Japan 25' : Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Global Economy

Boardrooms to Catching Bullet Trains 🚅

Introduction

During the spring and summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Japan with the Kelley School of Business, with support from the Indiana University Honors College. This experience has become one of my most rewarding Honors opportunities because it challenged me to grow as both a coach and a developing professional in a global setting. I was immersed in the daily life of a student, exposed to the economy of Japan, explored famous attractions, experienced a wide variety of traditional foods, and visited innovative start-ups during our two-week stay.

Under the guidance of Professor Charolette Westerhaus-Renfrow and Lin Zheng, we studied Japan’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and gained deeper insight into Japanese culture through guest speakers, company visits, and presentations. I observed many differences in communication styles, especially the emphasis on respect, active listening, and nonverbal cues. Conversations often required reading the room and understanding what was implied rather than directly stated. This challenged me to become more attentive and thoughtful in professional settings.

Overall, this experience expanded my global perspective, strengthened my adaptability, and deepened my understanding of how culture and business practices intersect on an international level.

Photo of the group presenting at the Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts

Artifact 1: Group Presentations and Connections

As part of my study abroad program, I was responsible for working with my group and researching more about Japan's economy, culture, and environment. This included researching about SDGs and the phrases they use in a day-to-day setting. The artifact to the right exhibits a sample of a presentation my group created, which reflects my ability to understand other cultures and their sustainable efforts in economics.

Final Reflection

Studying abroad in Japan changed the way I think about the Sustainable Development Goals and about culture. Before I went, the SDGs seemed like big ideas that world leaders talk about. But in Japan, I saw how these goals connect to everyday life.

One thing that stood out to me was how people take care of their environment. In cities like Tokyo, public transportation is clean, fast, and used by almost everyone. This helps reduce pollution and traffic. People also sort their trash very carefully and try not to waste food or materials. I learned about the word mottainai, which means feeling regret about wasting something. This idea shows how respect for resources is an important part of Japanese culture.

I also noticed how much people value community. Many actions are done with others in mind, not just for personal benefit. This connects to the SDGs because reaching these goals takes teamwork. Seeing this made me realize that sustainability is not just about laws or technology. It is also about attitudes and daily habits.

At the same time, I learned that Japan still faces challenges, such as caring for an aging population and protecting the environment while staying modern. Overall, my experience helped me see that the SDGs are not just global goals but choices people make every day.

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