Course Overview

    Overview

    Course Highlights

    Eligibility Criteria

    Benefits

    What Is Lean Manufacturing and Why It Matters in JapanA Practical Route to Operational Excellence

    Lean Manufacturing Training in Japan is a practical, one-day programme that teaches you how to remove waste from production and deliver more value to the customer. Rooted in the Toyota Production System (TPS) developed by Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo, it covers the five Lean principles, the eight wastes known as DOWNTIME, and the core toolkit of 5S, value stream mapping, kanban, Just-in-Time, Total Productive Maintenance and kaizen. The course suits production and manufacturing managers, industrial and quality engineers, operations supervisors, team leaders and continuous improvement coordinators, from the automotive plants of Toyota City to the electronics and precision clusters around Osaka, Nagoya and Yokohama. No prior Lean experience is needed; every concept is built from first principles and reinforced with hands-on shop-floor exercises. As Japan's factories face a deepening labour shortage and rising pressure to raise productivity, professionals who can see waste and lead improvement are in strong demand. Start your Lean journey with Invensis Learning and put world-class manufacturing thinking to work in your own plant.

    What Is Lean Manufacturing and Why It Matters in JapanA Practical Route to Operational Excellence

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    Key Highlightof the Lean Manufacturing Training Course

    Lean Manufacturing Training EligibilityWho Can Enroll?

    What You Gain from Lean Manufacturing TrainingSkills Your Plant Can Use Tomorrow

    Where Lean Skills Take You in JapanRoles, Demand and Earnings

    Lean skills are prized across Japanese manufacturing, from Toyota City to the electronics and precision-equipment clusters around Osaka, Nagoya and Yokohama. As a severe labour shortage collides with pressure to raise productivity, employers want people who can eliminate waste and lead kaizen. Demand runs from shop-floor team leaders to continuous improvement managers, plant managers and operations leaders, and here is what the market shows today.

    Manufacturing Pressures Driving Demand for Lean Skills in Japan

    Lean Manufacturing is the operating system Japanese plants built and the world copied. Learn to see waste, improve flow and lead kaizen. Start your Lean journey with Invensis Learning today.

    Your Japan Lean Transformation

    Your Shop Floor Before and After Lean

    The Shift Kaizen Delivers

    Japan's manufacturers are under pressure to lift productivity with fewer people, and the professionals who can lead Lean improvement stand apart. Here is the gap that Lean skills close for you.

    Sources: ERI SalaryExpert, WorldSalaries (Japan) 2026; METI White Paper on Manufacturing Industries 2026.

    Module 1: Foundations of Lean Thinking

    • Overview of the Toyota Production System (TPS), the history of Lean, and how Lean thinking differs from traditional mass production approaches
    • Understanding the five Lean principles: Value, Value Stream, Flow, Pull, and Perfection, and how they apply to manufacturing and service environments
    • Introduction to Lean culture, the leadership role in Lean transformation, and the importance of employee engagement in sustaining continuous improvement

    Module 2: Identifying and Eliminating Waste (MUDA, MURA, MURI)

    • Identifying the eight types of waste: Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-Utilised Talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Extra Processing
    • Conducting waste walk exercises to assess current-state operations and prioritise improvement opportunities across production processes
    • Understanding the difference between MUDA (waste), MURA (unevenness), and MURI (overburden), and applying structured elimination strategies for each

    Module 3: Value Stream Mapping (VSM)

    • Creating current-state value stream maps to visualise the flow of materials and information across the production process
    • Analysing current-state maps to identify bottlenecks, excess inventory, non-value-added steps, and process cycle efficiency metrics
    • Designing future-state value stream maps and building improvement roadmaps to close the gap between current and desired production performance

    Module 4: 5S Workplace Organisation

    • Implementing the five steps of 5S: Sort (Seiri), Set in Order (Seiton), Shine (Seiso), Standardise (Seiketsu), and Sustain (Shitsuke)
    • Conducting 5S workplace assessments, scoring production areas, and identifying corrective actions to improve organisation and visual management
    • Building 5S sustaining mechanisms including audit schedules, visual controls, and standard work documentation to maintain workplace improvements

