About Us
Japan's Resource Center for Action Learning
Established in 2006 as a nonprofit organization (NPO), WIAL Japan promotes the understanding and practice of Action Learning in Japan in partnership with WIAL headquarters in Washington, D.C. Our activities include coach training and certification, program design for organizations, research, publishing, and conferences.
600+
Certified Action Learning coaches
trained since 2004
50+
Corporate implementations
across industries
20+
Years bringing the WIAL method
to Japan
Methodology
What is Action Learning?
Action Learning is a team-based method in which a group solves real problems, taking action and learning through reflection — developing individuals, teams, and the organization at the same time. Originated by Reg Revans in the 1930s, it was refined into a systematic, coach-led methodology by Professor Michael J. Marquardt of The George Washington University, founder of WIAL. WIAL Japan delivers this WIAL model in Japan.
For Individuals
- Strengthens leadership and soft skills
- Builds the habit of learning from experience
- Develops emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Fosters confidence to speak up — and to invite others to
For Teams
- Significantly improves team performance
- Develops shared problem-solving and decision-making
- Builds mutual respect across diverse members
- Creates teams that learn from their own experience
For Organizations
- Solves urgent, important business problems fast
- Delivers real ROI on organizational projects
- Develops succession candidates for leadership
- Moves the company toward a learning organization
Programs
Coach Training & Certification
WIAL Japan is the only organization in Japan that certifies Action Learning coaches under the WIAL standard. The certification pathway takes participants from foundational skills to senior coach level.
PSD
Foundation course —
experience team problem-solving and learning in two days
ALC
Action Learning Coach
training & certification
Active
Status
Ongoing practice
as a certified coach
SALC
Senior Action Learning Coach —
designing and leading organizational programs
Please note: our open courses are conducted in Japanese. For inquiries about programs for global teams or delivery in English, please contact us.
For Organizations
Action Learning at Work — and at School
More than 50 companies across industries have introduced Action Learning with WIAL Japan for leadership development, management training, and organizational change. Our award program recognizes organizations and individuals who have used Action Learning to transform how their teams work.
Corporate Programs
In-house Action Learning programs for executive development, management training, and cross-functional problem-solving, designed and coached by certified AL coaches.
Education
Action Learning in universities and schools — developing question-driven dialogue, teamwork, and leadership in the classroom.
Student AL Coaches
A unique certification program for university students, who support Action Learning programs on campus and beyond as certified student coaches.
Leadership
Who We Are
Fumiyo Seimiya
President, WIAL Japan / WIAL Master Action Learning Coach
Fumiyo Seimiya holds a master's degree in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University, where she studied Action Learning under Professor Michael J. Marquardt. She founded Learning Design Center in 2003 and established WIAL Japan, Japan's only Action Learning coach certification body. In 2010 she became the first Japanese — and one of only nine people worldwide at the time — to be certified as a WIAL Master Action Learning Coach. She is the author of several books on Action Learning and the question-centered meeting method, and translated Professor Marquardt's Optimizing the Power of Action Learning into Japanese.
Michael J. Marquardt
Founder, World Institute for Action Learning (WIAL)
Professor of Human Resource Development at The George Washington University and the leading authority on Action Learning in the United States. In 2002 he founded the organization that became WIAL in Washington, D.C., which today certifies Action Learning coaches around the world. WIAL Japan operates with the full backing of WIAL headquarters, delivering the Marquardt / WIAL model in Japan.
Save the Date
WIAL Global Conference 2026 JAPAN
October 23–24, 2026 · Japan
The global Action Learning community gathers in Japan. Keynotes, workshops, and networking with practitioners, coaches, and researchers from around the world — hosted by WIAL Japan.
Visit the Conference Site →Contact
Get in Touch
Inquiries
We welcome inquiries in English about Action Learning, corporate programs, and the WIAL Global Conference 2026 JAPAN.
WIAL Japan (NPO)
Japan Institute of Action Learning
World Institute for Action Learning — Japan
Aoyama Tower Place 8F, 8-4-14 Akasaka,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Tel: +81-3-4400-9867 (weekdays 9:30–17:30 JST, Japanese)