SIETAR Japan
SIETAR Japan
Society for Intercultural Education Training and Research Japan
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Connecting people with respect and tolerance enabling and enhancing Intercultural Communication is what SIETAR Japan is all about.
The purpose of SIETAR Japan is to promote intercultural education, training, and research that are essential for fostering smooth communication and cooperative relationships among people and organizations with diverse cultural backgrounds. Regardless of field—whether education, business, or international exchange—and regardless of background such as race, ethnicity, age, faith, or sexual orientation, SIETAR Japan seeks to provide a forum where researchers, practitioners, and students interested in intercultural communication can interact, exchange diverse perspectives, and engage in the practice of creative and dynamic cultural synergy.
Furthermore, in order for all people around the world to respect diversity and enjoy fairness and a sense of belonging in a society free from discrimination and guided by the principle of “leaving no one behind,” SIETAR Japan is committed to learning together, creating new knowledge collaboratively, and putting it into practice.
SIETAR Japan works in partnership and collaboration with the SIETAR SIETAR Global Network worldwide.
“Leave No One Behind”: the fundamental principle and slogan of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
News
41st Annual Conference: Call for Proposals
Call for proposals:
How to submit proposals (members): https://qr.paps.jp/hmexj
How to submit Proposal for the Undergraduate Student Presentation Event：https://qr.paps.jp/OrtGf
Conference Registration:
Members: (Please go to the Members’ Portal (https://www.ja.sietar-japan.org/members, find “event
information”「イベント情報」and purchase tickets.
Early-bird Registration Period: June 15-October 23, 2026
Non-members: Peatix Registration Page
Upcoming Events
South African Cultures & Business Communication – An introduction
Navigating Diversity, Dynamics, and Cultural Ambiguity
Overview & Context
As part of SIETAR Japan’s 2026 English Program series focusing on "Ambiguity – Navigating the Unknown and the Cultural Nuances of Uncertainty", we are pleased to co-host an online session with Aoyama Gakuin University featuring intercultural scholar Prof. Dr. Claude-Hélène Mayer.
Known as the "Rainbow Nation," South Africa is home to a wide range of cultural groups, traditions, and 11 official languages. Managing business relationships and intercultural collaboration within such a multifaceted environment presents unique dynamics.
In this interactive lecture, Prof. Mayer will explore how cultural differences influence communication styles, leadership values, and interpersonal expectations in South Africa. Crucially, the session will examine how professionals navigate cultural ambiguity, complex social contexts, and varying approaches to time and hierarchy to build trust and partner effectively across multicultural teams.
What You Will Learn
Foundations of South African Diversity: Key cultural concepts shaping social and organizational life across cultural groups.
Core Business Norms: Navigating hierarchy, relationship-building, and varying approaches to time and communication.
Navigating Cultural Ambiguity: Insights on managing uncertainty and multi-layered identities in a complex, multicultural landscape.
Building Awareness: Developing practical sensitivity to better navigate business communication in South African contexts.
Event Details & Logistics
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 13:00 – 15:00 JST
Format: Lecture, Online via Zoom
Language: English
Co-Hosts: Department of International Communication, School of International Politics, Economics and Communication (SIPEC), Aoyama Gakuin University & SIETAR Japan
Target Audience: Intercultural researchers, educators, and students interested in organizational psychology, communication, and diversity; Business practitioners, team leads, and managers working in cross-cultural, global, or African market environments.
About the Presenter
Prof. Dr. Claude-Hélène Mayer
Professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of Johannesburg
Claude-Hélène Mayer is a Professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg. She is an intercultural scholar specialising in cross-cultural psychology, intercultural communication, conflict management, and leadership. Her research explores identity, transcultural conflict, and women and emotions, with a focus on multicultural contexts. Prof. Mayer has published widely in academic journals and books, contributing to the understanding of how culture influences behavior and communication in organizations and beyond.
Registration & Ticket Prices
SIETAR Japan Members: 1,000 yen
Non-Members: 2,000 yen
Students: Free
Aoyama Gakuin University Students & Faculty: Free (Please register via internal university channels)
How to Join: Please register and secure your ticket through our official Peatix event page:
https://sietar20260820.peatix.com/ (The Zoom access details will be shared before the event via Peatix upon registration.)
Contact Information:
program@sietar-japan.org
Program Directors: Lionel Bikart (English) and Naomi Iwazawa (Japanese)
41st Annual Conference of SIETAR Japan
We are pleased to announce that the 41st Annual Conference of SIETAR Japan will be held at Toyo University Hakusan Campus on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Call for proposals:
How to submit proposals (members): https://qr.paps.jp/hmexj
How to submit Proposal for the Undergraduate Student Presentation Event：https://qr.paps.jp/OrtGf
Conference Registration:
Members: (Please go to the Members’ Portal (https://www.ja.sietar-japan.org/members, find “event
information”「イベント情報」and purchase tickets.
Early-bird Registration Period: June 15-October 23, 2026
Non-members: Peatix Registration Page
Illustration by Keisuke Taketani
SIETAR Japan strives to achieve DEIB
We strive to embrace Diversity, respect and work with those who are from different cultures, races, gender orientations, and religions. It is our goal to deepen our understanding of the needs of each individual and provide the necessary support to achieve Equity. We will continue our best efforts to learn from each other instead of excluding those who are “different.” We respect different viewpoints. We are committed to being inclusive (Inclusion) and want to create a space for all the members to enjoy mutual respect and feel a sense of Belonging. We do not tolerate stereotyping, discrimination and racism toward anyone.
Join us as we enjoy the learning opportunities of DEIB together.
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