Kikubari – the Japanese art of paying attention to others
You ascertain the needs of people by paying careful attention to them, and understand their desires before they even need to voice them…to comport yourself in such a way that...
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Ho-ren-so: “managing up” Japanese style
Ho-ren-so is quite different from this typical American working style. The initial instruction given to the subordinate tends to be vaguer and more general, particularly if the subordinate is...
Employee categories at companies in Japan — seishain, shokutaku, jimushoku, sogoshoku
Human resource management practices in Japan seem to place great emphasis on putting employees into categories. From an American perspective, the strict distinction between different categories is difficult to...
Kei-haku-tan-sho – Japanese opposite of “supersizing”
The typical Japanese urban denizen takes trains nearly everywhere, and may not even own a car. This means that anything they carry around with them needs to be light...
Nommunication – The Japanese truth serum
Traditionally, the consumption of alcohol has been the Japanese cultural signal that it’s ok to be frank and open. After-work bonding over alcohol thus creates the perfect atmosphere for...
In Japan “Everyone participates”
No Japanese companies operate exactly the same and every company has its own way of saving precious resources and avoiding waste. The purpose of a Japanese cross-company initiative is...
Communication techniques for Japanese wanting to get ahead in Western companies
When considering applying for a job in a foreign firm, understanding some of the differences between Japanese and Western business cultures will benefit both yourself and your employer. Two of...
Training for overseas managers at Japanese firms
Many Japanese firms are experiencing some difficulty when they attempt to localize key management positions. They are not confident in the capabilities of their locally hired managers, not sure...
Working effectively with Mexicans – What Japanese companies need to know
Japanese companies often fail to appreciate the unique aspects of Mexican culture. The result, many Japanese firms experience high turnover and other problems in their Mexican operations. These can be...
Saihatsu Boshi – Key to Japanese problem-solving
Making sure problems don't happen again is a good thing, and the Japanese have developed a structured process for doing this. Many non-Japanese are not comfortable being forthright about...