About Japanese companies and Japanese business people
Why don’t you like to go out for a drink with your boss?

Why don’t you like to go out for a drink with your boss? Can’t relax Costs money Don’t want to see him or her in my own time Will last till late hours Too old a custom Can’t drink Don’t like drinking places Too busy with work Can’t go due to private issues Others Source: […]

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Work in Japan: Japan Biz Cultural Words
Japan's One of the Most Famous Camera Maker: Pentax and Its History

Japan's One of the Most Famous Camera Maker: Pentax Pentax SLR Cameras Pentax single-lens reflex cameras have been one of the most popular cameras among camera lovers. Since producing the nation’s first SLR camera the Asahiflex I in 1952, Pentax has been contributing to the evolution of SLR cameras putting its heart and soul in […]

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About Japanese companies and Japanese business people
Gender Equality in Japanese Business

Gender Equality in Japanese Business Do the Japanese Accept Women As Managers? A widespread myth exists that the Japanese do not want to do business with non-Japanese managers who are female. Some US companies take this as a given and do not assign women managers to interface with their Japanese partners and clients. I described […]

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Work in Japan: Japan Biz Cultural Words
Useful Japanese word (2): ほら “Hora”

This is an exclamatory expression which is used on many different occasions. In English, it can be translated, “Look!”, “Listen!”, “See?”, or just before saying something like “Here it is.” All these phrases are to catch someone’s attention. So it is used when someone you are talking to isn't paying attention to you. For example, […]

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Japanese Job Interview
Japanese Job Interview -- (6) What Is Your Motives?

(6) Job Interview – Why do you want this job? ■Motives for application Recruiters use this question to assess your professional strengths, career plans, level of your understanding about their company, etc. Make use of your previous job experience and what you have done so far, and think about your motivation for applying to contribute […]

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Work in Japan: Japan Biz Cultural Words
How to use "hanko" seal in Japanese business

It has been decided that the Tokyo Olympics will be postponed for about one year. You can see this image on the internet just for a joke. But it is a good learning tool to know Japan's business practice. Seals are often used in Japanese business. There is a seal "森" on "0" and "1" […]

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About Japanese companies and Japanese business people
Japan's Local Food Business Helps Local Economies

Japanese Local Food or Dishes Are In The Japanese economy is being struck down by the corona virus.  How to lay out a strategy for future growth for Japan in the midst of worries about a deflationary economy is a major issue for today.  Japan’s provinces, outlying cities and rural areas (governed by local authorities) […]

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About Japanese companies and Japanese business people
What is the ideal boss like for Japanese?

In Japan what is the ideal boss like? Respectful Decisive Expresses gratitude Responsible Thoughtful Gives clear directions Is a good leader Has dignity Has a clear vision Is fair to everyone Source: 2020, January, GOURMET NAVIGATOR INC.

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Work in Japan: Japan Biz Cultural Words
Useful Japanese word (1): むり “Muri” (In Chinese characters: 無理)

What is むり “Muri” (In Chinese characters: 無理)? As you may know, “desu (です)” can be added to make a Japanese sentence sound polite. So in this case as well, “Muri desu (むりです)” sounds better. But it can be used without “desu” if you want to say it casually. “Muri” is used when you think […]

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Japanese Job Interview
Japanese Job Interview -- (5) Self-Introduction

(5) Job Interview – Self-Introduction Their first question at the interview will be "Please introduce yourself." The interviewer determines from the initial impression, communication skills, job experience summary, and self-introduction whether your experience is relevant to the company. We also check your personality and compatibility with other employees based on your expression and tone. First […]

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