ビジネス日本語講座

This episode explores the balance between hands-on experience and strategic thinking in business. Drawing on my time working in Vietnam, I share an episode where a Japanese project manager and a Singaporean manager clashed over “practical experience” versus “theory.” While on-site knowledge is a powerful asset, relying on it alone can make one appear narrow-minded. On the other hand, theory withou...

In this episode, I reflect on a phrase often heard in Japanese workplaces: “Don’t just do what you’re told.” While it seems to encourage initiative, many managers contradict themselves—demanding creativity yet scolding employees when they act independently. I share a personal story from my time working abroad with a micromanaging boss who embodied this paradox. Through this experience, I explore h...

In this episode, I explore why having a hobby you can truly immerse yourself in is essential for living a richer life. Drawing from conversations with international students and reflecting on Japanese society, I discuss how perceptions of “otaku” have changed, the growing influence of lookism, and how the internet has created safe spaces for diverse passions. While society often judges people by l...

Travel is not always about convenience—it is often about embracing discomfort. In this episode, I reflect on why foreign tourists may actually appreciate hotel staff who cannot speak perfect English. From my own experiences in Thailand and the Czech Republic, I found that the struggle to communicate, the small misunderstandings, and the effort to connect beyond language can create deeper memories...

In this episode, I reflect on a personal struggle: moments when conversations or meetings sound like mere noise to me, leaving me unable to follow. While one-on-one talks are fine, group discussions often overwhelm me. In Japanese workplaces, silence is often judged as a lack of motivation or pride, yet I believe this is a narrow view. True leaders recognize diverse strengths, even in quiet indivi...

In this episode, I share reflections from my time living in Southeast Asia, where I discovered the unique freedom of being a “marginal man.” Abroad, I could never fully belong to the local society, yet that distance freed me from Japan’s relentless competitions—academic rankings, corporate status, and social pressures. I also touch on the idea of “mild Yankees,” people deeply rooted in their homet...

In this episode, I reflect on my long, complicated relationship with newspapers. When I was young, I found them boring and disconnected from my life, preferring books on culture and the humanities. Yet, as a working adult, I realized newspapers can serve as a “litmus test” for intellectual breadth. Articles often require background knowledge, revealing gaps in what we know. Even if many stories fe...

In this episode, I explore the similarities and differences between sales and customer service. At first glance, they may appear alike since both involve providing products or services to customers. However, the process and challenges are entirely different. Customer service usually deals with people who already intend to buy, focusing on support, comfort, and hospitality. Sales, on the other hand...

This episode announces the launch of my new Udemy course on the role of the “micro-manager” in Japanese companies. While many employees chase endless “skill-up” goals, AI is rapidly surpassing human abilities. What truly secures survival inside organizations is becoming the type of employee who gives executives peace of mind. Drawing from my own case studies in Bangkok and Japan, I explain why mic...

In this episode, I explore the endless “approval game” that shapes so much of our daily lives. From the likes and comments on social media to the silent judgments of colleagues and bosses at work, we are constantly seeking recognition. This pursuit begins in childhood friendships and continues throughout our adult lives, often leaving us exhausted. Is it possible to live without caring about appro...

In this episode, I explore the theme “Is it okay to be a half-knowledge person?” . Japanese society often emphasizes professionalism, expecting everyone—whether full-time employees, part-timers, or freelancers—to embody the spirit of a “pro.” But do we really need to pursue perfection in every job? Through examples from convenience stores in Japan and my experience in Thailand, I reflect on how cu...

Sales is often seen only as a way to earn money, but in this episode I share a different perspective. Through my own experiences, I explain how sales can be a powerful training ground for the human spirit. Facing rejection, approaching people you find difficult, and stepping outside your comfort zone are not just business skills, but lessons for life. Sales forces us to break our limits, to intera...

This episode explores the surprising connection between skill supremacy and social withdrawal (hikikomori). At first glance, they appear to be opposites: one seeks safety in bed, the other in constant self-improvement. Yet both share the same root—fear of being hurt. Many people believe mastering skills alone guarantees survival in today’s competitive society. Others avoid society altogether to pr...

In this episode, we explore why some salespeople consistently generate referrals while others struggle. Referrals are the strongest driver of business growth because they start with trust, but not every salesperson knows how to make them happen. Drawing from real-life experiences, I explain two common types of referral-driven salespeople—the “people person” who wins trust naturally, and the “syste...

In this episode, I reflect on the deeper role of this podcast: not only as a resource for learning business Japanese, but also as a space to give voice to unspoken frustrations. Complaints are often dismissed in daily life, yet they reveal the hidden truths of our time—the struggles with bosses, the contradictions of organizations, and the silent burdens of work. By speaking out these feelings, I...

In this episode, I explore a playful yet thought-provoking idea: the “Hikikomori Energy Industry.” In Japan, many people view hikikomori—those who withdraw from society—as useless. But what if staying in bed could actually contribute to the world? From capturing carbon dioxide through simple breathing, to generating methane energy from human waste, science already points to surprising possibilitie...

In this episode, I explain the differences between the waterfall and agile models of software development, and why many Japanese IT companies struggle to move from one to the other. The waterfall model, rooted in Japan’s manufacturing culture, emphasizes detailed planning, strict processes, and quality assurance. Agile, on the other hand, focuses on flexibility, speed, and building while adapting...

Why do many Japanese IT companies call themselves “manufacturers”? In this episode, I explore the historical roots of Japan’s major IT vendors, which originally started as hardware makers. Their culture of strict process control and product quality shaped the way they still develop software today—often using the waterfall model, similar to an assembly line in a factory. I also explain why Japanese...

In this episode, I explore what kind of people thrive in Japanese companies. While ability is valued everywhere, in Japan “personal trust” and anticipating needs without being told are often prized even more. I share my own struggles with this culture, recalling strict expectations to “read the air” and act accordingly. Using the story of Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita, I discuss how these...

This episode explores the concept of the “salaryman mindset” and why it can become a major obstacle after leaving corporate life. I discuss its three main traits: waiting for approval, avoiding mistakes at all costs, and prioritizing internal company politics over customers. As a freelancer, you must decide for yourself, take full responsibility, and act without constant permission. Small, indepen...

In this episode, I talk about company drinking parties and why I often get bored after just 30 minutes. Drawing from my experiences in Japanese offices and during my time as a salesperson in Southeast Asia, I discuss traditional drinking culture, mandatory drinking expectations, and the social dynamics that shape these gatherings. I also share stories of awkward moments, forced toasts, and excessi...

In this episode, I discuss the challenges of building relationships after changing jobs, especially in Japanese companies. Many believe that impressing only their direct supervisor is enough, but in reality, gaining acceptance from the whole workplace—including colleagues, other departments, and even support staff—is essential. Drawing from my personal experiences in Japan and abroad, I explain wh...

In this episode, I explore the question: Is mastering the “form” or “kata” really that important? Drawing from my own experience in Japanese corporate culture, I share how strict training in greetings and manners shaped — and sometimes limited — individuality. I discuss the value of learning form first, but also the risks of clinging to it for decades, leading to outdated practices. We look at how...

In this episode, I explore why films and TV dramas focused on Japanese “salarymen” are surprisingly rare, even though the corporate world is full of ambition, politics, and human flaws. I share examples from classics like Tsuribaka Nisshi and The Japanese Yes-Man to the gripping series Fumō Chitai , and reflect on how they depict tradition, ambition, and workplace dynamics. I also compare Japanese...

In this episode, I share my personal reflections on the idea of meritocracy in Japan’s corporate world. While many believe we should work in fields that match our talents, this mindset can create unnecessary pressure and lead to frustration when we can’t identify or monetize our strengths. I discuss how subjective evaluations, workplace politics, and sheer luck often shape careers more than pure a...