Globalization in culture and education, as well as in business, is quickly becoming the norm. Consequently, one of Benesse's most important roles is to nurture businesspeople who can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, to improve their quality of life in today's borderless society.

Berlitz International Leverages its 130 Years in the Language Instruction Business to Promote “Language Barrier-free” Communication

The Benesse Group includes two companies that are responsible for its businesses in the international communications field. One is language school operator Berlitz International, Inc., which was established in 1878 and now operates in 561 locations in 75 countries throughout the world.

With the world now a smaller place than ever, one of the main hurdles for businesses is not physical or geographical barriers, but rather the need for talented people who can function effectively in an international environment. For businesspeople who want to work internationally, learning a foreign language is a prerequisite, but it is not everything. In addition to helping its customers to learn new languages, Berlitz is also well qualified to offer its students the knowledge they need in terms of negotiating skills and business customs—essential prerequisites for doing business overseas. Berlitz aims not only to teach its students to “speak a foreign language,” but also to promote training in communication that enables them to transcend linguistic and cultural differences to achieve mutual understanding.

Overseas Subsidiaries of Japanese Companies

* Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Overview of Results from the 38th Basic Survey on Overseas Business Activity

Back to Top

Simul International Provides Highly Skilled Professional Interpreters

Benesse's other main business in the international communications field is Simul International, Inc. arguably a trailblazer for the simultaneous interpreting profession in Japan. Established in 1965, the company was catapulted into the limelight in 1969 when it provided simultaneous interpreting into Japanese for the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. Since then, the company has provided interpretation and organizational services for innumerable summits and other international conferences. In 1980 the company set up Simul Academy to train interpreters and translators, and in 1998 the company joined the Benesse Group.

Simul International will continue to take a leading role in facilitating high level international communication by acting as an intermediary for the increasing number of people and businesses active on the global stage. In this way it intends increase its contribution to the field of interpreting and translation further still.

Back to Top

Supporting Internationalization on All Fronts, from Elementary Schools to Business Negotiations

In 2003 Benesse and Berlitz International collaborated to develop GTEC (the Global Test of English Communication), which is designed to assess ability to use English to communicate in business situations. By marrying its know-how and specialist expertise with that of Berlitz and Simul to generate new value in the field of language instruction, Benesse aims to lead the way in training personnel to perform effectively on the global stage.

In every aspect of life Japan's internationalization is proceeding apace, as English becomes integral not only to business, but also to the elementary school curriculum. In this context, Benesse, Berlitz and Simul will join forces to identify what its customers need to “live well.”