Shizenkan Difference
Gain Practical Learning from Distinguished Faculty
Shizenkan blends theory and practice and equips students with applicable real-world skills . Learn directly from top business executives and consultants, engage in case discussions based on real business challenges, and develop critical problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills to make an impact from day one.
Maximizing Individual Potential in a Diverse Class Setting
With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:4, Shizenkan ensures personalized mentorship throughout the program. Our student body consists of individuals from over 20 countries and various professional fields. Academic mentors provide tailored guidance and recognize many students navigate significant personal and professional transitions.
From the Heart of Nihonbashi
Based in the historic Nihonbashi district, Shizenkan integrates local culture into its educational experience. Students engage in Nihonbashi community events, participate in hands-on field study through the “Design Thinking” course, and connect with local business leaders. This deep community involvement enriches learning and broadens perspectives.
Making Education Accessible
Shizenkan offers scholarships of up to 4.8 million JPY, plus additional financial aid through government programs where students may receive an extra 1.2 million JPY. Specialized scholarships are also available for students focusing on global impact, refugee support, social innovation and others. We are committed to ensuring financial constraints do not stand in the way of future leaders driving meaningful change.
Shizenkan’s Unique Approach to Education
Broad Perspectives Through Liberal Arts
Shizenkan blends business education with liberal arts, encouraging students to ask, “For what? For whom? Why?” By studying history, philosophy, and science, students develop values as professionals, interpret societal shifts, and envision the future.
Leadership Through Self-Reflection
True leadership begins with understanding oneself. Through coaching, assessments, and psychology-based workshops, students explore their values and inner voice, fostering holistic leadership development.
Real-World Learning: The Business Concept Paper
In the second year, students choose one of three specialized tracks: Global Management & Business Transformation, Entrepreneurship & Tech Innovation, or Sustainability & Social Innovation. Instead of a thesis, students synthesize their two-year journey into a “Business Concept Paper,” articulating their post-graduation vision. Through faculty guidance and peer discussions, they refine their ideas and learn to balance business with social impact.
Bridging Western Rationality & Eastern Philosophy
Shizenkan integrates Western business logic with Eastern philosophy, incorporating Zen and meditation into its curriculum. This fusion helps students explore leadership and management in a rapidly evolving world.
Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Through partnerships with top institutions like IESE, Shizenkan engages with 200+ students from 20 business schools in 5 continents in discussions with global leaders, shaping the future of sustainable capitalism.
A Hub for Societal Impact
Shizenkan’s research centers – Liberal Arts, Impact Economy, and Negotiation Centers drive intellectual and social innovation. As the headquarters of Stanford Social Innovation Review Japan (SSIRJ) since July 2024, it continues to lead in addressing global challenges.
Learn from Leading Experts on the Frontlines
Founder of the Institute for Strategic Leadership (ISL)
Doctorate in Business Administration (Business Policy) from Harvard University
Confront Your Inner Conflicts: Integrity and Ethics Required of a Leader
After graduating from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law, Tomoyoshi Noda joined the Industrial Bank of Japan. He earned a Master’s Degree in Science in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Doctorate in Business Administration (Business Policy) from Harvard University.
He is an expert in organizational strategy and transformational leadership, and was a faculty member of the London Business School, INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, INSEAD ASIA in Singapore, and SIMI (Scandinavian International Management Institute).
In July 2001, Tomoyoshi Noda founded the Institute for Strategic Leadership (ISL), an institution dedicated to holistic leadership education whose mission is to redefine the American-style MBA education from the perspectives of Japan and Asia, implementing a globally open, holistic leadership education.
Building on 18 years of practice at ISL, he established Shizenkan University in 2018.
Courses: What is a Company For?: Exploring Relationships Among Business Enterprise, Market and Society, Living a Life as a Leader
Professor Emeritus, Keio University
President, Japanese Society for Persuasion and Negotiation
LL.M., Harvard Law School
Become a Leader with Strong Problem-Solving Skills through Negotiation Studies
Professor Jiro Tamura has been a Visiting Scholar in the U.S. Senate Office, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, and a member of the World Economic Forum (Davos Forum) Global Agenda Council on Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, among others.
He is involved in the development of research and education on “Leadership Basics” and “Negotiation Studies” in Japan.
Recent Books:
Introduction to the Foundations of Leadership
Harvard × Keio-Style Introduction to Negotiation Studies
Courses: Leadership Basics and Negotiation Studies
Director, Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy and Society
Chairperson, Change Agent Inc.
System Thinking: The Key to Understanding Global Complexity and an Essential Skill for Future Leaders
Professor Junko Edahiro translated An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore and has been researching new economic and social models for a sustainable future, focusing on happiness and resilience. Through effective communication, she aims to create change, foster connections, and facilitate meaningful dialogue for a better future.
