World Class Manufacturing 2026

You would like to discover Japan's world-class manufacturing standards with an authentic "Gemba" experience and gain valuable insights to enhance your company's lean strategy? Please use this application form to apply for the next World Class Manufacturing training programme in Japan.

Before proceeding with your application for this training programme, please ensure that you are fully committed.

Additionally, applications missing supporting documents or important information will not be considered.

Finally, we kindly ask you to fill out this form honestly and individually. While the use of language review tools is permitted, we strongly advise against relying on intelligent software to complete your responses. Your personal input is essential to the integrity of this application process.

You can find the information about WCM, together with its terms and conditions, here.

The deadline for submitting applications is extended until

20 November 2025.

Do you have any questions?

Please send an e-mail to Mrs. Diane Lula.

Full Name

PrefixFirst NameLast Name

Of which country are you a passport holder?

Job title

Work email address

name@company.com

Work telephone number

Country codePhone Number

Mobile phone number

Country codePhone Number

LinkedIn profile

English Proficiency

Have you personally taken part in this mission before?

Describe your role within the company and outline your decision-making responsibilities in implementing lean strategy or process management within your department or company.

Please explain in around 300 words why you are interested in taking part in the World Class Manufacturing programme and why you will be the best person to represent your company during this training in Japan.

Company name

Office Street Address

Country of your headquarters

As stated in the terms and conditions of participation, the headquarters of the company must be located in an EU/SMP country.

Office Street Address

Address of the office you work for

Compa Name

Office Street Address

City

Zip CodeCountry

Company Website

e.g. https://www.eu-japan.eu

Your company is a...

SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are companies meeting the standard European Commission criteria for an SME:

Max 249 employees, turnover below 50M€ or balance sheet total below 43M€.

More information...

If your company is part of a larger group, please indicate the name of that group.

SME status proof (no self-signed letter)

Active sectors

Describe your company's product(s)/service(s).

What are the 3 biggest challenges your company faces?

What actions has your company already taken to face those challenges?

Does your company have a business collaboration with Japan?

Do you have any additional comments or information you would like to share in this form?

CV

Recent portrait photo

Please note that the photo you are asked to provide will not be used in the recruitment evaluation process. If selected, this photo will be solely intended for inclusion in the mission handbook. This handbook will contain the mission agenda as well as information about all selected participants, to help facilitate introductions and communication among the group. The handbook will be shared with the delegation prior to departure to Japan.

Certificate of registration or VAT registration

A letter from your employer endorsing your application is required. If you are the CEO or owner of the company, please provide relevant documentation.

How did you hear about this training programme?

Other

Please confirm the following

Signature

World Class Manufacturing - Mission

Candidate Info

Company Info

Company Status and Lean Journey

Uploading Documents