Nurturing Japan's Next Leaders
Nurturing Japan’s Next-generation Leaders: Koken Mind Is the Essence “Life can’t be remade, but it can be restarted again and again,” Teruhisa Kitahara, at the podium, fervently asserts to his audience. Kitahara is a renowned tin toy collector who runs seven museums in Japan and also a celebrity who makes frequent TV appearances. He was […]
Japan's Recycling Technology
From Products to Products: Catch word is “Treasure Hunting” By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature --- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring […]
Tips for Business Sustainability from Japan's Longest-established Companies
Japan has the highest number of companies with longevity in the world What is "Sanpoyoshi?" In Japan, the word "akinai" has been in use from long ago. It’s usually translated into English as “business.” However, akinai has a different origin and nuance from business. According to Ohmi merchants, who lived mainly in current Ohmihachiman City […]
“No other country is more unique than Japan.” by Miguel Angel Navarro, Spanish Ambassador to Japan
By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer After a hiatus of 26 years, Ambassador Navarro returned to Japan last January, but he didn’t see that many changes. “Maybe Japan’s youths have become less constrained about expressing themselves. It appears in their fashion and all. They were more restrained before. And certainly, new and modern buildings have appeared, […]
A Light for Opening A Future in Japan
In March of 2012, the X-ray Free Electron Laser facility SACLA capable to scope the movements of atoms inaugurated public operation at Harima Science Garden City in Hyogo Prefecture. During the first run period (March to July), 25 teams from domestic and overseas research organizations from the US, Korea and other countries have been using […]
How to Cut Cost in a Japanese Company?“ Everyone’s Participation” Is the Key
Japanese business practices are different from those of other countries. Cost cutting practices may be unique. Turning off lights during lunch break, using the back side of copy paper, reusing batteries, etc… But there's also a purpose to raise everyone's awareness. Cost-Cutting Initiative Chuck is a software engineer who works for a multinational Japanese company […]
Pet Business in Japan
It is just the truth that Japan is fixated on pets. The low birth rate and aging demographics are real headline makers. However the number of children being born did level off years ago and the number of people who are reaching middle age with no children has steadily grown. So maybe it’s no wonder […]
What is Real Escape Game? Originally from Japan
Escape from Japan Going overseas with “Real Escape Game” (Dasshutsu Game 脱出ゲーム) By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer “The walls are cold concrete. The only things in the room are ordinary furnishings - desks, chairs, carpets and so on. Secret codes and mysterious items have been secreted at various places. Somehow, you have been locked up […]
Lars Vargö, Swedish Ambassador to Japan: “I felt I’ve come back home”
By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer So said Ambassador Vargö, who has been assigned to Sweden’s Tokyo embassy since last September. He is a big fan of Japan, a haiku lover and a renowned researcher on this far eastern country which he described as his “second home.” Vargö, born in 1947, explained that he became interested […]
Origin of Japan’s Business Philosophy: Righteous Merchants of Ohmi
The Omi merchants were merchants from Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture) who were active from the Middle Ages to the modern era. They are one of the three major merchants in Japan along with the Osaka merchants and the Ise merchants. Even today, entrepreneurs from Shiga Prefecture are often referred to as Omi merchants. Normally, […]