The 3rd C&L Forum July 2026
The 3rd Compliance & Leadership Forum
Tackling the 20-fold Gap in Human Capital Investment Between Japan and the U.S.
Investing in People Drives Business Growth
- Discover Training and Business Solutions Designed to Help Japanese Companies Succeed in the U.S. Market -
July 2nd (Thursday)
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (EDT)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (CDT)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (PDT)
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (July 3, Japan Time)
We are pleased to welcome Mr. Tsuneo Mukai, Managing Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Representative Director and President of Mitsui O.S.K. Cruises, as the keynote speaker for the 3rd Compliance and Leadership Forum, a training conference themed “Investing in People Drives Business Growth - Discover Training and Business Solutions Designed to Help Japanese Companies Succeed in the U.S. Market -”
This forum offers a concise overview of the key challenges Japanese companies must address in human resource development to succeed in the U.S. market, where competition is expected to intensify in the future.
• Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026 [Friday, July 3 in Japan]
• Format: Online via Zoom
• Participation Fee: Free
• Target Audience: Executive management, HR, IT, and training professionals
Keynote Speaker
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Group Executive Officer, MOL,
President & CEO, MOL Cruises Ltd.
Tsunemichi Mukai
Presentation Summary:
Developing Talent for a Global Era: Turning International Experience into Growth for Organizations and Individuals
Drawing on his extensive experience working in global environments and his perspective as an organizational leader, our keynote speaker will share candid insights, lessons learned, and reflections from the front lines of leadership.
Speaker Bio:
After graduating from Sophia University in 1992, he joined Osaka Shosen Mitsui (OSK Lines), now Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). Over the course of his career, he has held a variety of positions across domestic and international operations, including serving as General Manager of the Ferry Business Division. He currently serves as Senior Managing Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Head of the Well-Being & Lifestyle Business Division, and Representative Director, President, and CEO of MOL Cruises, Ltd.
Organizer
Waterview Consulting Group, Inc.
Eriko Imaizumi
Presentation Summary:
The Training Gap in Japanese Companies That Headquarters Doesn’t See
While confronting the reality that investment in employee training in Japan is only about one-twentieth of that in the United States, Eriko Imaizumi will discuss how Japanese companies can rediscover their unique strengths and build effective, proactive (“offensive”) training programs that drive business success.
Speaker Bio:
Eriko Imaizumi worked for major international financial institutions in Japan, the United States, and Europe, including Merrill Lynch and Chase Bank. In 2012, she founded Waterview Consulting Group, Inc., which provides corporate training, executive coaching, and e-learning platform services for Japanese companies.She has delivered training programs to more than 200 Japanese companies and has served as an executive coach to over 70 senior executives. To promote the importance of corporate training within Japanese organizations, she launched the Compliance & Leadership Forum in 2025.She graduated from the Department of English, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Dokkyo University, and earned a Master’s degree from London Business School. She is also a certified training instructor for Honda America’s Japanese supplier network.
Pacific Dreams, Inc.
Ken Sakai
Presentation Summary:
Cross-Cultural Communication: A Case Study Approach
When people think of cross-cultural communication, they often imagine communication between Japanese and Americans. However, today’s world requires us not only to communicate between Japan and the United States, but also to coexist and collaborate with people from a wide variety of countries and cultural backgrounds on a daily basis. Moreover, even within the United States, it is unrealistic to think of “Americans” as a single, homogeneous group. The country is made up of people from all over the world, resulting in tremendous diversity in culture, language, and personal backgrounds. Because of this, communication challenges and misunderstandings can arise in many unexpected ways. In this presentation, Ken Sakai will introduce real-world case studies of everyday communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and cultural disconnects, providing practical and easy-to-understand insights into how they occur and how they can be addressed.
Speaker Bio:
Ken Sakai was born in Tokyo and graduated from Shinshu University. He is the President and CEO of Pacific Dreams, Inc., based in Wilsonville, Oregon. In 1987, he was assigned to Oregon as an expatriate employee of an American semiconductor company. Since then, he has lived in the United States for 39 years, and his company is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. He began his career specializing in semiconductor technical translation and interpretation, later expanding into cross-cultural communication training. Today, he focuses on HR consulting services for Japanese companies operating in the United States. With a highly specialized team of six professionals, Pacific Dreams provides a comprehensive range of HR services—excluding staffing and recruiting—including background checks, drug testing, compensation surveys, and other human resources support. The firm serves approximately 100 Japanese-affiliated companies across the United States.
WE-Building Solutions LLC
Laura Kriska
Presentation Summary:
The ROI of Speaking Up: A Case Study in Transforming English Communication
In today’s AI-driven global marketplace, traditional approaches to learning English focused mainly on grammar and vocabulary are no longer enough to build the communication skills, influence, and trust required in a rapidly changing workplace. As AI continues to evolve, authentic human connection and the ability to speak up more are becoming powerful competitive advantages. This session introduces a new approach that combines behavioral science and cutting-edge technology to help professionals use the English they already have to rapidly increase confidence and real-world communication performance.
Speaker Bio:
First American woman to work at Honda Motor Company’s Tokyo headquarters. For 30+ years, has helped thousands of Japanese professionals across 4 continents strengthen global collaboration and communication. HBR contributor, TEDx speaker, and author of 3 books.
