Connecting Japan with the World through International Protocol and Etiquette Education

Mirei Cecilia Hakuba (née Mari Murata)

Philosophy of the Founding Principal

At the heart of my mission lies a profound belief: education is the bridge that connects individuals, cultures, and nations.

Through internationally recognised methods in protocol and etiquette, I am dedicated to nurturing global citizens who embody dignity, respect, and intercultural excellence.

My aim is to foster deep, lasting connections that transcend borders and advance global understanding.

Vision from the Outset

Since founding The International Protocol and Etiquette Academy of Japan (ICPA), I have had the privilege of mentoring a diverse array of individuals — including embassy staff, diplomats, corporate executives, medical professionals, and ambitious private learners.

Across more than twenty-five years of study, teaching, and cross-cultural engagement,
I discovered a universal truth: At the centre of every diplomatic negotiation, every business success, and every lasting relationship stands one constant — people.

It is not merely expertise, power, or status that drives global affairs; it is effective human connection. International protocol and etiquette, grounded in respect and cultural intelligence, are the essential keys that unlock trust, cooperation, and mutual prosperity.

With this conviction, I established ICPA: an academy committed to providing world-class education in international protocol, etiquette, and cross-cultural communication — developing individuals capable of becoming true bridges between nations.

Insights on International Protocol and Etiquette

International protocol and etiquette are not formalities; they are living expressions of humanity’s deepest values.

In ancient Japan, courtesy, non-verbal communication, and natural grace formed the essence of all interaction.

Today, these timeless principles form the foundation for successful cross-cultural relationships in the global arena.

Through disciplines such as anthropology, linguistics, and cross-cultural studies, students at ICPA develop attributes essential for international success: respect for others, cultural fluency, compassion, positivity, and enduring confidence.

These qualities are not simply professional assets; they are transformative forces that foster unity and progress across societies.

  • International Social Etiquette Specialist
  • International Business Cross-Culture Specialist
  • International Protocol Specialist
  • TOEIC: 990 (perfect score)
  • English Language Proficiency Test: First Grade
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced+ (business-level English at a native speaker standard)

Professional Specialisations

At ICPA, our training is designed to cultivate the skills vital for success on the global stage: intercultural sensitivity, diplomatic competence, and confident international communication.

Corporate/embassy training
98%
International Protocol Specialist Training
99%
Workshop for general public
95%
English training for Japanese Audience
90%

Founder Profile - My Story

Founder / Principal - Mirei Cecilia Hakuba (née Mari Murata)

From an early age, I wondered why voices were silenced when opinions differed, and why individuality was often suppressed.

This quiet question became the beginning of my lifelong journey to seek understanding, respect, and connection beyond cultural boundaries.

Roots and Global Experience

I was born in Yokohama into a family devoted to education, science, and social contribution.
My father served as Director of the National Research Institute of Police Science and was decorated by the Emperor of Japan.

My mother, part of Japan Airlines’ founding team, embodied elegance and international awareness.

Although raised in Japan, my path quickly became international.

I lived and studied in Canada, where I discovered a society that valued open dialogue and the dignity of every individual voice.

Later, in the United Kingdom, I immersed myself in cultural studies and encountered the world of international protocol and etiquette—not as rigid formality, but as a living framework for trust and respect across cultures.

These experiences shaped me into someone who thinks and acts with a global outlook, while never losing connection to my Japanese roots.

Rediscovering Japan’s Contribution

Through my research, I came to a remarkable realisation.

The essence of international protocol—respect, humility, harmony, and dignity—has existed in Japanese culture and traditional education for centuries.

Yet in modern Japan, much of this wisdom has been forgotten.
By reconnecting with these values, we not only rediscover our identity, but also strengthen our ability to lead in today’s interconnected world.

Few people in Japan have both the international perspective and the professional expertise to teach these values in a way that resonates globally.

This unique position allows me to share Japan’s cultural spirit with people worldwide in a way that is authentic, relevant, and accessible.

Founding ICPA and Its Mission

In 2017, I founded the International Protocol and Cross-Cultural Academy of Japan (ICPA).

ICPA provides internationally standard education in protocol and global manners, while also introducing the profound values of Japanese manners and protocol to people around the world.

This dual focus makes ICPA a place where learners gain more than skills.

They develop presence, empathy, and leadership—the qualities needed to connect meaningfully across cultures.
Studying here means discovering not only global etiquette, but also the timeless spirit of Japan as part of our shared human culture.

My Belief

I believe that true leadership does not begin with knowledge, but with understanding.
And true understanding always begins with respect.

This is why I remain deeply connected to my Japanese identity, while thinking and acting with a truly international outlook.

It is this combination that makes ICPA a place of trust and inspiration.

Here, you can feel confident that you are learning from a professional who has lived and worked internationally, who understands the global stage, and who can authentically share Japan’s cultural values with the world.

Commitment to Your Success

At ICPA, we are committed to cultivating future leaders who are not only skilled professionals, but also cultural ambassadors — individuals capable of building bridges between peoples and nations.

If you are truly dedicated to mastering international communication, and aspire to thrive on the global stage,
I warmly invite you to begin your journey with us.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to ICPA — Japan’s leading academy for international protocol and etiquette education, where knowledge bridges cultures and empowers global success.

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The International Protocol and Etiquette Academy of Japan - ICPA