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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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                   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

GNAM Alumni Modules | Apply by Feb. 28, 2026のサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Feb 1, 2026 12:00:00 AM

GNAM Alumni Modules | Apply by Feb. 28, 2026

”Japan as Stakeholder Capitalism – Then, Now, and Future,” a GNAM Alumni Module hosted by Hitotsubashi ICS, will focus on Japan’s business environment, with particular emphasis on its long-standing tradition of stakeholder-oriented capitalism. This model, which prioritizes long-term value creation for a broad range of stakeholders beyond shareholders, is currently being re-evaluated and reshaped amidst a rapidly-changing economic, political and societal landscape. Key areas of focus for the module include evolving engagement with activist shareholders, addressing the multiple challenges associated with a super-aging society, advancing gender equality, promoting diversity and inclusion, and incorporating youth perspectives within the context of a increasingly silver democracy. The program will be particularly beneficial for GNAM alumni interested in the intersection of business practices and societal impact. In addition to exploring Japan’s stakeholder capitalism and economic landscape, the module will also feature cultural activities, field visits and guest speaker sessions, offering a comprehensive experience in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Program Dates: April 13–16, 2026 Location: Tokyo, Japan Module Coordinator: Arina Kalinkina akalinkina@ics.hub.hit-u.ac.jp Application Period: Applications open: February 1, 2026 Applications close: February 28, 2026, 23:59 (JST) Eligibility: This program is open to alumni from all GNAM member schools. Alumni from institutions outside the GNAM network are not eligible to participate. For applications: Please contact the module coordinator. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect, upskill, and engage with the global GNAM alumni network.
The Establishment of Ikujiro Nonaka Knowledge Creation Endowed Laboratoryのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Jan 23, 2026 2:31:10 PM

The Establishment of Ikujiro Nonaka Knowledge Creation Endowed Laboratory

PRESS RELEASE January 23, 2026 Hitotsubashi University Establishes the “Ikujiro Nonaka Knowledge Creation Endowed Laboratory” Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of Business Administration, School of International Corporate Strategy (Hitotsubashi ICS), will establish the “Ikujiro Nonaka Knowledge Creation Endowed Laboratory.” This initiative aims to advance cutting-edge research and education in the field of knowledge management, to which Professor Emeritus Ikujiro Nonaka made tremendous contributions before his passing in January 2025, and to contribute to organizational value creation activities.
GNAM Alumni Modules | 2026 APPLICATIONS OPEN February 1, 2026のサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Jan 6, 2026 4:53:59 PM

GNAM Alumni Modules | 2026 APPLICATIONS OPEN February 1, 2026

Building on the successful kickoff of last year’s pilot series, Hitotsubashi ICS invites you to join the “GNAM Alumni Modules“ 2026 program, an advanced global learning journey delivered in collaboration with partner schools within the Global Network of Advanced Management (GNAM). Under the program, modules on a range of different themes will be offered by GNAM schools throughout 2026, with the first module being Hitotsubashi ICS’s module Japan as Stakeholder Capitalism, scheduled for mid-April. GNAM Alumni Module participants may attend any or all modules based on their preferences. Participating partner schools will be announced toward the end of February. This initiative offers alumni the opportunity to deepen their expertise through focused, on-campus sessions led by distinguished faculty as well as in-classroom and field-based interaction with industry experts, all while engaging with fellow graduates from across the GNAM community. 📌Program Highlights · Exclusive to alumni of GNAM partner schools · Advanced learning formats tailored for GNAM graduates · Face-to-face academic immersion in an international setting · Exchange of ideas with faculty members and business practitioners · Site visits, cultural programming, and peer-to-peer interaction About the Hitotsubashi ICS Module Hitotsubashi University Business School, School of International Corporate Strategy (Hitotsubashi ICS) MODULE | Japan as Stakeholder Capitalism: Then, Now, and Future DATE | April 13–16, 2026 FORMAT | In-person 🔵Application opens: February 1, 2026 🔴Application closes: February 28, 2026 📨For inquiries: Arina Kalinkina (Hitotsubashi ICS Module Coordinator / External Affairs Officer) akalinkina@ics.hub.hit-u.ac.jp Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect, upskill, and engage with the global GNAM alumni network.

