Eight American teachers participated in the 2026 Study Tour to Japan. The lectures and visits during the nine-day program were introduced Japanese schools and businesses as well as economic, domestic, and foreign policy issues.

The teachers learned about Japanese corporations at Fujitsu Limited, IITOCHU Corporation, and Kewpie Coporation, from corporate goals and structure to participation in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, support for educational initiatives, and HR development.

Participants also heard from academic experts about Japanese education and economy. Professor Hideo Akabayashi of Keio University gave an overview of educational achievement and economic inequality in Japan, showcasing how household income and parental presence impact outcomes in Japan and other countries. At a lunch briefing, economist Dr. Shumpei Takemori outlined challenges to Japan’s economic growth, including corporate structure and employee attitudes towards risk. Professor Yuhei Yamauchi from the University of Tokyo gave a lecture on the use of technology in education, from the GIGA school program to new GenAI pilot schools.

The teachers took a tour of KAWARUBA, learning about the redevelopment of the former Haneda airport site in Ota Ward and research being conducted there by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. on robotics and hydrogen energy utilization. Staff members at Tokyo Metropolitan Government presented their Smart Tokyo initiatives and AI policy for both citizens and government employees. At the Bank of Japan, the teachers toured the historic building and learned about the Bank’s international collaboration efforts.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the teachers on U.S.-Japan relations, the Japanese economy, and Japan’s priorities for AI and technology. Former Ambassador to the U.S. Ichiro Fujisaki gave a comprehensive overview of his ideas about the opportunities and challenges facing Japanese society and the U.S.-Japan relationship. Dr. Tsuneo Watanabe talked through the domestic and foreign policy issues facing Japan. Fellows had the opportunity for a wide-ranging conversation with the Honorable Takako Suzuki, Kaoru Fukuda, and Sakon Yamamoto from the House of Representatives on educational challenges and political education and participation among Japanese young people.

At Tokyo Metropolitan Hibiya High School, the teachers observed Japanese social studies classes, participated in discussions related to the students’ current lessons about the aftermath of World War I, and heard presentations about high school life in Japan. At Nihon University Senior and junior High School, the teachers talked with Japanese teachers, observed classes, and had discussions with students over lunch.

The group had the opportunity to observe a morning sumo practice at Musashigawa Stable and hear from stablemaster and former Yokozuna Musashimaru and his friend and former Ōzeki Konishiki. On Saturday morning, social studies teachers from Tokyo joined the group for an engaging discussion on issues in education, from student issues with absenteeism and generative AI, to teacher workload and curriculum content.

The program concluded with a symposium entitled “The Impact of Technological Advancement on the Socio-Economy and Education in Japan and the U.S.,” attended by many of the representatives who had given presentations earlier in the week and other Keizai Koho Center members. After a presentation on “AI and Social Media in Japanese Schools: Application and Impact” by Professor Jun Takahashi of Tokyo Gakugei University, each of the teachers presented how generative AI is being used in and affecting their classrooms.