Sectors & markets

Learning Expedition: A Week Exploring Business Transformation in Japan with ESCP Business School

The CCIFJ organized a week-long Learning Expedition for students of ESCP Business School’s Executive Master in Managing Projects and Transformation.

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan developed an immersive program for a cohort of students from ESCP’s Executive Master in Managing Projects and Transformation. Scheduled at the end of their program, this journey offered participants a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s business ecosystem through direct engagement with leading corporations, institutions, and innovators.

Structured as an intensive, week-long experience, the Learning Expedition combined strategic insights, on-site visits, and high-level discussions, showcasing how Japan effectively integrates innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence across diverse sectors.

Day 1 – Foundations: Economic Outlook, Business Culture, and Transformation

The program began with an introductory seminar designed to provide participants with essential insights into the Japanese business environment.

• Arthur Sogno-Pèes, from the Regional Economic Service of the French Embassy in Japan, offered a comprehensive overview of Japan’s economic landscape.
• Emilie Teruel-Esclattier, Head of Business Development at the French Chamber of Commerce in Japan, led an interactive session on intercultural communication, highlighting the practical realities of doing business in Japan.
• Axel Loiseau, APAC Chief Resources Officer at Capgemini, shared valuable perspectives on digital transformation in Japan.

This foundational session set the tone for the week, emphasizing the importance of understanding Japan not merely as a market but as a complex ecosystem shaped by culture, long-term vision, and continuous improvement.

In the afternoon, the group visited Exotec, a French logistics robotics company that rapidly expanded in the Japanese market after forming a partnership with retail giant Uniqlo, which now uses Exotec robots in its warehouses. Participants met with Pierre Perdiguier, Exotec’s Vice President for Japan, and explored how a high-growth technology company successfully entered and scaled in Japan by meeting the country’s exacting standards for quality, reliability, and performance. The visit highlighted the strategic importance of partnerships, particularly with major Japanese clients, in supporting international expansion.

The day concluded at Marubeni Corporation, one of Japan’s leading sogo shosha (trading companies). Konosuke Okura, head of the Digital Innovation Department, presented how the group is leveraging data analytics and generative AI to accelerate internal digital transformation, foster innovation across business units, and cultivate new digital talent within the organization.

Day 2 – Innovation Policy and the Startup Ecosystem

The second day was dedicated to innovation policy and entrepreneurship, offering insights into how public and private stakeholders collaborate to support innovation in Japan.

In the morning, the group visited Tokyo Innovation Base (TiB), the global startup hub established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. There, participants met with Pierre Bugel, who works jointly with Expertise France, part of the French Development Agency, and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). He shared insights into Japan’s startup landscape as well as France Japan cooperation in startup policy. The session was followed by a tour of TiB, showcasing the infrastructure and support systems put in place to help Japanese startups grow and scale.

In the afternoon, the group visited the DMM.com Group, highlighting another dimension of innovation through the application of digital transformation to regional revitalization and public services. Participants were welcomed by Takeru Takayama, Head of the Regional Revitalization Business Division, and learned how DMM partners with Japanese prefectures and municipalities to digitize administrative processes and enhance citizen services through practical and scalable solutions.

Day 3 — Corporate Transformation Across Industries

The third day focused on corporate transformation across industries, offering participants a comparative perspective on how organizations operating in Japan navigate strategic change and long-term value creation.

Bernard Delmas, Lead Independent Director of Nissan Motor Corporation, shared insights into the company’s Re:Nissan turnaround plan. His presentation addressed key priorities such as electrification, organizational transformation, and sustainability, outlining a long-term strategy aimed at significant cost reduction and the redefinition of strategic partnerships.

The day continued with a session with MCDecaux Japan, a joint venture between JCDecaux and Mitsubishi Corporation. Malik Roumane, CEO for Japan and Mongolia, together with Marco Martinez Del Pino, Digital Transformation Manager, discussed the deployment of digital urban furniture, IoT sensors, and AI-powered digital-out-of-home (DOOH) campaigns in Japanese cities. The session illustrated how data-driven innovation and smart infrastructure are reshaping urban communication within Japan’s specific regulatory and cultural context.

Participants then met with Milleporte / Matsuya Ginza, where CEO Armel Cahierre presented the transformation of an iconic department store through the redesign of its e-commerce platform. This case highlighted the evolution of retail in Japan, showcasing how heritage brands adapt through omnichannel strategies, digital tools, and enhanced customer experience.

Overall, the sessions underscored that corporate transformation in Japan is often incremental, pragmatic, and data-driven, with a strong emphasis on customer experience, operational excellence, and long-term vision.

Day 4 — Smart Cities, BeautyTech, and Digital Healthcare

The final day of the program focused on how digital transformation is reshaping everyday life in Japan, from urban development to consumer engagement and innovation in the beauty sector.

The day began with a visit to Mori Building Co., Ltd. and its flagship Azabudai Hills project. Participants explored how smart technologies and data platforms are embedded into large-scale urban developments to enhance living, working, and shopping experiences. Discussions highlighted the role of digital transformation in urban planning, sustainability, and the creation of integrated, people-centric city environments.

The group then traveled to Yokohama to visit the Shiseido Global Innovation Center. During exchanges with Omer Iqbal, Senior Vice President for Digital/Technology & Head of Beauty Tech Labs, participants gained insights into Shiseido’s approach to digital customer personalization and the growing influence of technology in the beauty industry. The visit showcased how AI, data, and BeautyTech solutions are redefining customer engagement while maintaining a strong balance between technological innovation and human expertise.

Together, these sessions illustrated how Japan leverages digital transformation not only to improve efficiency and services, but also to enhance quality of life and consumer experience across industries.

Day 5 – Healthcare innovation and Beauty Tech

The Learning Expedition concluded with a focus on healthcare and consumer innovation, highlighting how digital technologies are reshaping both care services and global organizations operating in Japan. Participants first met with AS Partners, a Japanese company specializing in the development and operation of senior care facilities. The discussions centered on how IoT, AI, and integrated digital solutions are being deployed to transform elderly care environments, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the quality of care. The session provided concrete insights into how technology can help address the challenges of Japan’s aging society through data-driven and human-centered approaches.

The program then continued with a session at L’Oréal Japan, led by Japan President Jean-Pierre Charriton. Participants explored the company’s strategic vision for BeautyTech and its broader digital transformation initiatives within a global organization. The discussion highlighted how innovation, technology, and personalization are embedded across L’Oréal’s operations, illustrating how global leaders adapt digital strategies to local markets while maintaining a strong brand identity and long-term vision.

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