Who we are
Japan Intercultural Consulting is a leading global training and consulting firm focused on Japanese business.
What we do
We help clients increase profitability and employee engagement through improved communication and working relationships in multicultural environments.
Where we operate
With offices and consultants around the world, Japan Intercultural Consulting has facilitators near you who understand your needs and your culture.
Photo by Masami Ataka
My aim in founding our company was to help others avoid the mistakes I made when learning how to work effectively in a Japanese organization.
About the founder
An authority on Japanese business practices and the human resource and cultural challenges faced by Japanese global companies, Rochelle Kopp has more than 25 years of experience supporting close collaboration between people and companies from inside and outside of Japan.
Our team
Keiko Nakano
Japan Representative
Pernille Rudlin
EMEA Representative
Paul Jaffe
New York Representative
Miwa Pierre
Mexico Representative
Claudia Romberg
EU Representative
Hiroshi Iwasaki
Detroit Representative
Sarah Aptilon
Senior Consultant
Tak Kawasaki
Senior Consultant
Julia von dem Bussche-Hünnefeld
Consultant
Masamitsu Kobayashi
Consultant
Yoshiko Muto
Brazil Representative
Alex Fernández de Castro
Consultant
Ayaka Matsui
Consultant
Andrew Bender
Senior Consultant
Ayako Hashimoto
Consultant
Jennifer Shinkai
Facilitator
Bryan Jacop
Senior Consultant
Ryo Ito
Consultant
Our clients
Supporting dynamic global companies
Japan Intercultural Consulting supports Japanese organizations and non-Japanese organizations that have Japanese customers, suppliers, investors, or partners. We are proud to work with many of Japan’s most prominent firms, and with major global companies interacting with Japan.
News
Company announcements and commentary on current issues
【 Column: Leap Before You Look 】
I decided to write my column, Leap Before You Look, as an audacious attempt to put my experience as
27 April, 2025
New group for Japan-based Global HR professionals launching this Spring
Recently, more and more Japanese companies have been recognizing the importance of Global HR, leadin
01 February, 2025
Why Is DEI Being Demonized in the United States?
Recently, many high-profile companies in the U.S., including Walmart, Meta, Disney, Target, and Ford
23 January, 2025
Events
Exciting upcoming events and seminars from Japan Intercultural Consulting
What Japanese Customers Want: Online seminar in English 15th July 2025 (3pm – 4:30pm BST, 4pm to 5:30pm CEST, 10:00am to 11:30am East Coast)
Japanese customer service is probably the best in the world. Whether your Japanese customers are B2C
30 May, 2025
Working Effectively with Japanese Online Seminar (East Coast Time Zone) September 9, 2025, 9am – 4pm
“Why do Japanese take so long to make decisions?” “Why don’t Japanese give clear instructions?” “How
28 March, 2025
Effective Business Trips to Japan: Online Seminar in English – 11 September, 2025 (East Coast Time 10:00 – 11:30 / CET 16:00 – 17:30 / BST 15:00 – 16:30pm)
Are you looking to expand your business horizons to Japan? Maybe you’re going to the Osaka Expo? Joi
28 March, 2025
Articles
Practical and interesting articles on a wide range of topics relating to Japanese business and culture
11. Bon Appétit 【Column: Leap Before You Look】
“What do you miss the most about Japan?” My answer to this よくある質問 (frequently asked question)
12 July, 2025
Navigating Personal Questions in Japan as an Openly Gay Business Traveler
With more businesspeople visiting Japan recently, I’ve had the same question come up from more than
30 June, 2025
10. What a Difference a Vowel Makes 【Column: Leap Before You Look】
Have you noticed when posing for photos, Japanese people often strike the “peace” sign, also known a
28 June, 2025
Publications
Insightful and practical books written by our founder and consultants