Course Overview

    Overview

    Course Highlights

    Eligibility Criteria

    Benefits

    What Is Lean Fundamentals Training and Why It Matters in JapanUntitledYour Foundation in Lean Thinking

    Lean Fundamentals Training in Japan gives you a practical grounding in Lean management, the systematic approach to maximising customer value while removing waste from everyday work. Rooted in the Toyota Production System developed at Toyota by Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo, this one-day course introduces the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (the DOWNTIME acronym), and the core tools that make improvement stick: 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, Standard Work and Kaizen. Japan is the birthplace of Lean, and monozukuri thinking still shapes how its manufacturers, hospitals and service firms compete. With a shrinking workforce and strong pressure to raise productivity, professionals who can see waste and improve flow are valued in every function, from the factory floor to the back office. Open to everyone with no prior Lean knowledge needed, the course suits team members, supervisors, managers and specialists. You leave able to run a simple waste walk, apply the PDCA cycle and support improvement work from day one, and you receive a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning.

    What Is Lean Fundamentals Training and Why It Matters in JapanYour Foundation in Lean Thinking

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    Key Highlightsof the Lean Fundamentals Training Course

    Lean Fundamentals Training Eligibility in the JapanWho Can Enroll?

    What You Gain from Lean TrainingValue for Individuals and Teams

    Where Lean Skills Take Your Career in JapanIn-Demand Roles and Sectors

    Japan's productivity drive is creating steady demand for people who can remove waste and improve processes. From process improvement engineers on the factory floor to continuous improvement and operational excellence managers, employers across manufacturing, healthcare and services value practical Lean capability. Lean Fundamentals training is the entry point to this career path, and here is what the market looks like now.

    Why Lean Skills Are in Demand Across Japan

    Lean thinking is how Japanese organisations do more with less. Build the skills to see waste and improve flow, and help your team lead the productivity shift. Start your Lean journey today.

    Your Lean Transformation in Japan

    How Lean Thinking Changes the Way You Work

    Before and After the Training

    Japan's manufacturers and service firms are under real pressure to lift productivity, and they increasingly value people who can improve how work flows. Here is how foundational Lean skills change your day.

    Sources: Salary.com, Glassdoor, Michael Page (Japan) 2026.

    Module 1: Introduction

    • Exploring the foundational principles and purpose of Lean as a methodology for eliminating waste and improving operational efficiency across manufacturing and service environments
    • Understanding the origins of Lean thinking and how Lean principles were developed and refined through the Toyota Production System and subsequent global applications
    • Examining the linkage between Lean and Six Sigma and how the two disciplines complement each other within broader operational excellence and continuous improvement programs
    • Reviewing the structure and objectives of the Lean Fundamentals course and establishing a framework for understanding how each module connects within the overall Lean methodology

    Module 2: Lean Mentality / Muda (Waste) Elimination

    • Understanding the concept of the hidden factory and the hidden office, and how non-value-adding activities consume resources without contributing to customer value in both manufacturing and administrative environments
    • Exploring the seven types of waste in Lean, including overproduction, waiting, transportation, over-processing, inventory, motion, and defects, and how each type manifests across different operational contexts
    • Developing the skills to identify waste within processes through systematic observation, process analysis, and the application of Lean waste identification tools
    • Learning the strategies and principles used to eliminate or reduce waste once identified, and the role of cultural and behavioral change in sustaining waste reduction over time

    Module 3: Mapping the Value Stream

    • Understanding the purpose and methodology of value stream mapping as a tool for visualizing the complete flow of materials and information required to deliver a product or service to the customer
    • Exploring different types of value stream maps, including current-state maps that document existing processes and future-state maps that define the improved process design
    • Learning how to create and interpret value stream maps to identify areas of waste, delay, and inefficiency within a process and to prioritize improvement actions
    • Understanding how value stream mapping provides the analytical foundation for planning and executing Lean improvement events and targeted process changes

    Module 4: Lean Events

    • Exploring the Kaizen event as a focused, team-based improvement activity designed to achieve significant process change within a short and defined timeframe
    • Understanding the structure and stages of a standard five-day Kaizen event, from preparation and scoping through to execution, solution testing, and results presentation
    • Learning how to plan and run shorter Lean events when the scope or available time requires a condensed improvement activity without sacrificing rigor or impact
    • Developing the facilitation and team management skills needed to lead Lean events effectively and ensure that improvement gains are sustained after the event concludes

    Module 5: Constraints

    • Understanding the concept of process constraints and how bottlenecks in process flow limit the throughput, efficiency, and capacity of the entire value stream
    • Learning systematic approaches for identifying constraints within a process, including observation-based methods, data analysis, and value stream review techniques
    • Exploring strategies for addressing bottlenecks, including process redesign, resource reallocation, workload balancing, and targeted improvement activities
    • Understanding the relationship between constraint management and broader Lean improvement efforts, and how resolving bottlenecks contributes to overall flow and value stream performance

    Module 6: Flow and Takt Time

    • Exploring the principle of flow in Lean and how continuous, uninterrupted movement of work through the value stream minimizes waiting, batching, and inventory accumulation
    • Understanding Takt time as the rate at which products or services must be produced to match customer demand, and how Takt time is calculated and applied in process design
    • Learning how to use Takt time as a planning tool to set the rhythm of production flow and ensure that process capacity is aligned to actual customer demand
    • Examining the relationship between flow, Takt time, and the broader Lean goal of delivering value to the customer efficiently, consistently, and without waste

    Module 7: Pull Systems and Kanban

    • Understanding the principles of pull-based production, in which work is initiated by actual customer demand rather than forecast-driven schedules or upstream production push
    • Exploring the Kanban system as a simple and visual method for signaling demand and controlling the flow of work, materials, and information through a process
    • Learning how to design and implement a basic Kanban system, including the selection of signal types, determination of replenishment quantities, and establishment of workflow rules
    • Understanding how pull systems and Kanban reduce overproduction, excess inventory, and lead time while improving process responsiveness to changing customer demand

    Module 8: 5S Implementation

    • Exploring the five elements of 5S, including Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, and how each element contributes to a safe, organized, and efficient workplace
    • Learning the systematic approach to implementing 5S across a work area or department, from initial assessment and Sort activities through to the development of standardized procedures and audit routines
    • Understanding how 5S creates the physical and organizational foundation that Lean tools and improvement activities require to function effectively and sustainably
    • Developing the skills to sustain 5S gains over time through visual management, regular audits, team accountability, and the integration of 5S standards into daily work habits

    Module 9: Lean Management Principles

    • Understanding the key principles of Lean management and how they guide the implementation and ongoing operation of Lean systems within organizations
    • Exploring the leadership behaviors, management practices, and organizational structures that enable Lean to move from a set of tools to a sustained operational discipline
    • Learning how to develop and communicate a Lean implementation strategy that aligns improvement activities with organizational goals, resource availability, and process maturity
    • Understanding the role of performance measurement, visual management, and continuous review in sustaining Lean improvements and building a long-term culture of operational excellence

    Course Curriculumof the Lean Fundamentals Training

    This online Lean Fundamentals training course is structured across nine modules that progress from the foundational principles and mentality of Lean through to the full suite of practical tools and management principles that enable organizations to implement and sustain operational excellence. Each module builds on the previous one to ensure participants develop a coherent and comprehensive understanding of Lean as both a philosophy and a practical improvement discipline. The curriculum is suitable for professionals across operations, quality, manufacturing, and process improvement roles, and is designed to connect directly to the Lean implementation challenges faced by organizations across the Japan.

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    The Lean Skills You Will BuildTools You Can Apply the Next Day

    This training turns Lean theory into practical capability. You will learn to define customer value, map how work flows, remove the eight wastes and use core Lean tools to improve any process, in any industry.

    Apply the Five Lean Principles

    In Lean Fundamentals training you learn to identify value, map the value stream, create flow, establish pull and pursue perfection, the five principles that structure every Lean improvement in any industry.

    Spot the Eight Wastes (DOWNTIME)

    Recognise defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilised talent, transportation, inventory, motion and extra processing, and tell value-adding work from waste in your own processes.

    Organise the Workplace with 5S

    Use Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain to create a clean, orderly workplace that reveals problems and supports safe, efficient flow.

    Read a Value Stream Map

    Understand how a current-state value stream map exposes delay and waste across a process, and how total lead time compares with true value-adding time.

    Use Pull Systems and Kanban

    See how pull production and Kanban signals cap work in progress and prevent overproduction, the worst of the eight wastes, in both factory and office settings.

    Standardise Work and Manage Visually

    Learn how standard work and visual management, such as Andon signals and production boards, make the best method clear and problems immediately obvious.

    Drive Improvement with Kaizen and PDCA

    Apply the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and the Kaizen mindset to make small, continuous improvements and sustain them through the Gemba walk.

    Apply Lean Across Any Industry

    Connect Lean tools to manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, financial services and IT, and plan the first improvements you will make back at work.

    Who Should TakeLean Fundamentals Training in Japan?

    Team Leaders

    Business Analysts

    Operations Managers

    Project Managers

    Manufacturing Engineers

    Production Supervisors

    Process Improvement Managers

    Quality Assurance Specialists

    Who Can Take This Certification Training

    Lean Fundamentals 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 through the best Lean Fundamentals online training options available.

