Cool Japan Business Going International
By a Japanese scriptwriter The Japanese Sense of “Viewer Service” Is Appreciated Today various forms of pop culture in Japan are being called collectively Cool Japan, and are known worldwide. To my mind, manga is what started the whole Cool Japan phenomenon, which today encompasses the whole world of film and video, from animation on […]
Elements necessary for fully functioning members of society in Japan
The people working to resolve the problems caused by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, as a result of the huge earthquake and tsunami on March 11, are people who work for a company in the private sector. Without a strong sense of responsibility, they would be unable to continue to do […]
Necessary things in order to enjoy life in Japan
Japanese people tend to have gloomy expectations for the future. According to a poll done by Japanese Trade Union Confederation, 90 percent of respondents said they had misgivings about their current life and future, with only 8.5 percent replying that Japan will be better off in one year's time. Similar trends can be seen in […]
Gogo no Kocha (Afternoon Tea) and Its History
Gogo no Kocha (Go Go Tea) and Its History Developed as a richly aromatic black tea that could be enjoyed by adults, Gogo no Kocha (Afternoon Tea) is widely adopted as the tea beverage of choice. Since it first went on sale, Gogo no Kocha has continued to evolve through comprehensive marketing activities that go […]
Made in Japan means "high quality"
What does "Made in Japan" mean? Since its start as a men's shirt shop in 1993, Maker's Shirts KAMAKURA (Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture) with a policy of "offering surprisingly quality shirts at 4,900 yen" has continued to make garments that are particularly about being "made in Japan." The business that started out in a small office […]
Japan's Future Business: 21 Businesses Find Success with Heart and Soul
Japan's Way of Human Resource Development New IT Companies Practice "Hitozukuri" (People-Making) Globalization of corporate activity is rapidly advancing in Japan, pressed by the rise of the newly emergent nations. It may be meaningful to think anew about the value contained in doing things "the Japanese way," today when we need to build another advantage […]
The Reasons That You’d Like to Change Your Job in Japan
It seems that most people have at least once considered changing jobs after entering a company. The biggest reason for this desire appears to be the pay. When respondents were asked, before the above question, “Why do you work?”, for all age groups the top two answers were “for my daily life” and “to earn […]
5S (3)-- Seiso: cleaning to enjoy the workplace and discover hidden problems
5S (3)-- Seiso: cleaning to enjoy the workplace and discover hidden problems 5S Practices Rooted in Japanese Culture and Customs The success of Toyota’s manufacturing processes has brought 5S practices into the spotlight. These practices, often translated as Seiri = sorting, Seiton = organizing, Seiso = cleaning, Seiketsu = sanitizing and Shitsuke = sustaining, is […]
What is "Kamaboko"? Explaining its history and its typical manufacturer, Suzuhiro
What is Kamaboko? Blessed with abundant fish in Sagami Bay and water from the Hakone mountains, it is said that kamaboko (fish cake) was already being made in Odawara around 1558, which was an important commercial and transport site at that time. This kamaboko later became the perfected Odawara kamaboko that we have today. While […]
Decals for Four Types of Drivers in Japan
Decals for Four Types of Drivers Based on Japan’s Traffic Law, four types of drivers are obliged to indicate their status by attaching a decal to their vehicle. These are new permit holders (used during the first year after obtaining their license); drivers with hearing disabilities; drivers with physical handicaps; and seniors aged 70 and […]