University briefings
Navigating the U.S.-Japan Business Landscape
Interested in the opportunities and challenges doing business in Japan? Hear directly from the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)’s Executive Director, a leader in the world of Japanese business and a champion of U.S.-Japan relations, in the ACCJ’s University Briefing Program.
In these University Briefings, Executive Director Laura Younger presents to delegates from education and research institutions in a personalized briefing to introduce the ACCJ, provide insights on the critical issues facing Japan today, and how the ACCJ helps international companies navigate the business landscape in Japan.
These meetings lay the foundation for a university delegation’s visit to Japan by providing a forum to engage students and professors in a meaningful discussion on Japan’s industries, bilateral commerce between the U.S. and Japan, and related fields. The session agenda is tailored to each group’s field of study or program content.
Topics have included Japanese business culture, tech policy, U.S.-Japan relations, aging demographics, gender gap in the labor market, healthcare/pharmaceutical industry, AI & machine learning, the power of networking, and more.
For universities or groups interested in arranging a University Briefing with the ACCJ, please compete the form below.
There is an administrative fee for University Briefings.
Read the testimonials of students and faculty who have shared their experiences participating in our University Briefings:
Baylor University Undergraduate Delegation Student:
“While visiting the ACCJ and meeting with Executive director Laura Younger, I actually understand that it is not easy due to not understanding the tax laws and regulations but also how the people interact. Laura had used real world examples such as Japan's regulation on car key fob frequencies that create a barrier for US automakers. Through visiting the ACCJ, I have been able to hear the first hand experiences that normally no other student would in a normal classroom sitting.”
Professor, University of Virginia, Darden School of Business’s MBA Delegation:
“During our visit, Laura not only introduced the ACCJ’s services for American corporations entering the Japanese market but also offered grounded, practical perspectives on how business is conducted in Japan. Her lively, highly interactive presentation wove together economic and regulatory data with first-hand stories about pain points American executives commonly encounter and how the ACCJ helps them navigate those challenges. She graciously answered every student question as they worked to make sense of what they had observed and experienced in Tokyo.”
Professor, Michigan University-Flint Undergraduate and Master's Delegation:
“Students gain a perspective of the broader landscape of American businesses and advocacy in Japan that opens their eyes to the world of connection beyond Michigan. Students take away a real sense of the possibility and potential Chamber connections can open up.”
Professor, Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business:
“When our ground manager proposed that we start with a visit to the American Chamber of Commerce, I was very excited because they typically have deep experience in the country, and their breadth of knowledge of the intricacies of doing business in that country helps set the stage for subsequent visits. Our students were well-prepared with questions, and their Executive Director, Laura Younger, handled every question with patience and provided detailed information supported with detailed data.
On behalf of Loyola, the Quinlan School of Business, and our students, I want to thank Laura and her team for helping make our whole visit a success. I am sure that Loyola teams will continue to visit Japan in the coming years, and I will make sure to suggest that they start off with the ACCJ.”
Professor, USC Marshall School of Business MBA Delegation:
“Visiting the ACCJ and Japan was an excellent experience that gave our group a deeper appreciation of Japan’s business environment, professional culture, and the important role of international organizations in connecting business leaders, policymakers, and students.”
Professor, Arizona Executive MBA Delegation:
“The experience exceeded expectations. One of the biggest takeaways for me was just how different Japanese business culture is from that in the United States. While both are highly developed economies, the business environment, as well as the interpersonal and social dynamics of doing business, are meaningfully different. During our trip, we visited several firms, many of them native Japanese companies, and learned how they navigate financial and regulatory systems within Japan. The visit to the ACCJ was especially valuable because it helped us understand how U.S. companies then fit into and operate within that same framework.
More broadly, students came away with a deeper appreciation for how culture, policy, and business strategy interact across countries. The ACCJ plays an important role in helping bridge those differences, and that perspective was incredibly valuable for our group.”
Lynn University Undergraduate Delegation Student:
“Since visiting the ACCJ, I have done multiple presentations and projects at my university about the immigration needed to Japan so they can keep a profitable society. I discussed topics like the birth decline, the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program for labor shortage sectors and the Highly Skilled Professional (J-SKIP) program as well.
My overall experience was amazing and I'm excited for when I step back into Japanese society not only as a tourist, but also as a worker.”
University of California Davis Graduate School of Management Student:
“Executive Director Laura Younger brought us up to speed on how the American Chamber of Commerce supports U.S. business in Japan. Younger provided us with valuable career advice about networking and also emphasized the importance of volunteering as a means to gain skills and connect with people.”
University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business Student:
Our visit to the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) was an eye-opening experience. We learned about the pivotal role that the ACCJ plays in fostering and strengthening the relationship between the United States and Japan. Through advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, and research initiatives, the ACCJ contributes to enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations. Thank you Laura Younger for an insightful session!
Baylor University Student:
“Overall, my visit to the ACCJ provided invaluable insights into the dynamic changes taking place in Japan’s business environment. It reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in international business. I am grateful for this learning experience and look forward to applying these lessons in my future endeavors.”
Director, Experiential Learning & Corporate Relations, Georgia Southern University:
“This time spent with the ACCJ was an excellent addition to our itinerary and helped students to understand better the important political and economic relationship shared by the U.S. and Japan.”
CONTACT
For educational institutions and groups interested in attending a University Briefing meeting with the ACCJ, please fill out the following form. Be sure to include field of study and interests in your response. An ACCJ staff member will reach out to you shortly. Thank you.
For general inquiries, please email programs@accj.or.jp
There is an administrative fee for University Briefings.