She has also facilitated numerous corporate and municipal projects utilizing system thinking and scenario planning, helping shape sustainable regional development.
Courses: System Thinking and the Sustainability Challenge, Eastern Philosophy and Leadership, Independent Projects
Turn Your Thoughts into Words, and Words into Power: Master Effective Communication Skills
In 1995, Professor Patrick Newell co-founded Tokyo International School. In 2008, he established TEDxTokyo, TEDxYouth, and TEDxTeachers.
In 2012, he produced the short documentary 21:21, depicting the role of 21st-century learners and educators. His books include TED Power (2014) and “21st Century Skills to Nurture a Children’s Future” (2015).
In 2017, he organized Japan’s first Singularity University Japan Summit, and in 2019, published Strategies for Keeping Japan #1, based on interviews with over 150 people. In 2022, he became the Co-national Project Manager for the OECD Survey for Social and Emotional Skills (SSES), which measures high school students.
He also serves as an advisor to major Japanese corporations and organizations.
Courses: The Art of Communicating a Vision and Ideas
President, Japan Fundraising Association
Bridging Learning and Action to Create Impact
Masataka Uo is Vice President, Professor, and Director of the Center for Impact Economy at Shizenkan University. His areas of expertise include social impact creation and evaluation, impact business, NPOs, philanthropy, fundraising, and international cooperation.
After working for JICA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an NPO in the U.S., in 2008 he founded Japan’s first strategic consulting company for NPO and social business, Fundrex Co., Ltd. In 2009, he founded the Japan Fundraising Association. Professor Masataka Uo promotes the use of private-sector funds such as donations and impact investment towards resolving social challenges in developed countries.
Courses: Practices of Impact Business and Ecosystems, Creating and Managing Social Impact
Our Alumni: Starting Their Leadership Journey
Seeing the World as a Personal Responsibility: Shizenkan Expanded My Perspective
“Shizenkan opened my eyes to global challenges and made me realize that even big problems stem from human actions. It inspired me to take on challenges with enthusiasm.
The biggest shift for me was seeing the world as something personal. By breaking down industry and company barriers, I now view business and society as one.
I also found the power of true companions – classmates who shared struggles and passion. With the right team, anything is possible. That belief is my greatest takeaway from Shizenkan.”
Keigo Takagi (Class of 2023)
Japan | Real Estate
Deepening Self-Dialogue Through My Studies at Shizenkan
“I worried about balancing work and studies, but the support from my classmates made the 20-month journey truly enriching.
Shizenkan taught me the value of self-reflection. Coaching-based classes helped me question my values, leading to personal growth.
One standout course was Leadership Through Eastern Philosophy. Studying classical Chinese texts gave me a new perspective on leadership.
Moving forward, I want to keep a broad view, beyond daily work challenges and continue growing as a leader.”
Liang Yue (Class of 2024)
China | Apparel
A New Awareness as a Business Leader
“Shizenkan transformed how I see leadership. The program, faculty, and my classmates shaped my mindset, helping me find joy in developing people and organizations.
As a lawyer, I hadn’t focused much on management, but I now see the importance of strong leadership in driving growth.
Looking ahead, I want to apply what I’ve learned to support regional sustainability through fund management and make a real impact.”
Satoshi tarumoto (Class of 2024)
Japan | LawyeR
Learning from Top Leaders
“I’ve studied in six countries, but Shizenkan stood out. The courses were seamlessly connected, making learning deeper and more meaningful. Meeting former presidents, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and IT pioneers expanded my thinking, while my classmates, who are leaders in various industries, challenged and inspired me. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we shared a strong bond. Ideas that might seem ‘crazy’ elsewhere found real support here. As I take on bigger leadership roles, I feel both excitement and uncertainty, but I aim to lead holistically, while never losing sight of my family.”
Tamari-Tutnjevic, Dora (Class of 2023)
Croatia/japan | Social Sector
Student Demographics
- Annual Enrollment: 80 students (40 students in Japanese and English class)
- Average Age: 35
- A diverse, small-group learning environment with students from over 20 countries and regions
- Students from NPOs and public foundations are also actively engaged
Admission Events
Shizenkan regularly holds open classes and information sessions. The open classes provide an opportunity to experience a mock lecture by Shizenkan faculty, while the information sessions offer insights into Shizenkan’s founding philosophy, societal mission, curriculum, admissions process, and scholarships. These events are open to the public, so feel free to participate!
