for generations. She has a doctorate in business management from Kobe University, and is one of the few researchers who has studied the traditional world of the Kyoto Geiko from the standpoint of business management. She will use video (actual footage of Maiko and Geiko) in her presentation. Continuing for 350 years and still attractive to the vast majority of people, the mystery behind such business practices should provide many suggestions to the management of modern corporations. * "Maiko“ (apprentice Geisha) 　"Geiko" or called Geisha in Edo This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >