Revitalization of Marginalized Communities in Japan through the Arts
Art Festival in Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea) On a scorching summer day, Ogijima, a small island with about 160 residents was besieged by a swarm of tourists. Local residents were surprised but nonetheless gladdened to see so many strangers. “I rarely see people outside of my island. But they are very welcome,” said one islander, […]
Confidentiality and Information Exchange in Japanese Companies
How to Use Email Properly in a Japanese Business Email is an indispensable tool for business. However, its usage may be a little different in Japan than in other countries. Do you use reply for all? In Japan, replying to everyone is the norm. Why do you think that is? By P. Pringle Recent News […]
Why Do Japanese Firms Favor Japanese Suppliers?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo, but before that it was in Kyoto for over 1000 years. The people of Kyoto value history very highly. It is the same in business, and they take good care of their customers and business partners that they have known for a long time. There are still many stores […]
Rediscovering Japan’s Technology
Experience Japan's Technology By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer JR Osaka Station is the largest rail terminal in this prefecture of 9 million people. Following years of redevelopment, the multi-use Umekita Grand Front Osaka complex, on the station’s north side has been buzzing since its opening, which took place on April 26. In its first month […]
Gifts, Favors and Obligations in Japanese Business
By P. Pringle Returning Favor Immediately in Japan I heard this story from Bill at a training session recently. He has been working for a Japanese company in the US for a couple of years. On the day in question he had been working late and left his office at about 6:30pm. The parking lot […]
What is Nengajo? 年賀状 ねんがじょう
Nengajo 年賀状 ねんがじょう Nengajo is New Year’s card in Japan. The custom of sending nengajo traces back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when postcards were first issued in Japan. Until then, people visited their relatives and acquaintances to greet them at the New Year, but nengajo enabled people to do so by sending cards. With […]
Business Training in Japan Is Not Popular. OJT Is Popular. Why?
By R. Kopp Allow me to share three recent incidents related to training that took place at Japanese companies in the U.S.: An American discovered that his Japanese colleague wasn’t happy for him leaving the factory floor to come attend a training session. A training session was scheduled that seven Japanese were supposed to attend, […]
Japan’s Eco Busines: Saving the Earth and Saving Money
From Solar Panels to Spaghetti Noodles, the Color of Japanese Business Is GREEN By Tom Baker When you get behind the wheel of your car, turn up the air conditioner at home, or pop open a cold drink, are you destroying the environment? Many people worry about the impact of such activities, but most of […]
Why Do Japanese Like Open Plan Offices?
Why Do Japanese Like Open Plan Offices? Why hasn't telecommuting taken root in Japan, even in the midst of a pandemic? Here is an answer. By R. Kopp For the American coming to work at, or even visiting, a traditional Japanese office, it’s a shock. Rather than the individual offices or cubicles that are typical […]
SDGs in Japan: Japan’s wise investment in people
ARI: Training Local Leaders from Emerging Nations to Create a Peaceful and Sustainable World By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer “In my community, people earn a living through agriculture, fishing and livestock breeding. Some of their biggest obstacles to sustainability include limited knowledge and insufficient time to focus on future plans. I want to receive agricultural […]