New Communication School Co-Designed by Announcer and Clinical Psychologist to Open in September 2026

Rapport Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yoshichi Takeuchi), in co-sponsorship with Sei Inc., an operator of a talent production agency and announcer school, will open the "Communication Design School" for business professionals in September 2026. Following this announcement, the recruitment of the first cohort will begin in May 2026.

This school is Japan's first dialogue reinforcement program for professionals, uniquely co-designed by Nana Sakamoto, an announcer and "speaking professional" (former TV Osaka announcer), and Hiroshi Sato, a clinical psychologist and "listening professional."

Have you ever felt:
- "I'm speaking, but my message isn't getting through" during presentations or meetings?
- "I'm not fully capturing the other person's true intentions or thoughts" during 1-on-1s or interviews?

At the Communication Design School, participants will comprehensively learn "how to speak effectively" from an announcer and "how to listen to build trust" from a clinical psychologist.

Through practical exercises in presentations, 1-on-1s, and meeting facilitation, the program aims to enhance communication skills applicable in business settings, helping individuals become "professionals free from dialogue struggles."

Recommended for professionals who face challenges such as:
- Difficulty conveying their own ideas clearly
- Inability to attentively listen to others' thoughts and feelings
- Lack of psychological safety to voice opinions in meetings
- 1-on-1s ending in superficial conversations
- A general dislike or anxiety toward presentations

What participants will gain:
By integrating speaking and listening skills, participants will develop their own communication framework to navigate business dialogues with confidence.

About Communication Design School:
Based on the expertise of an announcer and a clinical psychologist, this is Japan's only business communication school focused on essential dialogue skills. The program treats speaking and listening not as separate skills, but as an integrated technique for building relationships where open dialogue is possible.

■ Instructor Profiles
Nana Sakamoto (Former TV Osaka Announcer / Talent at Sei Production)
Instructs on "projecting a clear voice" and "speaking to build trust" based on practical media experience. She shares practical communication methods derived from her background in journalism, interviews, and public relations.

Hiroshi Sato (Clinical Psychologist / Certified Public Psychologist / Trainer at TIFI)
Instructs on "understanding others" and "building relationships for safe dialogue" based on clinical psychology. He oversees the modules on active listening, self-understanding, and dialogue design.

■ Curriculum Details
Phase 1 | Basic Course (6 Sessions)
Alternating between speaking and listening techniques to build a foundation for communication.

Session 1: Sept 1, 2026 - Announcing Course 1 (Nana Sakamoto)
[Vocalization and Pronunciation]
Training to understand vocal mechanics, recognize personal voice traits, and develop a voice that carries effortlessly. Participants will learn clear speaking habits to avoid straining the listener.

Session 2: Sept 8, 2026 - Psychology Course 1 (Hiroshi Sato)
[Self-Understanding]
Based on the Focusing method, participants will become aware of their "inner self" as the foundation of listening. This builds the groundwork for being present with others while recognizing internal shifts.

Session 3: Sept 15, 2026 - Announcing Course 2 (Nana Sakamoto)
[Free Talk]
Training to structure ideas in one's own words without relying on scripts. Focuses on the flow of conversation and word choice to convey experiences clearly.

Session 4: Sept 29, 2026 - Psychology Course 2 (Hiroshi Sato)
[Understanding Others and Mutual Understanding]
Training in dialogue through listening, feeling, reflecting, and confirming, based on Focusing. Cultivates the ability to empathize with unspoken thoughts and emotions.