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Addressing the world’s most urgent challenges and seizing the most exciting opportunities necessitates active business involvement. At ICS, faculty-led initiatives and projects bring together industry practitioners, passionate students, and accomplished alumni to collaborate on cutting-edge research and innovative solutions, ensuring that their insights drive meaningful and substantial impact across various sectors today.

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Welcome to the ICS Networks page. Here, we highlight our extensive international partnerships, collaborative programs, and exchange opportunities with leading business schools and institutions worldwide.

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  Social Impact Project | Project Results
Social Impact Project | Introduction Video
Social Impact Project on the TV News
 
                   Hitotsubashi ICS Global Network Week 2023
                     Nov 28, 2023
                   Diversity - the best word to describe
                   Hitotsubashi ICS | Jinn (MBA 2020)              
                     Nov 21, 2023
                    Global MBA in Japan | Osvaldo (MBA 2021)
                      Nov 21, 2023

Campus Newsroom

BEST Alliance Deepens Strategic Cooperation at 2025 Deans’ Meeting and Symposiumのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Nov 14, 2025 12:00:00 AM

BEST Alliance Deepens Strategic Cooperation at 2025 Deans’ Meeting and Symposium

The 2025 BEST Alliance Symposium and Deans’ Meeting, was hosted on November 14 at Seoul National University, bringing together senior leadership, faculty and exports from Graduate School of Business, Seoul National University (SNU), School of International Corporate Strategy, Hitotsubashi University Business School (Hitotsubashi ICS), and Guanghua School of Management, Peking University (PKU) gathered to review ongoing initiatives and strengthen one of Asia’s most influential academic alliances. This year’s event reaffirmed the Alliance’s shared commitment to shaping the future of business education and research across Asia.
Round 2 Applications for the 2026 MBA Program Now Open!のサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Nov 10, 2025 12:00:00 AM

Round 2 Applications for the 2026 MBA Program Now Open!

We are excited to announce that Round 2 applications for the 2026 MBA Program at Hitotsubashi ICS officially open today, November 10, 2025! If you're ready to take your career to the next level in a truly global learning environment, this is your chance. Hitotsubashi ICS is proud to offer Japan’s top-ranked, all-English MBA program, designed for future global business leaders. Our MBA curriculum blends cutting-edge academic theory with real-world application, offering unmatched exposure to Japanese business culture, leadership development, and innovation in Asia. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your current career path, pivot into a new industry, or develop an entrepreneurial mindset, the ICS MBA will equip you with the tools, network, and confidence to succeed. 📌 How to Apply: All application materials and guidelines are available on our official website. 👉 Visit the How to Apply page for full details 📄 Download the Application Package to get started 📝 Register and create your account to begin your application Key Highlights of the Program: 100% English, 1 or 2 year MBA program MBA as leadership development journey Hands-on learning ranked best MBA in Japan (QS 2023) 5:1 student-faculty ratio Continuous, individual feedback on your personal development A world-class curriculum Real-world experiences In the heart of Tokyo’s business districts Round 2 Application Deadline: February 5, 2026 (14:59 JST) Program Start Date: September 2026 Take the first step toward a transformative academic and professional journey with Hitotsubashi ICS—where tradition meets innovation, and East meets West. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of global business leaders!
Earn an MBA degree at Hitotsubashi ICS!のサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Aug 8, 2025 11:24:14 AM

Earn an MBA degree at Hitotsubashi ICS!

Hitotsubashi ICS will be presenting materials at the "2025 UF JAPAN Study in Japan Fair" held in Taiwan! At the venue, UF JAPAN will introduce Hitotsubashi ICS MBA program and provide information about studying in Japan. But that’s not all! An online information session will also be held on Saturday, October 18. We look forward to seeing you on main days if the fair on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 at the CPC Building in Taipei City! 👉 Register here: https://www.ufjapan.com.tw/2025/school
Round 1 Applications for the 2026 MBA Program Now Open!のサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Aug 1, 2025 12:00:00 AM

Round 1 Applications for the 2026 MBA Program Now Open!

