Discovering ICPA

In my fourth year of working, I began to wonder how best to interact with international clients, as my company was expanding its overseas business. I searched online for terms like “International Etiquette,” “Manners,” and “Global Education”—and that’s when I came across ICPA by chance.

Over the following year, I completed a full programme in International Etiquette, Manners, and Culture, progressing from beginner to advanced levels. Through this experience, I came to appreciate the profound value of international etiquette education from three key perspectives, which I will share here.

1. Globalisation and the Realities of Working Life

Let me begin by reflecting on my own experience as a working professional.

When I first joined my company, I took a business etiquette training course, as many new employees in Japan do. We learned the basics—how to greet others, answer the phone, write business emails, and exchange business cards. These are essential skills for surviving in a Japanese corporate environment.

However, as I grew more comfortable in my role, I began engaging not only with colleagues but also with people from other departments and external partners. I quickly realised that simply following standard business etiquette was no longer sufficient. Understanding the position, personality, and cultural background of each individual became essential for effective communication.

In today’s increasingly globalised business world, especially in Japanese companies with international operations, communication with people from diverse cultures is inevitable. In these situations—whether it’s greeting someone in English or composing an email—it’s not just about using correct grammar. One must ensure that the tone and content are respectful and appropriate.

2. The Limitations of Company Training

Many companies do offer English training, which is often seen as the key to global communication. But in reality, knowing English is not enough.

Language classes usually teach standard expressions and conversational “patterns.” However, real-life communication is fluid, complex, and context-dependent. I’ve seen colleagues struggle to express themselves to overseas partners, trailing off mid-sentence or giving up entirely. These missed opportunities can result in not just personal frustration, but also lost business chances.

Even those aware of the need for global skills may not experience the urgency of globalisation in their daily lives—except perhaps through brief interactions with tourists or hospitality workers. This lack of sustained exposure can make it difficult to stay motivated to improve.

3. What Makes ICPA Unique

At ICPA, students learn not only from Japanese instructors with international experience, but also from educators of diverse nationalities. This multicultural setting continuously encourages students to cultivate a truly global mindset.

What stood out to me most was how every instructor seemed personally aware of the very gaps in international education that many Japanese people—including myself—struggle with. Their lessons always reflect a broader, global perspective.

You Cannot Learn What You Don’t Learn

As a fifth-year working adult, I’ve come to realise that there are many university students and professionals who, like me, sense the pressure of globalisation but aren’t sure what exactly is missing from their skillset.

Many people assume that etiquette and manners are either common sense or something learned through life experience. As such, they believe they can “consciously” correct their behaviour without formal learning.

But the truth is: if you don’t clearly understand what etiquette and manners actually entail, you can’t properly apply them. Without this understanding, people often become vaguely self-conscious, unsure how to behave—and eventually give up. Worse still, these vague notions are rarely passed down, leading younger generations to repeat the same cycle of uncertainty.

ICPA addresses this very gap. The Academy offers structured learning opportunities designed to instill essential skills from an early stage, equipping students with the interpersonal literacy they need for long-term success in a global society.

You Can’t Learn It Alone

Why can’t etiquette and manners be learned overnight or through self-study?

Because they’re not just about patterns or formulas. True interpersonal competence involves understanding cultural history, religious customs, and social nuance—areas that require structured, guided study. Without an expert, you wouldn’t even know where to begin.

Many people initially turn to books for answers. There are countless titles on etiquette, manners, and culture. But human interaction is dynamic and contextual—something that can’t be fully learned from reading alone.

What’s needed is dialogue. Through conversation and feedback, we begin to understand the essence of proper conduct. And importantly, real learning requires both input and output. We may believe we understand something when reading it, but when asked to explain it out loud, we often falter. It’s only through trying, speaking, and receiving feedback that knowledge becomes internalised.

At ICPA, every stage of the programme—from beginner to advanced—emphasises both theoretical learning and practical expression. The intimate class sizes and one-on-one support make it possible to explore and refine our skills deeply and sincerely.

Conclusion

From all of this, I’ve come to believe that International Etiquette and Manners is not just useful—it is essential for anyone living in a globalised world. And to study this subject meaningfully, there is no better place than ICPA.

I hope to continue deepening my knowledge and one day be able to share what I’ve learned here with many others—more than just the lessons, but the transformation I experienced.

A Word from the Dean

Congratulations to Ms. Kinoshita on completing the advanced course!

When she first joined us, she seemed somewhat lost in life. But she approached the course with great sincerity, and we watched her evolve week by week. She openly shared her thoughts and personal journey throughout the programme.

She progressed smoothly through both the intermediate and advanced levels, even as she navigated challenges brought on by the pandemic. The past year has truly been a period of extraordinary growth for her.

Though her eyes are gentle and modest, she has a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose. I see in her a quiet strength, filled with hope and ambition.

Young leaders like Ms. Kinoshita are the ones who will support and shape Japan’s future in the global arena. I hope she will continue to thrive as a global leader—one who brings not only precision, discipline, and ambition, but also grace, kindness, and beauty to her work.

Let us walk together in improving society and the world.

And may we all lead brilliant, meaningful lives.