When executives and CEOs from overseas headquarters visit Japan, many local teams wonder:
“How can we strengthen relationships through a truly Japanese style of hospitality?”
“What kind of program is appropriate for such an important occasion where failure is not an option?”
To address these needs, MOTENAS Japan recently organized a calligraphy-based team building program for a global corporation. The company entrusted us with two separate sessions, and in this report, we highlight the first event—designed for senior managers and executives across their group companies—sharing the key points that made it a success.
Client Request and Background
We received an inquiry through our website from the President’s Office of the company’s Japan branch.
Their initial request was: “All group company CEOs will be visiting Japan, and we would like to host a calligraphy experience as part of our hospitality.”
Since this was a highly valuable opportunity for the Japan branch, they were determined not to risk any failure and entrusted MOTENAS Japan with the event.
Furthermore, even before the CEO’s visit, other senior directors and executives were also scheduled to come to Japan. The client asked us to host both occasions, resulting in two back-to-back calligraphy workshops. Meeting these high-level leaders is a rare and significant opportunity for the Japan office, and the client specifically requested: “We would like calligraphy to serve as the unifying activity for the team.”
We began by carefully listening to their objectives:
- Team-building should be the central focus.
- Provide clear explanations of what calligraphy is.
We also customized the content according to the nationalities of the guests from outside Japan, so we requested detailed information on the number of participants and their backgrounds.
Event Schedule
- 16:00-16:10｜Calligrapher’s Performance
- 16:10-17:30｜Hands-on Calligraphy Workshop
・Introduction to the basics of calligraphy
・Practice writing names
・Final calligraphy (team-building exercise)
・Group presentations of completed works - 17:30-17:40｜Group Photo Session
Program Details
The event began with a live performance by a professional calligrapher. Since the completed artwork was intended to be displayed at the client’s headquarters, we visited the office in advance to discuss the most suitable word and the display location. Together, we chose the inspiring character “飛躍” (Leap Forward).
Watching the calligrapher paint bold strokes with a giant brush was a deeply moving moment for many international guests. Upon request, we can arrange bilingual instructors, but for this event we also provided an English-speaking MC who created a welcoming atmosphere. All MCs undergo internal training in Japanese arts such as calligraphy and kabuki, ensuring a professional presentation.
Before the excitement subsided, guests were invited to try calligraphy themselves. To grasp the basics, they practiced essential brush techniques such as tome (stop), hane (flick), and harai (sweep) using traditional paper.
Next, each participant received a personalized sample of their name, written in both kanji and katakana by the instructor. They then practiced writing their names under step-by-step guidance. The lively interaction created an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere.
After practice, each guest was given a folding fan on which to inscribe their name as a keepsake. Writing on a curved fan is a challenging task, but because it can be taken home as a unique souvenir, we always recommend this element in our programs.
The international executives expressed their delight, saying: “This was truly an unforgettable day!” It was also a deeply rewarding moment for our team.
What Sets MOTENAS Japan Apart
When planning a calligraphy experience, what MOTENAS Japan values most is providing consistent support for visitors outside Japan—from the moment they arrive to the time they depart.
Our senior account manager oversees the process from start to finish, including on-site support during the event. This consistent communication channel provides peace of mind and smooth coordination—another hallmark of MOTENAS Japan.
Rather than following a rigid template, our experienced concierges select the best possible response for each moment. Prioritizing guest satisfaction above all else is our guiding principle. Changes on the day of the event are common; while we avoid unnecessary costs, every decision is made with the guest’s best experience in mind.
Support begins the moment visitors step out of their vehicles, allowing companies to fully entrust the experience to us. We conduct thorough pre-event meetings—including discussions on hospitality—so that on the day of the event, our staff can sense the atmosphere and respond to the guests’ needs with care and attention.
From Trust to Long-Term Partnership
The client company has since returned to us for additional programs.
A single successful event often lays the foundation for ongoing trust and partnership—an achievement we value deeply. For global corporations, hosting important visitors from abroad is a frequent responsibility. In such moments, our goal is to remain a reliable partner who can deliver flawless hospitality.
When major events are planned, we often recommend a trial workshop like this one. It helps clients better understand the flow, ensuring smoother execution on the actual day. Offering this type of comprehensive, end-to-end support is one of MOTENAS Japan’s unique strengths.
After graduating from university, I worked as a Systems Engineer (SE) at Reuters Japan. Later, I spent five years as a Systems Manager at Reuters Singapore. After that, I studied business administration at a business school in the Netherlands and joined Hitachi Ltd. At Hitachi, I was responsible for new business development, promoting new projects in China and investment schemes in emerging countries. After working for 11 years, I started running Motenas Japan, offering Japanese cultural experiences to foreigners under the motto “Bringing Japan and the world closer together.”