    Module 5: Just-in-Time (JIT) Production and Kanban

    • Understanding Just-in-Time production principles including Takt Time analysis, one-piece flow, and pull-based scheduling to reduce inventory and lead times
    • Designing and implementing Kanban pull systems to manage material flow, signal replenishment, and eliminate overproduction between production stages
    • Calculating Takt Time, cycle time, and process lead time to balance workload and design efficient production flows aligned with customer demand

    Module 6: Kaizen and Continuous Improvement Events

    • Understanding Kaizen philosophy, the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) improvement cycle, and the principles of rapid improvement event facilitation
    • Planning, facilitating, and following up on structured Kaizen events including team selection, problem scoping, root cause analysis, and countermeasure implementation
    • Building a Kaizen culture through daily improvement habits, idea management systems, and leadership behaviours that sustain continuous improvement momentum

    Module 7: Error-Proofing with Poka-Yoke and Jidoka

    • Understanding error-proofing principles and the difference between detection and prevention approaches to quality control in manufacturing processes
    • Designing and implementing Poka-Yoke (mistake-proofing) devices and mechanisms to eliminate defects at the source before they reach the next production stage
    • Applying Jidoka (autonomation) principles to enable machines and operators to detect abnormalities, stop production, and signal for corrective action automatically

    Module 8: Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and OEE

    • Understanding Total Productive Maintenance principles including the eight pillars of TPM and how TPM supports Lean production by eliminating equipment-related waste
    • Calculating Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) using Availability, Performance, and Quality components to measure and improve production asset performance
    • Implementing Autonomous Maintenance practices to involve operators in basic equipment care, inspection, and early defect detection to reduce unplanned downtime

    Module 9: Sustaining Lean and Building a Lean Culture

    • Developing Lean management systems including visual management, daily team meetings, tiered accountability processes, and leader standard work to sustain improvements
    • Measuring and tracking Lean progress using key performance indicators including lead time, first-pass yield, OEE, inventory turns, and on-time delivery
    • Building a long-term Lean transformation roadmap, engaging cross-functional teams, and developing internal Lean practitioner capability to drive ongoing operational excellence

    Course Curriculumof the Lean Manufacturing Training

    The Lean Manufacturing training curriculum in Japan is structured across nine modules, taking learners from foundational Lean thinking and waste identification through to advanced production system design, error-proofing, and sustaining continuous improvement culture.

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    The Lean Tools You Will MasterA Toolkit for the Shop Floor

    This Lean Manufacturing training teaches you to apply the full Lean toolkit on the shop floor, from identifying the eight wastes to designing pull systems and leading kaizen. By the end you can run a waste walk, map a value stream, and improve equipment effectiveness in your own plant.

    See and Remove the Eight Wastes

    Identify defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilised talent, transport, inventory, motion and extra processing using a structured waste walk on the Gemba, then quantify and prioritise what to eliminate first.

    Map the Value Stream

    Build current-state and future-state value stream maps, calculate takt time, locate the bottleneck, and separate value-adding steps from waste so you can design a leaner, faster flow.

    Organise the Workplace with 5S

    Apply Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain, and use visual management such as andon, floor markings and production boards to make abnormalities immediately visible.

    Design Pull Systems and Kanban

    Understand push versus pull, size kanban cards and supermarkets, and use Just-in-Time thinking to curb overproduction and hold inventory only where downstream demand requires it.

    Lift Equipment Effectiveness with TPM

    Apply Total Productive Maintenance and calculate OEE as Availability times Performance times Quality, then target the six big losses to raise uptime and reduce breakdowns.

    Standard Work, SMED and Kaizen

    Document standard work, cut changeover time with SMED, level production with heijunka, and lead daily kaizen so improvements are captured and sustained over time.

    Who Should TakeLean Manufacturing Training in Japan?

