The first ECOnGOOD Consultant Learning Journey in Asia and Japan, completed with smile and hope!

The Japanese Local Chapter was founded in April 2024 after the release of the first Japanese version of the Economy for the Common Good (ECG) book, followed by successful online and in-person events. The ECG values and principles resonated deeply with Japanese culture and were quickly embraced by a growing group of locals from diverse professional backgrounds. Their official application to become a National Association is currently under review. In the meantime, they are expanding their community, which includes 35 regular members and 10 supporting members, while engaging in fundraising efforts.

The first ECOnGOOD Consultant Learning Journey (Module 2) took place on July 22, 23, 25, and 26 (4.5 hours/day), linking Germany, Austria, and Japan. This module provided a practical learning experience for nine consultants from across Japan, featuring role-plays and a comprehensive view of the Economy for the Common Good (ECG).

Each session began with greetings of “Good morning” from Europe and “Good afternoon” from Japan, highlighting the project’s challenge of overcoming time differences and language barriers. The program, warmly and efficiently facilitated by trainers Isabella Klien and Roland Wiedemeyer, allowed participants to thoroughly enjoy and deeply understand the essence of ECG as consultants. The importance of “wholeness, holistic approach, and inclusiveness” was emphasized throughout. By the end of this journey, participants had formed a united, heart-connected learning community filled with smiles and hope.

Noriaki Ikeda, who originally translated the core material into Japanese, served as a cultural and linguistic bridge between Germany and Japan. Takao Matsui and Kazuko Hikawa also contributed as excellent interpreters.

Alongside the eight days of online lectures in Module 1 in April and Module 2 in July 2024, numerous group activities fostered understanding and exploration as a team. This journey toward becoming certified ECG consultants continues, with excitement building to implement ECG and integrate it into Japanese society with IKIGAI.

This recount of the events was provided by Nahoko Shimizu, co-coordinator of the Japanese Local Chapter.

Learn more about the Japanese Local Chapter and visit their website.