How much of the Toyota Way is dependent on Japanese culture?

And how much of it all comes down to… being human?

There are questions I’ve explored with 130+ global leaders who’ve joined my Japan Leadership Experience programs. 

To help you answer this question, I’ve invited Tim Wolput – Japanologist and Toyota Way Management expert, to Chain of Learning.

Together, we take a deep (and fun!) dive into the differences between classical Japanese and Western management and explore the cultural and historical roots of real lean leadership.

In this episode, we travel through Japanese history—from Confucius’ teachings to samurai and rice farming traditions, and Deming’s influence on Japanese management. 

If you’ve ever wanted a masterclass on Japanese management and Toyota Way principles—and how you can apply these lessons to create a culture of excellence—these two episodes are a must-listen.

YOU’LL LEARN:

• Misconceptions about the Toyota Way management practices and applying the principles across cultures
• Deming’s influence on Japan and the development of the Toyota Production System and Toyota Way
• The way of the samurai: Focus on the process, not just the outcome
• Shu-ha-ri: The process towards mastery and turning knowledge into wisdom by learning through doing 
• The power of leading through influence and “doing the right thing”: true leadership inspires growth, not just results

Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2, where we continue along this path of learning to explore the nuances of Japanese concepts like kata and obeya and their relationship to lean management practices today.

ABOUT MY GUEST:

Tim Wolput is a Japanologist and Toyota Way Management expert passionate about helping people transform themselves, their organizations, and the world for the better. Since 2023 Tim has been my in-country partner for my immersive Japan Leadership Experiences. Originally from Belgium, Tim has lived in Japan since 1999 where he attended Tokyo University Graduate School and studied traditional Japanese mathematics. Tim is a certified Toyota Way Management System instructor and consultant to global organizations on Lean, Agile, and Toyota Production System (TPS).

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Listen to Our Masterclass on Japanese Management Part 2 with Tim Wolput
• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/42
• Connect with Tim Wolput: linkedin.com/in/timwolput
• Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson 
• Learn about my Japan Leadership Experience program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip 

TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:

03:53 Biggest misconceptions about Toyota Way management practices
05:10 Katie’s perspective Japan versus the west
08:46 The meaning of Shu Ha Ri and the traditional way of learning
10:23 Deming’s influence on Japan and The Toyota Way
13:05 Why Japan embraced PDCA
15:45 Difference in mindset between Asia and the west

17:28 The working culture in Japan and how work together in the community
22:17 Power of the supplier relationship
23:40 Japanese leadership style
29:15 Concept of doing the right thing

30:56 How to focus on processes as the way to get results

34:13 Powerful words of wisdom about the way of the samurai

Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experience
https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/