19:00-20:00, Thu, May 8th, 2025
Special Online Information Session for Sustainable Business
Info Session especially for those who are interested in sustainability in business. The event will include a presentation on Shizenkan, its MBA experience, admissions process, and scholarship and other financial support as well as Q&A time. Register here.
19:00-20:30, Wednesday, May 14th, 2025
Information Session by Prof. Patrick Newell
Info Sessions will include a presentation on Shizenkan, its MBA experience, admissions process, and scholarship and other financial support as well as Q&A time. Register here.
19:00-20:30, Tue, May 20th, 2025
Special Online Information Session for Circular Economy
Info Session especially for those who are interested in sustainability in business. The event will include a presentation on Shizenkan, its MBA experience, admissions process, and scholarship and other financial support as well as Q&A time. Register here.
Voices of Event Participants
The Beginning of a Leadership Journey
“One step of courage changed my life.”
— Mai Tsuchida (Class of 2023)
“ I wanted to study business management, so I did a lot of research online, and that is how I came across Shizenkan. Until then, I didn’t really like the idea of an MBA – it felt too focused on making money. But I became interested when I learned that Shizenkan aims to develop leaders who also possess a sense of social responsibility.
However, there wasn’t much information available online about Shizenkan. When I looked at the website, I thought, “This looks like such a high-level school. There’s no way I could get in.” But then I decided to join a trial class just to see what it was like. Once I learned more about the curriculum, I became very interested. I thought, “Actually, I do want to challenge myself,” and decided to apply.
Although I nearly gave up on Shizenkan, I ended up graduating, placing 3rd in the final presentation, and even received Academic Distinction, awarded to the top 15% of students. When I think back, if I hadn’t taken the step to join that trial class, I never would have seen this future. I am truly glad I had the courage to take that first step.”
“A Gift of Life
— Lee, Jadz Jevz Venzon (Class of 2023)
— My Two Years at Shizenkan.”
“I first heard about Shizenkan through the Filipino community in Japan. At that time, they were hosting a trial class on “Systems Thinking,” and I decided to join out of curiosity. That experience became the starting point of my journey with Shizenkan.
When I thought of MBA programs, I associated them with “critical thinking.” So, I was really surprised to find that you could learn systems thinking in an MBA. I became determined to enter Shizenkan. After that, I participated in public forums and networking events with alumni hosted by Shizenkan, and I found myself more and more drawn to what the school had to offer.
Once I enrolled, I was amazed by the depth of the program and the way the courses interconnected in a meaningful way. My learning deepened significantly. What I saw at the events was just one part of Shizenkan, but that small beginning helped me understand myself more deeply than ever before and find a new challenge to pursue for the future.”
Admissions and Scholarship Program
Admission Policy/Who Are We Looking For?
We are a graduate school of business administration, and consequently we find that many of our students come from the business sector, perhaps intending to manage firms and projects or start their own businesses in the future. At the same time, we accept applicants from the public and civil service sectors, international organizations and central/local governments as well as NGOs and NPOs and other social enterprises. In the selection process, an applicant’s potential will be assessed according to the following 3 elements:
- A willingness to take the initiative and find your own path in life
- The ability to absorb knowledge and think critically
- A sense of social awareness and willingness to help others
Application Deadline
There are three application cycles for admissions. In principle, applicants who completed their application before a particular submission deadline will receive their admissions result within one month of each deadline.
1st Deadline: January 15th, 2025
2nd Deadline: April 10th, 2025
3rd Deadline: May 31st, 2025
Selection Process
First selection: Document Screening
Second selection: Interview
Scholarship Program
Shizenkan provides a Scholarship Program to offer students the opportunity of leadership education in an environment where people of different nationalities, coming from different backgrounds and sectors can learn together and inspire each other.
In principle, the amount is limited to ¥1,000,000 (for 2 years). However, applicants who are excellent in academic achievements and/or need financial aid more than the amount described above, may get no more than ¥4,800,000. The enrollment fee (¥200,000) must be paid by every applicant.
In addition to the above, Shizenkan offers the following specific scholarships for those with specific eligibility requirements. Please refer to each scholarship page for details.
- Global Impact Maker Scholarship
- International Development Professionals Scholarship
- Social Innovators Scholarship
- Europa House-Shizenkan Scholarship
- Refugee Higher Education Scholarship
- ANZCCJ-Shizenkan Scholarship
- Shizenkan-ASEAN Visionary Leaders Scholarship
Individual Admissions Consultations & Campus Tours
Please sign up for one-on-one consultations to learn more about our admissions process, program details, unique features,backgrounds of our students, and any other questions you may have.
Consultations are available either online or at the Shizenkan campus.
