Last Updated: 27 Jan 2022 Nemawashi from a distance
Our tips on how to nemawashi (build consensus) with Japan headquarters when you can't be there....
Working with Japanese
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 Public criticism from Japanese managers
Non-Japanese employees of Japanese firms frequently mention the penchant that many Japanese managers have for public criticism. Whereas Americans would prefer to receive negative feedback in private, Japanese seem...
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 Are Americans bad at organizing data?
Japanese executives often complain that their American colleagues are “bad at organizing data.” According to one Japanese manager who is a key decision-maker in his company’s operations in Japan,...
Last Updated: 24 Jan 2025 Review of “With Respect to the Japanese: Going to Work in Japan” by John C Condon and Tomoko Matsumoto
This book has tried, and largely succeeded, in pinning down the elusive undercurrents of Japanese corporate life. If you are looking for a practical “top negotiating tips and etiquette” type...
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 Strategic alliances with Japanese firms: making them work
There are any number of reasons why a strategic alliance may be unsuccessful....
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 Why do Japanese take so long to make decisions?
Japanese are conscious of time and particularly deadlines, but tend not to feel the need to rush things unnecessarily…The traditional Japanese approach to change and decision-making is increasingly out of...
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 Women working with the Japanese
The number of women in professional and managerial positions in Japan has been rising significantly in recent years. In the past there may have been instances of Japanese who...
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 “Magic Phrases” when dealing with Japanese
Non-Japanese are often frustrated by Japanese colleagues who do not give sufficient direction or opinions. It can feel like pulling teeth to try to get clear guidance…...
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 “Tough Love” Japanese style
It has always been accepted wisdom in Japan that a manager must be tough in order to be respected. Being hard on someone, pointing out all their mistakes, and...
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2020 Writing reports the Japanese want to read
In any business setting, reports are a crucial tool. When writing reports for your Japanese colleagues, using a few key strategies can decrease frustrations and help you meet your...