    Manufacturing Managers and Plant Managers

    Production Supervisors and Team Leaders

    Quality Engineers and Quality Managers

    Industrial Engineers and Process Engineers

    Supply Chain and Operations Professionals

    Maintenance Engineers and TPM Coordinators

    Professionals transitioning into Lean or process improvement roles

    Continuous Improvement (CI) and Operational Excellence Specialists

    Who Can Take This Certification Training

    Lean Manufacturing Training Modesfor Professionals and Teams

    We offer flexible training formats designed to suit different learning preferences, schedules, and professional goals. Whether you prefer self-paced learning or a structured, corporate, instructor-led experience, choose the option that best supports your skill development journey with the best Lean Manufacturing online training options.

    Lean Manufacturing Live Virtual Training

    • Live online instructor-led sessions

    • Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    • Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    • Practice assessments and revision support

    • Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    • Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    • Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    • Access from any location with internet connectivity

    JPY 63200

    Attend fully interactive online sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences through virtual Lean Manufacturing training.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

    Lean Manufacturing Classroom Training

    • Instructor-led classroom sessions

    • Interactive discussions and group activities

    • Real-world examples and practical exercises

    • Structured learning with fixed schedules

    • Opportunities for peer networking and collaboration

    • Practice assessments and knowledge checks

    • Dedicated Q&A and concept clarification

    • Immediate trainer feedback and support

    Learn through face-to-face sessions led by experienced instructors in a collaborative classroom environment. This classroom Lean Manufacturing training in Japan combines expert guidance, peer interaction, and hands-on activities to create an engaging learning experience.

    Best For: Learners who prefer in-person interaction, structured schedules, and collaborative learning experiences.

    Lean Manufacturing Corporate Group Training

    • Customized training aligned to organizational goals

    • Flexible delivery: onsite, virtual, hybrid, or blended

    • Scheduling tailored to business availability

    • Role-based examples and industry-relevant discussions

    • Progress tracking and learner assessments where applicable

    • Dedicated coordination and administrative support

    • Consistent learning experiences across teams

    • Scalable delivery for local, regional, or global workforces

    Designed for organizations in Japan that want to build capabilities at scale, standardize Lean practices, and support workforce development through customized Lean Manufacturing training for companies.

    Best For: Organizations looking to upskill employees, address capability gaps, and deliver consistent training across teams.

    Lean Manufacturing Focused 1-to-1 Training

    • One-to-one instructor attention

    • Customized learning plans and objectives

    • Flexible scheduling based on availability

    • Personalized feedback and coaching

    • Additional focus on challenging topics

    • Targeted practice and revision support

    • Faster clarification of questions and concepts

    • Learning pace is adapted to individual needs

    Receive personalized instruction tailored to your goals, pace, and learning requirements through dedicated sessions from trusted Lean Manufacturing training company.

    Best For: Professionals seeking personalized guidance, accelerated learning, or focused support to achieve specific outcomes.

    Lean Manufacturing Live Virtual Training

    Lean Manufacturing Live Virtual Training

    Live online instructor-led sessions

    Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    Practice assessments and revision support

    Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    Access from any location with internet connectivity

    Starts from

    JPY 63200

    Please Note: Attend fully interactive online sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences through virtual Lean Manufacturing training.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

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    Why Train with Invensis LearningFor Lean Manufacturing Training in Japan?

    Invensis Learning is a trusted Lean Manufacturing training company in Japan, delivering practical, instructor-led training for professionals and teams across Japan who want to eliminate waste and improve flow. Our trainers bring real shop-floor experience and teach the Toyota Production System toolkit through hands-on exercises, not theory alone. Whether you enrol as an individual or arrange training for your plant, you get organised courseware, real manufacturing case examples, and support before, during and after the session, backed by ISO-certified quality and information security standards.

    • Experienced trainers with real manufacturing and continuous improvement expertise
    • Hands-on exercises in waste identification, VSM, 5S, OEE and kanban
    • Flexible delivery: online (live virtual), classroom and onsite for teams
    • Practical, one-day format that fits busy production schedules
    • Course completion certificate from Invensis Learning
    • Dedicated learner support before, during and after training
    • Onsite delivery lets teams practise on their own value streams
    • Trusted by professionals and organisations across many industries

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    Industries Served

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    Doubt-Clearing Sessions

    60+

    Global Course Portfolio

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    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Over 5000 five star reviews