*Shizenkan’s campus is located in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. The Nihonbashi Takashimaya Mitsui Building, where the campus is located, is directly connected to Tokyo Metro’s Nihonbashi Station on the Ginza line via the underground passage and is also within walking distance from Tokyo Station.
FAQ
Q: I’m aware of issues in society and organizations, but I don’t have a clear idea of what I want to challenge or pursue. Is it still worth joining the Shizenkan program?
Yes, absolutely. At Shizenkan, we believe people grow through taking on challenges, and through that process, become leaders. The program is designed to broaden your perspective on society and the world, while also encouraging deep self-reflection. Many students enter with vague ideas, but through the program, discover what they want to take on. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if your vision is yet to be fully formed.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: I’m worried about balancing studies with work and family. How demanding is the program?
It is true that some students struggle to adjust their schedules at the beginning. With time, most find the rhythm within the first couple of months by setting clear priorities. We also design the program to maintain a reasonable workload and to ensure it is both rigorous and manageable.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: I’m hesitant to apply because of the tuition cost.
Shizenkan offers strong financial support. This includes scholarships (up to 4.8 million yen over two years), a government subsidy (up to 1.28 million yen), and student loans. If you are concerned about finances, we recommend scheduling a personal consultation to explore what eligible support is available.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: I work in the social sector and don’t have business experience. Is that okay?
Definitely. Our program is designed for people who want to create a better future through action, no matter their background. Students come from business, government, NPOs, and more. While we do teach business-related skills, they are relevant across all sectors. There are also courses in liberal arts and social sustainability, making the program especially accessible for those from the social sector.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: I live far from Tokyo. Is it possible to commute from outside the metropolitan area?
Yes. We have had students commute from outside the Tokyo area and successfully graduated. Having said this, attendance is the key – about 80% of classes are in-person, and 20% are online. Remote participation in on-campus classes is not allowed, so you will need to be able to attend in-person to earn credits and graduate.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: How often are classes held? What does the typical weekly schedule look like?
Classes are usually held one evening on weekdays (6:30 PM to 9:45 PM) and twice on weekends (morning and afternoon). Each class lasts about 3 hours and 15 minutes. There are also assignments and group work. Students manage their study time in various ways – some study in the mornings, others on nights or weekends when they are free.
Read more: Beyond MBA
Q: What will be the language of instruction at Shizenkan?
Shizenkan offers both Japanese and English tracks and you can choose the language you are comfortable with. Some courses are held jointly with both tracks, and in those cases, English is used.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: Are the Japanese and English classes different? Can I take courses in both languages?
Core courses are mostly the same across both tracks. Some elective courses are offered only in one language. After enrollment, students must stick to their track’s language. However, in your second year, you can take electives in a different language – if your language ability is strong enough.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: I may have to travel overseas for work. Will I lose credits if I miss class?
Each course has a required attendance rate. If you do not meet it, you can not earn credit. Classes are recorded, so you can review what you missed – but watching a recording does not count as attendance.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: What happens if I can’t continue commuting due to personal circumstances?
If work, health, or family situations make it hard to continue, you can take a leave of absence for up to 3 years. Many students have taken time off and later returned to finish their degree. Every student is assigned a mentor faculty member, and you can have one-on-one meetings to get support as needed.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: Who is eligible for scholarships?
We offer scholarships to those who show leadership potential but face financial challenges. Decisions are based on your application materials, interviews, and financial situation. Students from a wide variety of countries and sectors have received scholarships in the past. If you need financial help, please apply.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: I haven’t graduated from university. Can I still apply?
Normally, we require a university degree or equivalent. But if you have significant work experiences and show the capability to benefit from the program, you may still be considered. If you are unsure, we recommend scheduling a personal consultation to discuss your situation.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: What industries do students come from?
Students come from a wide range of fields – manufacturing, finance, infrastructure, retail, IT, and more. About 80% work in the private sector, but many also come from government or NPOs. This diversity in backgrounds and perspectives is a key part of the learning experience at Shizenkan.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: What should I study in advance before enrolling?
We recommend brushing up on basic accounting and finance. These topics are covered early in the program, and students without a business background often find them challenging. Accepted students will be provided with study materials to help prepare.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: Are there any single-course options?
Yes. Some electives offered between September and February are open to non-degree students. Information is shared via the website, newsletter, and social media. Many students first try these before deciding to apply to the full program.
Read more: Beyond MBAQ: Can I see the course syllabus?
Yes. The most up-to-date syllabus is available online.
Read more: Beyond MBAhttps://shizenkan.ac.jp/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-2025Syllabus_EN.pdf
Nihonbashi Takashimaya Mitsui Bldg 17F,
5-1, Nihonbashi 2-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (View Google Map)
Email: admissions@shizenkan.ac.jp
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