    Lean Fundamentals 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 weekend Lean Fundamentals training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

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

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    Lean Fundamentals 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

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

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

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    Lean Fundamentals 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

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    Designed for organizations that want to build capabilities at scale, standardize knowledge, and support workforce development through customized team learning initiatives and Lean Fundamentals training for companies.

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

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    Lean Fundamentals 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

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    Receive personalized instruction tailored to your goals, pace, and learning requirements through dedicated sessions delivered by the Lean Fundamentals training company.

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

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    Lean Fundamentals Live Virtual Training

    Lean Fundamentals 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 weekend Lean Fundamentals training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

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

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    Why Choose Invensis Learning for Lean Fundamentals Training in JapanPractical, Expert-Led and Flexible

    As a trusted Lean Fundamentals training company in Japan, Invensis Learning delivers practical Lean training for professionals and organisations across Japan and worldwide. Our courses are led by experienced practitioner trainers who bring real improvement experience into every session, not just theory. Whether you learn as an individual or train a whole team, you get structured courseware, hands-on waste-identification exercises and flexible delivery, backed by an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.

    • Experienced practitioner trainers with real Lean and operational excellence expertise
    • Flexible formats: live online, classroom and onsite team training
    • ISO 9001:2015 certified quality and ISO 27001:2022 information security
    • Structured courseware with hands-on waste-identification exercises
    • Practical focus on applying Lean at work, not just covering content
    • Global delivery with responsive local support across Japan
    • Dedicated learner support before, during and after training
    • Trusted by professionals and organisations across many industries

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    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

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    Over 5000 five star reviews

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    Lean Fundamentals Training Locations in JapanInstructor-led in-person Classroom training is available for group batches. All other public cohorts are delivered as Instructor-led Live Virtual. See available cohorts.

    Lean Fundamentals Training Location in Japan

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

    Lean Fundamentals Training Location in Japan

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

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    Corporate Lean Training in JapanDrive Continuous Improvement

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    • Give every team a shared Lean vocabulary and improvement mindset
    • Delivered onsite or live online to fit your team's schedule
    • Real examples tailored to your sector and workplace challenges
    • The ideal first step in a wider operational excellence programme
    • Experienced trainers with manufacturing and service Lean expertise
    • Scalable delivery for local, regional and global teams
    • Dedicated coordination and support for group training

    Trusted by Leading Organisations

    ToyotaPanasonicHitachiDensoBridgestoneKomatsu

    What Our Learners Say

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    Finally I Can See the Waste

    "The waste walk exercise changed how I look at my line. Within a week I had reorganised our station with 5S and cut the time we spent searching for tools. Everything was practical and easy to apply."

    Kenji Tanaka

    Production Team Leader, Automotive Parts

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    A Clear Way to Explain Problems

    "The DOWNTIME model and the value stream mapping introduction gave me a structured way to explain problems that I could only sense before. The trainer used real examples that matched my work."

    Yumiko Sato

    Quality Engineer, Electronics

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    Reduced Waiting on Our Processes

    "Understanding pull and Kanban helped our team reduce waiting between steps. The one-day format was intense but well paced, and I left with ideas I could try the next morning."

    Hiroshi Yamamoto

    Logistics Supervisor, Supply Chain

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    A Shared Language for Improvement

    "We ran this onsite for two shifts and it gave everyone the same Lean vocabulary. The tailored examples matched our processes, and our improvement meetings are far more focused now."

    Aiko Nakamura

    Operations Manager, Industrial Machinery

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    The Right First Step for Our Teams

    "As an L&D lead I needed a foundation course to launch our operational excellence programme. Invensis delivered flexible, practical training across our teams and the feedback was excellent."

    Daisuke Kobayashi

    Learning and Development Lead, Manufacturing

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    Confident to Run Small Improvements

    "The Kaizen and PDCA sessions were the highlight. I now run small improvements in my own area with confidence, and I have signed up for Value Stream Mapping training next."

    Mai Watanabe

    Process Coordinator, Healthcare

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

    Lean Fundamentals Training is a one-day introductory course in Lean management, the approach to maximising customer value while removing waste. It covers the origins of Lean in the Toyota Production System, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes and core tools such as 5S, Kanban and Kaizen.

    General

    What is Lean Fundamentals Training?

    Lean Fundamentals Training is a one-day introductory course in Lean management, the approach to maximising customer value while removing waste. It covers the origins of Lean in the Toyota Production System, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes and core tools such as 5S, Kanban and Kaizen.

    Who should attend this Lean training in Japan?

    The course suits all employees, team members, supervisors, managers and specialists who want to understand Lean and apply it in their work. It works across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, IT and back-office functions, and is a common first step for teams starting a Lean programme.

    Is Lean Fundamentals training worth it for my career?