    Over 5000 five star reviews

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    Lean Manufacturing Training Locations in JapanAll our classroom training is now available online at your convenience

    Lean Manufacturing in Japan

    Halekulani Okinawa,1967-1 Nakama, Onna Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0401, Japan

    Lean Manufacturing in Japan

    Aman Tokyo, The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan

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    Corporate Lean Manufacturing TrainingFor Teams Across Japan

    • Suitable for small production teams up to whole plants
    • Customised schedules aligned with shift patterns and takt
    • Delivered onsite, live virtual or in a blended format
    • Trainers use your own value streams and industry examples
    • Builds a shared Lean vocabulary across production and quality
    • Helps offset labour-shortage pressure by lifting productivity
    • Scalable across plants in Japan and global sites

    Trusted by Leading Manufacturers

    ToyotaHondaDensoPanasonicHitachiKomatsu

    What Our Learners Say

    A New Way to See the Shop Floor

    "The waste walk and 5S exercises changed how I look at my line. Within a fortnight we had cleared clutter, marked tool locations and cut the time operators spent searching. Simple tools, real results."

    Kenji Tanaka

    Production Supervisor

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    Value Stream Mapping Made It Click

    "Mapping our value stream and calculating takt time finally showed where the bottleneck really was. The trainer used practical examples close to my daily work, so I could apply it straight away."

    Yuki Sato

    Manufacturing Engineer

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    Practical Quality and OEE Tools

    "The sessions on poka yoke and OEE helped me connect quality and equipment losses. I now use the six big losses framework to prioritise where our team focuses improvement effort."

    Aiko Yamamoto

    Quality Engineer

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    A Shared Improvement Language for the Team

    "We ran the training onsite for our production team at an auto-parts plant. Everyone came away with the same Lean vocabulary, and our first kanban pilot cut work-in-progress noticeably. Well worth it."

    Hiroshi Nakamura

    Plant Operations Lead, Automotive Parts

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    Hands-On and Ready to Apply

    "As an L&D lead in electronics manufacturing, I needed training that was hands-on, not slides. Invensis delivered a focused one-day programme our engineers and supervisors could act on immediately."

    Mei Kobayashi

    Learning and Development Manager, Electronics

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    Frequently Asked QuestionsHere's everything you may ask...

    Lean Manufacturing training is a practical, one-day programme that teaches you to eliminate waste and improve flow using the Toyota Production System. It covers the five Lean principles, the eight wastes, 5S, value stream mapping, kanban, JIT, TPM and kaizen, with hands-on shop-floor exercises throughout.

    General

    What is Lean Manufacturing training?

    Lean Manufacturing training is a practical, one-day programme that teaches you to eliminate waste and improve flow using the Toyota Production System. It covers the five Lean principles, the eight wastes, 5S, value stream mapping, kanban, JIT, TPM and kaizen, with hands-on shop-floor exercises throughout.

    Is Lean Manufacturing training worth it in Japan?

    Yes. With Japan facing a severe labour shortage and pressure to raise productivity, professionals who can remove waste and lead kaizen are in strong demand across automotive, electronics and precision manufacturing. The skills apply immediately and support roles from team leader to plant manager.

    Who should attend this Lean Manufacturing course?

    The course suits production and manufacturing managers, industrial and quality engineers, operations supervisors, team leaders, maintenance managers and continuous improvement coordinators. It is useful for anyone working in or responsible for a production operation who wants to apply Lean.

    How long is the Lean Manufacturing course?

    The programme runs for one day, around eight hours, covering all six Lean modules with concept explanations, real manufacturing examples and hands-on exercises. It can also be arranged as two half-day sessions to suit shift patterns.

    Is Lean Manufacturing still relevant in 2026?

    Absolutely. Lean, rooted in the Toyota Production System, remains the core operational improvement discipline in manufacturing. In 2026, with Japan's ageing workforce and rising automation, standard work, 5S and kaizen are more valuable than ever for keeping quality and output stable.

    Pricing

    How much does Lean Manufacturing training cost in Japan?

    Pricing is available on request, as it varies by delivery mode (live virtual, classroom or onsite), group size and location. Contact a learning advisor for a quote tailored to individual enrolment or corporate group training.

