Guest Lecturer: Hiroki Yokouchi and Toshihiko Kako (Representatives of the Psychological Ambassador Association)

On 20 January, during the 'International Management Seminar I' lecture (instructor: Professor Kenichiro Kuroiwa), we invited Mr. Hiroki Yokouchi and Mr. Toshihiko Kako, representatives of the Psychological Ambassador Association, to lead an improv theatre workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to improve participants' ability to respond to change and develop agility.

The session began with an explanation of improv, why it is used in business, and an introduction to the improv thinking model. This model consists of a five-step cyclical process:
1. Accept (Yes)
2. Observe
3. Make an assumption (abduction).
4. Build upon and act.
5. Learn from the response.

This cyclical model consists of five steps. Although improvisational theatre suggests acting on the spot, the session emphasized that effective acting stems from acceptance and observation.

Physical exercises continued throughout. We did many activities, such as 'Nickname Toss', 'Ball' and 'Yes, and', with the 'Three Lines' exercise proving particularly lively.

During the final reflection, we had the opportunity to ask questions and receive explanations to resolve any doubts we had by hearing the other participants' perspectives. I feel we grasped the thinking model not just intellectually, but physically as well. I also believe that we truly internalized what it means to 'move agilely'.