Japan House London

Preparing a high profile cultural institution for opening, by recruiting the best talent and delivering innovative training.

Location: London, UK

Client: Government of Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Date: 2018 - Present

Services: Consultancy, Recruitment & Training  

The Project

The Government of Japan, acting through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, set itself the strategic objective of showing on an international stage the significance of Japan’s economic, cultural and technological contributions to the building of a better world. Three high profile destinations were targeted as global locations to establish a cultural presence; London, Los Angeles and São Paulo. Japan House is a project which aims to nurture a deeper understanding of Japan in the international community and from which to showcase and communicate Japan as a country that can enrich the rest of the world in the 21st century.

What we did

As a Strategic Business Partner (SBP), we devised and delivered recruitment campaigns for all key positions. We also advised on optimal mechanisms to implement and manage resources, including volunteer programs, and proposed a best-practice HR policy. This holistic solution incorporated Attracting, Engaging, Rewarding and Managing all Japan House human resources and informed the pre-opening training that we delivered to all front of house employees as well as all third-party contractors in retail and food and beverage services. 

The outcome

A local Secretariat was recruited under Director General, Michael Houlihan, to ensure the effective future operation and programming of the new cultural  institution. We also recruited a team of over 30 staff which was successfully appointed across Programming, Events, Outreach, Corporate Development and Operations departments. Taking up three floors in a stunning Grade II Heritage Listed Art Deco building on Kensington High Street, Japan House London opened in June 2018 and was inaugurated by HRH Prince William in August.

Our ongoing human resources and recruitment support has established Japan House as the cultural home of Japan in London, and we continue to support the next exciting phase of their development into “Japan House 2.0”. With a wide-ranging programme, Japan House celebrates Japan’s innovative, creative and technological merits, while shining a spotlight on the artisans, craftsmen, designers, performers, musicians and other professionals who are making waves both in Japan and around the world – from internationally renowned individuals, to emerging artists who are excelling in their field.