Japan Consulting Office
Saskia Rock
Kasia Lynch
Presentation Summary:
Unlocking Global Efficiency: Hybrid Models for Japanese & Non-Japanese Teams
In today’s global workplace, efficiency depends on more than technology: it’s about aligning cultural expectations. This short session explores practical strategies for creating hybrid working models that bridge Japanese and non-Japanese approaches. Learn how to balance structure with flexibility, foster trust across borders, and design workflows that truly work for diverse teams.
Speaker Bio:
Saskia is a Japan-focused HR Consultant & CTI-Trained Coach | Managing Director at JCO USA | Former Deloitte Japan | GLOBIS MBA | JET CIR Alumna (Ishikawa, 1997–1998) Passionate about bridging cultures and empowering global teams through strategic HR and cross-cultural communication.
Kasia is a trilingual American who has lived and worked in Japan, Poland, Italy and the US. Since starting Ikigai Connections in 2018, Kasia has been promoting NihongoJobs.com, a job board for Japanese jobs in the US. Based on her global business and entrepreneurial experience, she is also a Sr. Consultant for Japan Consulting Office, offering cross-cultural training for professionals working with the US and Japan. At home in Michigan, she also is a board member of the Japan America Society.
Philosophy, LLC
Norikazu Yamaguchi
Presentation Summary:
「AI+HI」
This session proposes a framework for next-generation organizational transformation in the era of AI + HI (Human Intelligence), highlighting the key initiatives HR leaders should prioritize.
Embedding Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV) and Upholding Ethics Against the backdrop of emerging regulations such as Washington State’s ban on mandatory microchip implants, organizations must foster an ethical culture grounded in clearly defined Mission, Vision, and Values.
Redefining Roles and Optimizing Talent Deployment As AI assumes responsibility for automation and routine tasks, organizations must clarify the boundaries between AI-driven work and the uniquely human capabilities of creativity, judgment, empathy, and innovation.
Practical AI Training and Development Programs Participants will learn from real-world examples of AI training initiatives that can be implemented immediately in the workplace to enhance productivity and workforce readiness.
The session provides a roadmap for building organizations where technological advancement and ethical responsibility are in harmony, enabling sustainable growth in the AI + HI era.
Speaker Bio:
Founder & CEO of Philosophy LLC. Holds an MBA from Keio University and the SHRM-SCP certification. After careers with ANA and a human resources consulting firm, he relocated to Los Angeles in 2004. For more than 20 years, he has supported over 500 Japanese companies in navigating the complexities of U.S. human resources and labor management, employee benefits, and HR system design. Guided by the philosophy of promoting the “material and spiritual well-being of all employees,” he partners with business leaders in Japanese to help turn their visions into reality and build thriving organizations.
Texas Honganji
Hiroki Nishihara
Presentation Summary:
Habit or Choice? The Ultimate Question Explored Through Buddhism and Science
The word keiei (management) is said to originate from the phrase “to carry on the teachings of the sutras.”
In this presentation, we will explore the concept of inertia driven by our innate self-protective instincts, as revealed by modern science, and examine Buddhist practices for consciously intervening in the habitual patterns of the mind. We will also discuss a Buddhist approach to leadership that enables organizations to thrive. Through the principle of jiri rita—benefiting oneself by benefiting others—and the practice of recognizing that “those who teach grow the most,” participants will be invited to reflect on a profound question: How can we transform the very being of ourselves and our organizations?
Speaker Bio:
Head Monk at Texas Honganji, executive coach at tar.x innovations.
After leaving IBM Japan, he spent 23 years on the front lines of business, including a decade at IBM’s U.S. headquarters. Today, he helps individuals and organizations drive innovation through the engineering of Being—an approach grounded in both Buddhist wisdom and scientific principles. By transforming the way people think, relate, and lead, he supports lasting personal and organizational change.
Author of: The Art of Reflection (『リフレクションの技術』)
Imagination Improvement Institute
Yumi Tomita
Presentation Summary:
Moving Forward in an Unpredictable World: Harnessing Experience, Sensitivity, and Imagination to Develop People and Organizations
In an era of uncertainty, many organizations are grappling with how to move forward. How can employees think more deeply, adapt more effectively, and create new value amid constant change? This presentation explores practical approaches to developing the critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity that are often diminished by the rapid pace of work and increasing reliance on AI. Rather than simply reacting to change, participants will learn how to cultivate the human capabilities needed to navigate uncertainty and actively shape the future.
Speaker Bio:
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she has spent more than eight years providing corporate training programs and individual sessions that use sound and imagination to foster mental well-being and creativity. In 2026, her organization was honored with the Best Mental Health Services award in the Best of San Mateo Area Awards.
Make Things Happen
Yoko Watanabe
Presentation Summary:
Pronunciation-Based English Learning: Practical Strategies for Improving Listening and Speaking Skills
For expatriates and accompanying spouses who struggle with English, this session introduces a practical, pronunciation-based approach to improving listening and speaking skills naturally and effectively. Participants will learn how to build confidence in real-world communication, experience the satisfaction of being understood, and develop practical English skills that make everyday life in the United States easier and more enjoyable.
Speaker Bio:
After graduating from university, she spent 25 years as a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines. As often the only Japanese crew member on board, she developed strong English communication skills through daily interactions with passengers and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Today, she shares those skills through pronunciation-based coaching, helping expatriate spouses improve their English proficiency and enhance their quality of life while living in the United States.