|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Interviews this Month
This time, we explore the links between the past and the future of Japan:
|
・Ko Hayakawa, an associate professor of cultural anthropology, discusses the challenges of Japanese community development and hints at solutions.
|
・Japanese designers Mr. Usuda and Ms. Iijima tell us about the origins and deeper meanings of Japanese folkcraft toys.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ko Hayakawa is an associate professor of cultural anthropology and a researcher at Osaka International University. He currently mainly studies community development, an important topic for Japan, which must face new challenges as its population slowly disappears. This year, Professor Hayakawa published a book introducing his idea of “anarchic community development.” As I was very intrigued by this surprising concept, …
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs. Iijima and Mr. Usuda are co-heads of Atelier Taik, a design company that does all kinds of design work with the exception of architecture. They are passionate about their jobs and pursue rewarding experience, often becoming fans of their clients’ products or services in the process. In 2012, they opened Atelier Gangu, a small shop selling and introducing folkcraft …
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Next Unfiltered Talk
|
Join us on Facebook on October 6th for another unfiltered live talk! As Japan slowly re-opens to foreigners, we will talk about our favorite places to safely visit.
|
The talk will start at 3 pm Tokyo time (6 am UTC). Do not hesitate to comment with questions and suggestions!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ready for Business
Cultural differences can be a challenge when working in a Japanese company or with Japanese counterparts.
|
At Kokoro Media, we regularly offer tips based on our personal experiences to help you navigate these waters smoothly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 Japanese is necessary to work …
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 troublesome for the other person. …
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 these impressions, although I would …
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 of online events. Additionally, since …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