Campus Blogs

The Race to Net Zero: Realizing the “Best of Two Worlds” during Global Network Week in Sydneyのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Apr 6, 2026 12:00:00 AM

The Race to Net Zero: Realizing the “Best of Two Worlds” during Global Network Week in Sydney

Atsushi Kobayashi (MBA Class of 2025) reflects on his recent participation in Global Network Week (GNW) in Sydney, Australia. At Hitotsubashi ICS, the mission is to achieve the “Best of Two Worlds” by embracing complexity, connecting different values and perspectives, and creating new possibilities. For him, this mission has also become a vital lens through which he thinks about the kind of contribution he hopes to make as a professional after his MBA.
GNAM Global Network (GNW) Week at Yale SOM: A Truly Global Classroom Experienceのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Apr 6, 2026 12:00:00 AM

GNAM Global Network (GNW) Week at Yale SOM: A Truly Global Classroom Experience

Global Network Week (GNW) at Yale School of Management (Yale SoM) offered a unique opportunity to step beyond the traditional MBA classroom and engage in a truly global learning environment. Bringing together students from leading business schools around the world, the program combined academic rigor with cross-cultural exchange, practical insights, and real-world exposure. Through a week of immersive lectures, discussions, and collaboration, the experience highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives, innovative thinking, and global connectivity in shaping modern leadership.
Turning Diversity into Strength: Yasu’s Career Journey Built on the Core of HRのサムネイル

Posted by Ayako Araki on Apr 1, 2026 2:10:06 PM

Turning Diversity into Strength: Yasu’s Career Journey Built on the Core of HR

Interviewed and written by Ayako Araki (Hitotsubashi ICS MBA Class of 2024). Yasutaka (Yasu) Asada, an ICS EMBA graduate, shares his career journey from Fujitsu to leading global HR at Astroscale, highlighting how diverse experiences across Japan and Silicon Valley shaped his perspective on people and organizations. With a foundation in human resources, he reflects on navigating challenges such as being a “returnee” in Japanese corporations, adapting to fast-paced global environments, and embracing diversity as a strength. His time at ICS played a pivotal role in deepening his strategic understanding of HR, helping him connect the dots of his career and redefine his professional identity. Today, he applies these insights to build globally aligned yet locally adaptive HR strategies, offering valuable lessons for professionals seeking to turn diverse experiences into meaningful leadership.
GNW 2026: Connecting Insights on Human Capital in an Aging Societyのサムネイル

Posted by NOH, Sungchul on Apr 1, 2026 1:55:09 PM

GNW 2026: Connecting Insights on Human Capital in an Aging Society

From March 9 to 13, Global Network Week (GNW) 2026 brought together students, faculty, and global perspectives for an intensive and engaging academic experience. This year’s theme, “Managing Human Resources in a Super-Low Fertility, Super-Aging Society,” addressed one of Japan’s most pressing socio-economic challenges while encouraging broader global reflection. The program was co-organized by Professors Hiroshi Ono and Sungchul Noh, with invaluable support from Shoko Ui, Ami Honda, and Junko Takami of the MBA Office, alongside Roui (MBA Class of 2024), who contributed as a Teaching Assistant (TA). Their collective efforts ensured a seamless and enriching week for all participants.
Bridging Technology and Business: Arimboor Sibin Sunny Exchange experience at SMUのサムネイル

Posted by Marketing Team on Jan 16, 2026 4:04:04 PM

Bridging Technology and Business: Arimboor Sibin Sunny Exchange experience at SMU

Arimboor (Sibin) Sunny, a student from the ICS MBA Program Class 2024, shares his exchange experience at Singapore Management University (SMU). With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sibin reflects on how SMU’s MITB program deepened his understanding of the intersection between technology and business. He shares the academic environment, course content, and practical learning approaches, as well as the professional and networking opportunities gained during the exchange. His insights offer valuable guidance for students considering the exchange program as part of their second-year MBA program activities.
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.

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