Mathias Maul @ Deutsch-Japanischer Wirtschaftskreis (DJW) / 2026-09-26

Work-Integrated Learning: A.I. and Forest Bathing to Improve Leadership Skills in Young Leaders

Name: Work-Integrated Learning: A.I. and Forest Bathing to Improve Leadership Skills in Young Leaders
Start: 2026-09-26

The ages-old practice of forest bathing (森林浴, shinrinyoku) has surprising parallels to how Generative A.I. can help young leaders develop their skills – especially those that span countries and cultures. Join us for an unconventional presentation with Mathias Maul! To prepare, we recommend his latest article, Forest Bathing With My Bot: Using A.I. Hallucinations to Improve Real-World Hybrid Leadership Skills, which was published in the March 2026 issue of Ritsumeikan Business Review.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) represents the combination of learning and the professional career. The definition ranges from programs of job qualification and initial training (e.g. apprenticeships/internships or working students) to programs of professional development and new types of learning “on the job”. This web series aims to explore the various forms of WIL in the German-Japanese context, spanning from Vocational Training through Dual Study Programs up to advanced training for professionals. Impulses are presented by Japanese, German or International experts that are either from an educational background or are representing best practices and experiences from the industry.

Many businesses are challenged with finding qualified employees or to train existing employees in an continuously changing economic environment without sacrificing productivity. The importance of WIL programs within Germany in higher education within the last couple of years has grown, since many businesses - similar to the widespread vocational training programs - value the benefit of the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills. This will be put in the context of international best practices and chances and opportunities that exist in Japan.