Japan Desk

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.

In situations like these, it helps to have a neutral mediator who knows both sides from personal experience.

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.

Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC Kyoto)

I am a listed 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 cooperation that is not working well. I support with

• commercial mediation between German and Japanese partners,
• conflicts in mixed teams, where German and Japanese colleagues have different ideas about how to work together,
• negotiations and cooperations, ideally before a conflict arises,
• training and workshops on intercultural cooperation, communication and conflict competence,
• cross-border family mediation, for example in custody and contact matters,
• and the Team-Dojo, my annual programme for teams, also available in Japanese.

All formats are available online or on site, in German, English or Japanese.

Your benefits at a glance

• Multilingual
  I work directly in the participants' language, without interpreters.

• Network
  JIMC Kyoto, German-Japanese Business Association (DJW), Osaka University, MiKK e. V.

• 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.