As an American consultant living and working in Japan, I’m always thrilled to meet professionals who are engaged in business between my birthplace and Japan, my adopted home. When I met Tetsuo “Ted” Kumon, a U.S. market-entry specialist, at a trade show several years ago, I was intrigued by his business. In an age where…
4 Professional Communities that Will Help You Grow Your Network in Japan
With the Covid-19 pandemic shutting down large professional networking gatherings and preventing free-flowing travel between Japan and the rest of the world, many international job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs are wondering how they can make the essential connections necessary to achieving their professional goals. Fortunately, Japan’s professional networking scene is sustaining itself through a variety…
The Value of Face-to-Face Meetings in Japanese Business
Japanese companies love meetings. Comments I frequently read on social media from foreign workers living in Japan are: “There are too many meetings,” “Why do the Japanese love meetings so much?” or “The meetings are too long, and in the end, nothing is decided,” (something I have briefly evoked here). My personal experience is similar to…
Experiencing Japanese Punctuality
Some time ago, I talked with my colleague Ayano about the different forms Japanese thoughtfulness can take. She then remembered her manager at a previous company, who would do everything to show up precisely on time when having meetings at a client’s place. “If you’re late, it’s rude. If you’re too early, it can be…
How Much Japanese Do You Need to Know to Work or Do Business in Japan?
Although I spend most of my time working with Japanese companies and individuals that want to market or communicate with the rest of the world, I occasionally give presentations or write content for those who aspire to work or start a business in Japan. One of the most common questions I receive is, “How much…
How Japanese Corporate Camaraderie Pushed Me beyond My Self-Imposed Limits
Before 2013, I had never jogged more than five kilometers at a time. This wasn’t because I was out of shape or disliked physical activity. I’ve consistently held gym memberships since I was in high school, and cycling has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember (not to…
5 Quick and Easy Tips to Make a Good Impression on the Japanese Business Scene
Learning all of the intricate rules that shape business conduct in Japan could take a lifetime. This is evidenced by the intimidating amounts of content available on this topic. It’s enough to make you throw in the towel and give up your dreams of working or starting a business in Japan. I’m here to tell…
The Japanese Bow: How to Do It the Right Way
In shops, in the streets, on the phone… You may have noticed that Japanese people bow all the time! Japan has a lot of hidden rules and manners, but the habit of bowing is evident. Why and When Do Japanese People Bow? Ojigi, the “bow,” is essential for the Japanese people, especially when doing business….
Helping Australian Businesses Enter the Japanese Market
Kota Nagami is a Japanese national currently living in Sydney, Australia. He made the decision to move there to find the right balance between work and nature, as well as to have a direct experience with the global business. He now works at doq, a cross-cultural marketing agency founded in Australia by Japanese entrepreneur Yoshinori Sakuno….
Bringing Thailand and Japan Together through Positivity
Sathi (full name Sathirat Srimaneelert) is a dynamic and cheerful Thai national. After studying and living in Japan for more than 10 years, she decided to go back to her home country. There, she built a company around what she does best: reducing the culture gap between the two countries. In this interview, she tells…