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 […]
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, […]
Environmental Initiatives Are Prerequisites for Leading Companies in Japan
The Dentsu advertising agency released the results of a consumer awareness survey conducted in February. The greatest topics of social concern were “the environment,” followed by “natural catastrophes” and “the tax system.” Among environmental concerns, “global warming” was named first, followed by “environmental pollution” and “nuclear plant accident/spread of radioactive materials.” The survey showed a […]
Bicycle to Work in Japan!
Pandemic Cyclist Fashions Since COVID-19, more people in Japan have been commuting to their jobs by bicycle. Some are seeking healthy exercise and others ride two-wheelers out of fears that if another major quake strikes and public transport is affected, they will have no means to return to their home. Retail clothing chain AOKI has […]
Standpoint from non-Japanese: Japanese Hospitality Service
By Ian D. Robinson Greetings of "Irasshaimase!" “Irasshaimase!” How many times a day does one hear this shouted welcome in Japan? In shops, cafes, restaurants, even in the most humble establishment it is called out by service staff with a cheery sincerity. The level of friendly, polite service in Japan can almost be shocking for […]
Japan's Beauty Business
Japanese Women Are Big Consumer of Beauty Goods Japanese women are well-known to have perhaps the most excessive relationship with beauty items. According to different studies they are the world’s per capita largest spenders on beauty goods. They carry more items in their bags and purses than any other woman. Their routines are the most […]
Water Business by Japan's Technology
Volunteer? Business? Cycloclean Provides Clean Water and Jobs By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer Every year three million people die of dehydration according to the study by WHO (the World Health Organization). In developing nations the secure supply of safe drinking water is still a matter of urgency in the 21st century. A small business in […]
Japan's Sake Market Going International
Japan’s Sake Fan Surge Abroad Gekkeikan’s Overseas Sake Business Japanese sake exports are increasing every year, at such a rate that they have almost doubled over the past 10 years. It’s not just Japanese expatriates and Nikkei (locals of Japanese descent) who are drinking it. Japan is not the only country where it’s produced. Sake […]