Christina Blake
I help executives and organisations achieve sustainable success in the Japanese business environment.
With more than 20 years of experience in Japanese corporations and a German–Japanese joint venture, I understand what truly drives business relationships, decision-making, and collaboration in Japan. For more than 15 years, I have shared this expertise with clients through consulting, systemic business coaching and intercultural training..
I am equally familiar with the challenges Japanese companies face when operating in Germany and across Europe. I also advise public institutions and economic development organisations on building long-term relationships with Japanese companies and investors. My clients benefit from a unique blend of first-hand Japan–Europe business experience, systemic business coaching expertise, NLP techniques and executive-level advisory experience.
Why I understand Japan better than Most
My journey into Japan did not begin with a textbook. It began in the day-to-day reality of Japanese corporations. At Olympus Europe and Panasonic Germany as well as in German–Japanese mid-sized businesses, I experienced first-hand how Japanese business culture truly works: The unwritten rules, the subtle nuances of communication and the deep importance of hierarchy and harmony. What many know from theory, I have experienced personally through countless meetings, negotiations, and business trips.
First-Hand Experience
This practical experience makes the difference. I do not only know how to exchange a business card correctly. I understand why a negotiation can fail even when everyone leaves the room smiling politely. I recognise the signals that many Western executives overlook, and I know which approaches lead to successful business relationships in Japan
Academic Expertise
As a lecturer at the University of Hamburg, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), Jacobs University Bremen and the University of Jena, I have also shared this knowledge in an academic context. Today, I bring all of these experiences together in my consulting and coaching: practical, tailored to the individual situation and focused on helping you not only succeed in Japan, but stand out for the right reasons.
How I support Your Success
in Japan
Executive Japan Coaching
Personalised 1:1 coaching for executives, senior managers and project leaders preparing to operate successfully in the Japanese business environment. Tailored to your specific situation, objectives and challenges.
Intercultural Business Training for Japan
Experience-based training programmes for teams working with Japanese business partners. From meeting culture and communication styles to confident negotiation and collaborations.
Business Etiquette in Japan
Master the customs that shape business success in Japan: greetings, business card exchange, dining etiquette, gift-giving and the unwritten rules that influence trust, credibility and long-term relationships.
Japan Business Consulting
Strategic consulting for companies, economic development agencies, government organisations and public-sector stakeholders involved in Japanese business relations. Drawing on extensive experience in communications, marketing and public affairs within Japanese corporations, I support successful partnerships, market entry initiatives, investment projects and long-term business relationships.
Negotiation & Crisis Management
Meetings and negotiations in Japanese-European business environments require adapted communication and persuasion strategies. I help you navigate cultural signals, decision-making processes and communication patterns to achieve better outcomes, anticipate critical situations and minimise risks before they escalate.
Coaching - Welcome to Europe
Supporting Japanese professionals in navigating the European business environments with confidence. How do teams operate? What is expected from managers and executives? How can trust be built across cultures? Practical coaching for successful collaboration, effective leadership and confident crisis management from day one.
Experience at a Glance
Intercultural Consulting, Coaching, Mentoring & Training, Executive & Leadership Coaching, University Lecturer in Cross-Cultural Management and Cross-Cultural Communication
Manager, Executive & Professional Education
Head of Marketing Communications
Head of Corporate Communications
Panasonic Europa GmbH, Hamburg
Head of Public Relations
Qualifications & Certifications
Richard Bandler · Society of NLP
Chamber of Commerce Luebeck · 2009
elc · European Language Competence · 2011
Margerison-McCann · Team Management Systems · 2012
University of Stirling · 2002
Academy for Economics Hamburg · 1995
What Clients say about working
with me
Successful collaboration starts with trust. Clients share how training, coaching and consulting have helped them strengthen their business relationships with Japan.