We are excited to announce that Round 1 applications for the 2026 MBA Program at Hitotsubashi ICS officially open today, August 1, 2025! If you're ready to take your career to the next level in a truly global learning environment, this is your chance. Hitotsubashi ICS is proud to offer Japan’s top-ranked, all-English MBA program, designed for future global business leaders. Our MBA curriculum blends cutting-edge academic theory with real-world application, offering unmatched exposure to Japanese business culture, leadership development, and innovation in Asia. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your current career path, pivot into a new industry, or develop an entrepreneurial mindset, the ICS MBA will equip you with the tools, network, and confidence to succeed. 📌 How to Apply: All application materials and guidelines are available on our official website. 👉 Visit the How to Apply page for full details 📄 Download the Application Package to get started 📝 Register and create your account to begin your application Key Highlights of the Program: 100% English, 1 or 2 year MBA program MBA as leadership development journey Hands-on learning ranked best MBA in Japan (QS 2023) 5:1 student-faculty ratio Continuous, individual feedback on your personal development A world-class curriculum Real-world experiences In the heart of Tokyo’s business districts Round 1 Application Deadline: October 9, 2025 (14:59 JST) Program Start Date: September 2026 Take the first step toward a transformative academic and professional journey with Hitotsubashi ICS—where tradition meets innovation, and East meets West. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of global business leaders!

Campus Blogs

MBA in Japan: My First Week at Hitotsubashi ICS and the Start of a Leadership Journeyのサムネイル

Posted by Soma Ushio on Dec 1, 2025 7:45:00 AM

MBA in Japan: My First Week at Hitotsubashi ICS and the Start of a Leadership Journey

Soma Ushio, MBA Class of 2025, began his Hitotsubashi ICS journey with an unforgettable first week of orientation that set the tone for his leadership development. Through team challenges, case-based learning, and reflective workshops, he discovered that leadership at ICS goes beyond strategy—it’s about collaboration, integrity, and self-awareness. With his cross-cultural background between Japan and Indonesia, Soma is eager to apply these lessons to strengthen business partnerships and foster sustainable growth between the two nations.
MBA Exchange Experience at Yale SOM: Insights from Christy Wangのサムネイル

Posted by Jingjing Wang (Christy) on Nov 11, 2025 7:14:59 AM

MBA Exchange Experience at Yale SOM: Insights from Christy Wang

Jingjing Wang (Christy), MBA Class of 2023, during her MBA journey at Hitotsubashi ICS, had the invaluable opportunity to spend a term at the Yale School of Management (SOM) as an exchange student. Building on her previous experience during the Global Network Week at Yale SOM, she was eager to return and further immerse herself in its inspiring academic and multicultural environment. This exchange allowed Christy to explore her passion for social entrepreneurship, connect with exceptional peers from around the world, and gain firsthand insight into life and learning in the United States.
A Summer of Leadership, Friendship, and Reflection: My Bai Xian Journey in Tokyoのサムネイル

Posted by Linh Pham on Oct 13, 2025 7:15:00 AM

A Summer of Leadership, Friendship, and Reflection: My Bai Xian Journey in Tokyo

Linh "Stacey" Pham, MBA Class of 2024, reflects on her experience participating in the Bai Xian Summer Program 2025, an initiative of the Asian Future Leadership Scholarship Program (AFLSP) sponsored by Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI). As Hitotsubashi ICS hosted the program for the first time, over sixty Bai Xian scholars from eight leading Asian universities gathered in Tokyo for fifteen days of cultural exchange, academic inquiry, and leadership development. The program not only broadened horizons and fostered lifelong friendships but also deepened participants’ sense of responsibility as Asian Future Leaders in today’s interconnected world.
Developing Bonds in Asia | Doing Business in Asia 2025のサムネイル

Posted by Yuri Harada on Aug 29, 2025 7:30:00 AM

Developing Bonds in Asia | Doing Business in Asia 2025

Yuri Harada, MBA Class of 2024, reflects on his experience in the “Doing Business in Asia” program, jointly organized by Hitotsubashi ICS, Peking University, and Seoul National University. Through company visits in Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul—including sites like Kawasaki’s AI SCAPE café, POP MART, and Amore Pacific—he explored how Japan, China, and Korea approach innovation, strategy, and culture in distinct ways. Beyond business insights, Yuri highlights the power of human connection across Asia, learning that collaboration, openness, and shared cultural strengths are key assets for leadership and global business.
A Journey of Resilience: What We Learned in Notoのサムネイル