    What is included in the course fee?

    The fee typically includes instructor-led training across all Lean modules, organised courseware and reference materials, hands-on exercises and case examples, learner support, and a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning.

    Do you offer group or corporate pricing?

    Yes. We offer corporate group training with customised schedules and volume-based pricing for production lines, plants and cross-functional improvement teams. Ask about corporate pricing for a tailored quote.

    What payment options are available?

    We accept major credit and debit cards and bank transfers, with instalment options on selected plans. Speak with a learning advisor to choose the option that suits you.

    Is the course better value delivered onsite for a team?

    Often, yes. Onsite delivery lets a whole team learn together and practise on your own value streams, which is where Lean delivers the biggest gains. It also removes travel time and builds a shared improvement language. Request a group quote to compare options.

    Assessment

    Is there an exam or test to pass?

    No. This is a practical, non-certification skills course with no examination. Learning is reinforced through hands-on Lean tool exercises, waste identification activities and team discussion, and you receive a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning.

    What will I be able to do after the training?

    You will be able to run a waste walk, read and build a value stream map, lead a 5S programme, design a kanban pull system, calculate OEE, write standard work, apply SMED and lead kaizen improvements on the shop floor.

    Do I receive a certificate after completing the course?

    Yes. On completing the one-day programme you receive a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning that recognises the Lean Manufacturing training you have finished.

    How is learning assessed during the course?

    There is no formal assessment. Instead, hands-on exercises such as waste classification, value stream data collection, 5S assessment and OEE calculation let you apply the tools to realistic scenarios and check your understanding as you go.

    Do I need prior Lean knowledge to keep up?

    No prior Lean knowledge is required. Every concept is introduced from first principles, so beginners and experienced practitioners can both follow along. Prior manufacturing or production experience is helpful but not essential.

    Course Content

    What topics does the Lean Manufacturing course cover?

    The course covers Lean foundations and the Toyota Production System, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), value stream mapping, 5S and visual management, pull systems and kanban, JIT, TPM and OEE, standard work, SMED, heijunka, poka yoke and building a kaizen culture.

    What is the Toyota Production System and is it covered?

    Yes. The Toyota Production System (TPS) is the origin of Lean, built on two pillars: Just-in-Time and Jidoka (built-in quality). The course explains TPS, the five Lean principles and how they became the foundation of Lean manufacturing worldwide.

    What are the eight wastes covered in the training?

    The eight wastes, remembered as DOWNTIME, are Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-utilised talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion and Extra processing. The course also covers Mura (unevenness) and Muri (overburden) alongside Muda.

    Are there hands-on exercises in the course?

    Yes. Practical exercises run throughout, including a Gemba-based waste walk, value stream data collection, a 5S workplace assessment, OEE calculation, kanban quantity calculation and standard work observation on realistic production scenarios.

    Is the course suitable for non-automotive industries?

    Yes. While Lean began in automotive, the principles and tools apply to electronics, precision equipment, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and even logistics and service operations. The exercises can be tailored to your own environment.

    Enrollment

    How do I enrol in Lean Manufacturing training in Japan?

    You can enrol through the Invensis Learning website. Choose your preferred format, complete the booking, and you will receive access to schedules, courseware and learning resources. Talk to a learning advisor if you need help choosing.

    What training formats are available?

    We offer online (live virtual) instructor-led training, classroom sessions, and customised onsite corporate training for teams. Choose the format that best fits your schedule and whether you are learning as an individual or as a group.

    How soon can I start and what is the schedule?

    The programme is delivered in one day (about eight hours) and runs on regular public schedules as well as on dates arranged for corporate groups. See upcoming schedules or ask an advisor about the next available session in your timezone.

    Can I arrange onsite training at our plant?

    Yes. Corporate onsite delivery is popular for Lean, as teams can apply waste identification and tool exercises directly to their own production area during the session. Request a group quote to arrange training at your site.

    Can I reschedule or transfer my booking?

    Yes. Flexible options let you reschedule or transfer to another session where available. Contact our support team and we will help you move to a date that works for you.