Mediation between Germany and Japan – in German, English and Japanese
Mediation, facilitation and cooperation between Germany and Japan
When German and Japanese partners work together, differing expectations and conventions lead to misunderstandings: How are decisions made? How are criticism and feedback expressed? Each side follows its own unspoken rules and is puzzled by the other's behaviour. Small irritations turn into mistrust, and at some point a project stops moving.
Often the underlying pattern is that parent company and subsidiary are not on an equal footing: one side owns the other, and what headquarters expects is hard to question openly on the ground. Mediation does not remove this power imbalance, but it opens it up for discussion — in a confidential setting in which critical feedback is not taken as disloyalty. As an impartial mediator, I make sure that the dependent side also puts forward its view in full.
In situations like these, it helps to have a neutral mediator who knows both sides from personal experience.
I conduct the sessions in German, English or Japanese, depending on what the parties need, including switching within a session.
My expertise
I studied Japanese Studies at the University of Bonn and lived and worked in Japan for six years. I speak Japanese fluently and work in German, English and Japanese.
At Osaka University I taught two mediation programmes as a guest lecturer, "Introduction to Mediation" and "Cross-Border Family Mediation Training".
I have practised Aikido for 25 years (3rd dan). The approach to conflict I learned there also shapes my work as a mediator.
Intercultural Mediator (Friedrich Schiller University Jena); regular courses on intercultural mediation at the University of Potsdam.
IMI Certified Mediator (International Mediation Institute).
One year at Komatsu headquarters in Tokyo as Product Support Coordinator.
Several years as a freelance translator in software localisation for Square Enix (Japanese–German).
Member of the Japanese-German Business Association (DJW) and organising partner of the Japan meets Berlin-Brandenburg network series, run by the DJW together with the Japanische Industrie- und Handelsvereinigung Berlin (JIHV Berlin).
Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC Kyoto)
I am a listed non-resident mediator at the Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC) in Kyoto.
JIMC was founded in November 2018 by the Japan Association of Arbitrators, an independent non-profit organisation. It specialises in disputes between Japanese and foreign parties. Proceedings take place at Doshisha University or, on request, at Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto.
For a German company this means: in a conflict with a Japanese partner, there is an alternative to going to court, whether in Japan or in Germany. The mediation takes place at a neutral institution, with mediators from both countries. Unlike litigation, it usually leaves the business relationship intact.
For international teams and cooperations
Most enquiries are not about legal disputes but about collaboration that has stopped working. For this I offer:
- Mediation in German-Japanese teams: when collaboration in a subsidiary, a project or between headquarters and a local site has stalled.
- Mediation between companies and partners: for conflicts in partnerships, supply relationships or joint ventures, on request within the framework of JIMC Kyoto.
- Support for negotiations: preparation and facilitation, so that differing expectations come to the table early.
- Training: the seminar German-Japanese teams for teams that want to work preventively.
All formats online or on site, in Berlin or in Japan. For teams that want to maintain their collaboration on an ongoing basis there is the Team-Dojo, in Japanese on request. For cross-border family conflicts: Family mediation.
From practice
At the Japanese subsidiary of a German company, a German employee and the local Japanese managing director were in conflict. Each experienced the other's behaviour as inappropriate, and their collaboration was blocked.
Outcome
The mediation took place online, in English. It clarified the issues underneath: differing expectations about feedback, responsibilities and how to address each other. It ended with agreements both could stand behind. Their collaboration became more stable.
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Your benefits at a glance
Multilingual
I work directly in the participants' language, without interpreters.Network
JIMC Kyoto, Japanese-German Business Association (DJW), Osaka University.First-hand experience
Six years in Japan, a degree in Japanese Studies, teaching at Osaka University.JIMC – Japan International Mediation Center Kyoto
An established framework for cross-border proceedings in Japan.Strengthens the relationship
Mediation resolves conflicts and in doing so strengthens the cooperation.Flexible formats
Online or on site, as a single appointment or as an annual programme.
Frequently asked questions
Can the mediation be conducted in Japanese?
Yes. I mediate in Japanese, English and German, including in mixed sessions: each person speaks the language they express themselves best in, and I translate or summarise where necessary. No interpreter is needed, and nothing passes through third parties.
Who commissions the mediation: German headquarters or the local subsidiary?
Both happen. Usually the party that notices the conflict and holds the budget. What matters is that all participants take part voluntarily and that it is clear in advance which results go back to the client. Sessions with participants in Japan and Germany take place online, in a time slot that falls within the working day on both sides.
When does a procedure at JIMC Kyoto make sense?
When the dispute is between companies and a formal, neutral framework is wanted, for example before or instead of court proceedings. JIMC provides rules, venue and, on request, co-mediators from both countries. For conflicts within a team or a subsidiary, a directly agreed procedure is simpler and faster.
When is the Japan Desk the right choice, and when intercultural mediation?
The approach is the same: I mediate between people, not between cultures. The difference is depth: for Japan I bring the language, my studies, six years of living in the country and a network on the ground. For other constellations see Intercultural mediation.
Fees
The fee is €220.00 per hour plus statutory VAT where applicable (for services subject to German VAT currently 19%, i.e. €261.80 gross). Different rates apply to cross-border cases. Details are under Process and fees.
A short conversation brings clarity.
30 minutes, free of charge, confidential.