“Bottom-up” decision-making in Japan
Japanese executives set general direction and strategy, but specific implementation bubbles up from below...
Free Resources
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...
What are companies for?
How corporate missions affect customer service...
Clearing the air — the power of apology in Japan
If something goes wrong, don't make excuses; take responsibility and apologize....
Qu’en est-il des modes de management traditionnels japonais ?
« Globalisation » est un mot qui devint soudain à la mode au Japon dans les années 90. Vingt ans plus tard, est-il une réalité ?...
Europe could do with a dose of Japanese customer service
Why is customer service so frequently bad in Europe, and so consistently good in Japan?...
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...
Modesty: the talented hawk does not show its claws
Modesty is a virtue in Japanese business and social settings...
Conveying your expertise to Japanese
How to put your expertise to the best use with Japanese colleagues...