When the going gets tough, the tough gaman
Putting up with difficulties versus speaking out about them -- contrasting approaches in Japanese and American businesses...
Free Resources
In Japan, much is said between the words…pay attention!
How to understand the grunts, sighs, hisses and hums that are a common part of Japanese conversation...
Junansei: the power of flexibility in Japan
A flexible attitude toward job responsibilities is essential to working successfully in Japan...
Multi national teambuilding: pomp, circumstance and t-shirts
Using the trappings of a team to help quickly build a team identity...
Why some Japanese people prefer British customer service!
Attitudes to differences in social status and power in Japan and the UK have a profound effect on customer service....
In Japan hierarchy is no malarky
Keep a close eye on hierarchy when meeting Japanese colleagues, building teams, and creating rapport...
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...
“Bottom-up” decision-making in Japan
Japanese executives set general direction and strategy, but specific implementation bubbles up from below...
Monotsukuri: valuing hand-craftsmanship in business
Monotsukuri is the philosophical opposite of outsourcing and a source of pride in Japanese business...