Meet Ulrike Fröhlich
Japan business consultant, trainer and digital learning developer
Bridging Japanese and European business culture
Short Bio 🌸
Ulrike Fröhlich has been a Japan business consultant and trainer since 2006, with over two decades of experience in intercultural collaboration with Japan. She holds a Master’s degree in Japanese Studies, Economics, and Sociology, complemented by hands-on expertise gained from working with governmental institutions and corporations in both Japan and Germany.
Professional Experience
Governmental Positions: Nagano Prefectural Government & JETRO, gaining deep insights into Japan’s economy.
Corporate Positions: At Toshiba, building a strong understanding of Japanese corporate culture.
Leadership in Education: Head of the Training Department at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hochrhein-Bodensee, leading a 13-member team and driving digital transformation in professional education.
Quality Management: EFQM auditor training, supporting organizational excellence.
Academic Contributions: Lecturer in International Business, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University.
Intercultural Workshops: Seminars across Europe (e.g., Budapest, Lisbon, Manchester, Bordeaux).
Core Competencies
Expertise
Japan Business Expert
Over 20 years of experience working with Japan — from Nagano Prefectural Government and JETRO to Toshiba. She helps professionals to understand Japanese business culture and succeed with their business partners.
Training & Facilitation
Leadership & Learning Facilitation
As an experienced leader and learning facilitator, she combines strategic vision with hands-on training expertise.
She designs learning experiences that foster professional growth, broaden perspectives, and strengthen leadership capacity.
Innovation
Digital Learning Innovation
As a certified digital learning developer she creates interactive eLearning modules with Storyline, Rise, and Genially — making know how about Japanese business culture accessible anytime, anywhere.
My Personal Journey
My connection with Japan began in 1991, when I started my studies in Japanese Studies, Economics, and Sociology. In 1993, I traveled to Japan for the first time, and from 1994 to 1995 I lived in Kyoto as an exchange student. These years deepened not only my language skills but also my understanding of Japanese society and everyday culture.
From 1998 to 2000, I worked at the Prefectural Government of Nagano, where I gained valuable experience in administration, international relations, and economic cooperation. During this time, I also learned first-hand how the Japanese working style functions — how meetings are conducted, how decisions are made, and how teamwork and hierarchy shape everyday business life.
Later, working with Japanese companies in Germany, I was able to observe how different work cultures collide — and where most misunderstandings tend to arise. These experiences helped me develop practical strategies for bridging cultural gaps and fostering smoother, more effective collaboration between Japan and the West.
Since then, Japan has remained a constant focus in my career. Being fluent in Japanese allows me to bridge not only language but also the subtle nuances of communication. Today, I see it as my mission to help professionals build mutual understanding, overcome cultural barriers, and create long-term, successful partnerships with Japanese counterparts
Discover our practical programs in the:
Ready to build stronger partnerships with Japan?
Whether you are preparing for negotiations, leading an intercultural team, or looking for modern eLearning on Japanese business culture — I’d be happy to support you.