    Yes. With Japan focused on lifting productivity amid a shrinking workforce, professionals who can see waste and improve flow are in demand across many sectors. Foundational Lean skills are practical, transferable and a strong platform for continuous improvement and operational excellence roles.

    Do I need prior Lean experience to join?

    No prior Lean knowledge is required. The course introduces every principle and tool from first principles, so beginners and experienced professionals from any industry can follow along and apply what they learn straight away.

    Why is Lean in such demand in Japan?

    Japan is the birthplace of Lean, and monozukuri thinking still shapes its industry. A severe labour shortage, government labour-saving subsidies and pressure to raise productivity mean organisations increasingly value people who can remove waste and improve how work flows.

    Pricing

    How much does Lean Fundamentals Training cost in Japan?

    Pricing depends on the delivery format you choose, such as live online, classroom or corporate group training, and on group size. Fees are available on request. Contact a learning advisor for a quote tailored to your needs.

    What is included in the course fee?

    The fee typically includes instructor-led training across all Lean Fundamentals modules, structured courseware, hands-on waste-identification exercises, case study discussions and a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning. Contact us to confirm what is included in your chosen format.

    Do you offer group or corporate pricing?

    Yes. We offer corporate group training with tailored schedules and volume-based pricing for teams, departments and whole sites. It is a cost-effective way to build a shared Lean foundation across your organisation. Ask about corporate pricing for a quote.

    What payment options are available?

    We accept major cards and bank transfers, and can arrange invoicing for corporate bookings. Speak with a learning advisor to choose the option that suits you or your organisation.

    Is this training good value for money?

    Foundational Lean skills apply immediately in any role and never expire, so a single day of training can deliver lasting improvement across your processes. For teams, a shared Lean vocabulary multiplies that value. Request a quote to see the options.

    Assessment

    Is there an exam for Lean Fundamentals Training?

    No. This is a non-certification skills course with no examination. Learning is reinforced through waste-identification exercises, case study discussions and team activities during the one-day programme rather than a formal test.

    Do I get a certificate after the training?

    Yes. On completing the one-day programme you receive a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning. This recognises your attendance and the foundational Lean knowledge you have gained.

    How is my learning checked during the course?

    Your understanding is built and checked through practical activities: classifying activities into the eight DOWNTIME wastes, interpreting a simple value stream map and discussing realistic case studies. There is no formal assessment or pass mark.

    Is this a certification course?

    No. Lean Fundamentals is a non-certification training course focused on practical knowledge and workplace skills. There is no governing body or credential exam; the value is in the concepts, tools and mindset you can apply straight away.

    What can I do after completing the training?

    You will be able to explain the five Lean principles, identify the eight wastes, run a basic waste walk, apply the PDCA cycle and take part in improvement activity. It is also an ideal foundation for Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen or Lean Six Sigma training.

    Course Content

    What topics does the Lean Fundamentals course cover?

    The course covers the origins of Lean in the Toyota Production System, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), foundational tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban and standard work, plus Kaizen, PDCA and how Lean applies across industries.

    How long is the training?

    The programme runs for one day (8 hours). It can also be delivered as two half-day sessions of 4 hours each, covering the same content with hands-on exercises throughout.

    What Lean tools will I learn?

    You will learn 5S workplace organisation, an introduction to Value Stream Mapping, pull systems and Kanban, standard work, visual management, and the Kaizen and PDCA improvement cycle. Each tool is explained with practical, real-world examples.

    Are there hands-on exercises?

    Yes. The day includes a waste-identification exercise, a simple value stream map reading activity and a 5S workplace assessment, alongside case study discussions that connect Lean concepts to your own work context.

    What learning materials are provided?

    You receive structured courseware covering all six modules, along with exercise materials and case study examples used during the session. Corporate bookings can include examples tailored to your sector and processes.

    Enrollment

    How do I enrol in Lean Fundamentals Training in Japan?

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

    What training formats are available?

    The course is available as live online (virtual instructor-led) training, classroom training and onsite corporate group training. You can pick the format that best fits your schedule and how your team prefers to learn. Many learners choose to take the Lean Fundamentals course online for the flexibility of learning from anywhere.

    Can you deliver this onsite for our team in Japan?

    Yes. We regularly deliver Lean Fundamentals onsite and live online for teams across Japan, with schedules and examples tailored to your organisation. It is a popular first step for enterprise-wide Lean programmes. Contact us to arrange team training.

    How soon can I start?

    Public sessions run on a regular schedule, and corporate sessions are arranged to suit your team's availability. See upcoming schedules or speak with a learning advisor to find the earliest date that works for you.

    Can I reschedule my booking?

    Yes. Flexible options let you reschedule or transfer to another session where needed. Reach out to our support team and they will help you move to a date that suits you.