JAIMS

In 1972, a vision took root here in Honolulu. This vision became JAIMS, the Japan-America Institute of Management Science. JAIMS wasn’t just about classrooms and textbooks. It was about building bridges between cultures, fostering understanding in a world that desperately needed it. JAIMS was the brainchild of Yoshimitsu Kohra, then president of Fujitsu Limited. He envisioned a place where college graduates, already working in the business world, could learn the nuances of international business. They would learn languages, business practices, and the vital skills needed to thrive in a globalized world. The program initially focused on Japanese and American participants. They delved into each other’s cultures and business landscapes. But from the very beginning, JAIMS held a global perspective. It aimed to exchange languages, cultures, and business knowledge among future leaders from all corners of the earth. JAIMS has always embraced technological advancement. Even in the 1970s, JAIMS boasted cutting-edge computer systems, including a sophisticated system for simultaneous interpretation in four languages. They even had a FACOM M150 with a then-impressive four-megabyte memory. This commitment to technology reflects JAIMS’s dedication to breaking down communication barriers and fostering global connection. Over the years, JAIMS expanded its reach and influence. It partnered with institutions like Chaminade University and the University of Hawaii to offer advanced degrees. It established scholarship programs to support aspiring leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. It even developed innovative multimedia language learning tools, like the “Japanese On the Go!” audiotapes and “Verb Explorer J” software. Today, JAIMS continues to be a hub for intercultural management education. Located in beautiful Hawaii Kai, a suburb of Honolulu, JAIMS has graduated over 23,000 students from 55 countries. It stands as a testament to the power of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in a rapidly changing world. JAIMS helps to develop knowledge leaders who can bridge divides and create positive change.