“Ogata heya” or cubicles? thoughts on sharing space
Japanese managers prefer staff to work in one large open room, Americans prefer cubicles, and some companies find a perfect hybrid...
Japanese business keywords
Senpai & kohai: in Japan, experience is the best teacher
More than just mentor/mentee or senior/junior, the senpai/kohai relationship is the basic organizing feature in a Japanese company...
Genba shugi: see it with your own eyes
Japanese managers value investigating problems firsthand, going to the manufacturing floor if necessary...
When the going gets tough, the tough gaman
Putting up with difficulties versus speaking out about them -- contrasting approaches in Japanese and American businesses...
Junansei: the power of flexibility in Japan
A flexible attitude toward job responsibilities is essential to working successfully in Japan...
Makaseru: carte blanche decision-making may be hazardous to your company
Japanese companies allow latitude to subsidiary branches, which can make the corporation seem inconsistent...
How do the Japanese put in their two cents? ringi!
Ringi: The mechanism Japanese companies use to create consensus and approve decisions...
Monotsukuri: valuing hand-craftsmanship in business
Monotsukuri is the philosophical opposite of outsourcing and a source of pride in Japanese business...
Japanese training 101: keep your eyes open with minarai
Training in Japan often involves learning by watching -- "minarai" -- rather than by classroom instruction...
After five in Japan… happy hour or the crux of the matter? The art of nomunication
After-hours drinking provides an important outlet when Japanese businessmen allow themselves to speak their minds...