Posted by Urvashi Kumari on Aug 26, 2025 7:15:00 AM

A Journey of Resilience: What We Learned in Noto

Last May, Urvashi Kumari (MBA Class of 2024) embarked on a transformative journey through Kanazawa, Wajima, and Noto as part of a Capstone Social Impact Project. This wasn't a typical trip; it was a deep dive into understanding community resilience after a devastating natural disaster. Over several days, they had the privilege of meeting with a wide range of individuals and organizations who are at the heart of Noto's recovery, from local government officials and business owners to dedicated volunteers and resilient residents.
Learning Through Springs: A Follow-Up Visit to Tokai Spring's Factoryのサムネイル

Posted by Yu Matsuura on Jun 2, 2025 12:00:00 AM

Learning Through Springs: A Follow-Up Visit to Tokai Spring's Factory

Yu Matsuura and Dana Zhang, MBA students from the Class of 2024, reflect on their visit to Tokai Spring, a specialized spring manufacturer in Hyogo Prefecture. As part of their Japan Business and Economy course at Hitotsubashi ICS, they explored how strategy, craftsmanship, and culture intersect in Japanese SMEs. Through a factory tour, hands-on experience, and conversation with the company president, they gained fresh insights into the value of focus, trust, and “not competing” as a strategic choice.
The Art of Knowledge Creation: Evolution in Business & Watchmakingのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Feb 13, 2025 12:00:00 AM

The Art of Knowledge Creation: Evolution in Business & Watchmaking

Nico Moreno, an alumnus from the MBA Class of 2021, reflects on his transformative journey from founding a watch brand in the Philippines to pursuing an MBA at Hitotsubashi ICS. In his reflection, he shares how his search for deeper knowledge and perspective in watchmaking led him to Japan, where he encountered the SECI model of knowledge creation and the concept of 'Shokunin,' the spirit of the artisan. He discusses the challenges, insights, and motivations that shaped his decision to join the ICS program and how this experience helped guide the next chapter of his ongoing story.

Read on ICS Knowledge

When the Past Shapes the Future: A Generational Look at Organizational Change

This article introduces key insights from the academic article, "Generation Gap? The Branching Influence of Historical Myths". It explores how the stories organizations tell about their past, especially when faced with challenges, significantly impact how different generations within the organization respond and shape its future. Organizations often face critical moments, from launching new initiatives to navigating crises. In these times, leaders frequently turn to history, using past events and narratives to rally support and inspire action. This report delves into how these historical narratives are created by senior members and interpreted by newer generations, revealing their profound and often unexpected long-term effects. Our research shows that the way these stories are shared and understood across generations can either propel an organization forward or trap it in cycles of inaction.

Posted by NOH, Sungchul on Jul 3, 2025 4:52:20 PM

Toward Sustainable Wage Increases: The Role of Human Capital Investment in Post-Deflation Japan

Introduction: Breaking Out of Wage and Price Stagnation Japan has experienced a prolonged period of deflation, during which wages and prices stagnated for nearly three decades. Although there are recent signs of progress toward overcoming deflation, wage growth has not kept pace with rising prices. As a result, concerns about the future and the lack of real wage growth have dampened consumer spending. With purchasing power yet to recover sufficiently, there has been no meaningful improvement in the standard of living. Sustained wage growth is a key pillar for achieving stable economic growth. In this article, I argue that investments in human capital are foundational for achieving sustainable wage growth. While the recent trend toward higher wages is a welcome development, an examination of the reasons behind the wage hikes raises questions about their long-term viability. Wage increases are not a means to enhance productivity; rather, they are the result of improvements in productivity and added value. This virtuous cycle is driven by investments in human capital.

Posted by ONO, Hiroshi on Jul 1, 2025 1:52:33 PM