Visiting Japan to study Lean is not about copying tools, rituals, or cultural stereotypes—it’s about seeing how leadership behaviors, management systems, and daily problem-solving come together in practice. These posts reflect lessons learned from multiple Japan study tours, hospital visits, factory gemba walks, and conversations with Toyota leaders and practitioners.
Rather than portraying Japan as “different” or “mysterious,” this archive focuses on what leaders everywhere can learn about respect for people, psychological safety, humility, and continuous improvement. The emphasis is on intent and system design—not nationality—and on translating insights from Japan into practical leadership lessons in healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond.
Come to Japan with Mark Graban
Lean succeeds when people focus on scientific thinking and action, not perfect templates. A3s, hoshin kanri, and other tools only work when they support real learning, experimentation, and reflection–mindset and behavior matter far more than format. During my recent Japan…
Blame-based cultures kill improvement. Leaders must resolve to build trust and safety if they want innovation and engagement. During Katie Anderson‘s Japan Study Trip this past November, a participant shared an observation with me that resonated deeply: “The biggest challenge…
Listen: It’s Episode 49 of the Lean Whiskey podcast with Jamie Flinchbaugh and Mark Graban! Mark shares tales of his holiday / study tour trip to Japan. Since we start with the whisky (like scotch, note the lack of an…
Just over a week ago, I got back from Katie Anderson’s Japan Study Trip. It was amazing! I have so much to write about and share. But first, Facebook reminded me of something from exactly ten years ago–the second time…
I’m thrilled to be back in Japan for the first time in five years. Today is the start of Katie Anderson’s Japan Study Trip (learn more about joining her in May 2025). It’s great to be here for another week…
Twelve years later, I realized I had already met the legendary Toyota leader on my very first Lean trip to Japan. Here’s what I learned then–and what I’m still learning now. I’m very excited to depart for Japan on Sunday…
Scroll down for how to subscribe, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #504 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Katie Anderson, author of the book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. In this episode, Katie takes the reins…
The other day, Katie Anderson and I did a livestream about her November Lean study trip to Japan. I’m going with her in November. Come join us! Summary: In our discussion, we delved into the rich learning opportunities presented by…
I’m excited to announce that I’ve registered for Katie Anderson‘s Japan Study Trip in November! Between 2012 and 2019, I visited Japan five times, and I learned something new each time. I’ve been really itching to go back. I’m excited…
TL;DR: Two Japanese hospitals improved patient safety by combining Toyota-style problem-solving with psychological safety. By making it safe for staff to report problems and near misses, leaders uncovered more issues, learned faster, and reduced harm–turning safety into part of daily…
If you’ve ever drawn or reviewed a Value Stream Map, you’ve probably used the familiar “factory” icon to represent a customer or supplier. It’s a curious symbol — especially in healthcare or service settings — and many Lean practitioners eventually…
During my fifth Lean study trip to Japan, I once again visited a Toyota plant — and was reminded of a simple but profound idea that Toyota emphasizes repeatedly: making things means making people. It’s a principle that connects Lean…
