ビジネス日本語講座

In this episode, I reflect on what it means to be truly intelligent within the rigid structures of Japanese corporate life. While true thinkers often hide behind masks, I’ve encountered remarkable individuals—especially during my time in Bangkok—who revealed their depth in quiet moments. Real intelligence, I believe, lies not in titles or speed, but in the ability to embrace complexity and think d...

Is it okay to start job hunting immediately after changing jobs? In this episode, I discuss the challenges and realities of switching jobs quickly, including the emotional and practical aspects. I share my own experiences of short-term employment and the risks of leaving too soon. We also explore how to handle resumes with brief job stints and how recruiters view them. Most importantly, I emphasiz...

In this episode, I talk about why fax machines and paper direct mail are still common in Japan, especially among small and mid-sized companies. Based on my observations, I explain how older business owners often prefer analog communication due to limited digital skills or trust issues with new technologies. I also share why handwritten letters still hold emotional value, and why face-to-face, door...

In this episode, we challenge the popular self-help phrase: “Don’t blame your environment—change yourself.” While personal growth is important, social problems like workplace harassment, black companies, and unfair systems cannot be solved by individual effort alone. History shows that true change begins when people raise their voices and demand better conditions. From the French Revolution to lab...

In this episode, I share my personal experience with mandatory early morning shifts at a small company in Thailand. Despite hoping for more freedom outside typical Japanese corporate culture, I encountered strict expectations from a Japanese manager. I discuss the challenges of workplace pressure, early commuting, and the complex dynamics between foreign employees and Japanese leadership. This sto...

In this episode, we explore the silent but powerful role of the “otsu-bone” — an unofficial figure who holds sway in many Japanese offices, often without any formal title. Why do leaders stay silent about their influence? How does this hidden power affect organizational dynamics, leadership, and employee well-being? Drawing from real experiences in Japan and abroad, we uncover how these unspoken h...

In this episode, we explore the often-mocked phrase “I’ll start being serious tomorrow.” Rather than seeing it as laziness, we reframe it as a form of self-preservation and hope. Real motivation isn't constant, and neither is our energy. Resting doesn’t mean failure—it’s a part of resilience. We discuss how breaks, downtime, and even unproductive days can be necessary steps toward long-term gr...

This episode dives into the unspoken dynamics of Japanese workplaces, focusing on two types of influential figures: older male bosses ("Jiji") and senior female staff ("Baba"). It explains why winning over both is rarely possible, and how different strategies are needed for each. With real-life examples and a touch of humor, the episode explores how to navigate power structures...

This episode marks the 1-year anniversary of this podcast. I reflect on the importance of motivation in language learning and life. Motivation isn't something you can buy—it often comes from personal experiences, like being mocked or failing. I share a story from my youth about overcoming failure through determination. But relying only on negative energy can be harmful. Instead, I suggest reme...

In this episode, I explore the hidden class biases in Japanese society, focusing on the stigma surrounding nightlife and food service industries. Many white-collar workers see these professions as “beneath them,” despite frequently enjoying their services. Drawing from my experience in both corporate Japan and abroad, I discuss how deeply rooted elitism and double standards shape perceptions of di...

In this episode, we explore the concept of the "Righteousness Monster"—the dangerous use of noble causes to justify control and manipulation. From workplace abuse and cults to political movements and toxic relationships, people often cling to a sense of “righteousness” to legitimize their actions. This “monster” thrives when we blindly accept others’ moral justifications, sometimes at ou...

Why do so many Japanese celebrities, athletes, and business leaders open yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants after retirement? In this episode, I explore what this curious trend reveals about Japanese society—particularly its lack of clear models for "life after success." This is not just a talk about food, but a reflection on how we approach endings, legacy, and personal reinvention. Ar...

Why do some people seem to live effortlessly as their true selves, while others struggle behind masks? In this episode, I explore the mystery of those who appear naturally authentic—whether it's luck, unconscious adaptation, or long-worn masks that became identity. We reflect on why such people can trigger envy or confusion in us, and how our own awareness of “acting” might be the key to balan...

In this episode, I reflect on my past experience as a door-to-door salesperson and expose the darker side of individual sales culture in Japan. From aggressive incentive systems to underground economic cycles—money earned through high-pressure sales often fuels nightlife indulgence, gambling, and tax evasion. I question the values behind "making money" and challenge the glorification of...

In this episode, I reflect on my time working in Laos and explore the global tendency to overvalue youth and physical beauty. While I appreciated the energy and confidence of the younger generation, I also sensed a lack of humility and respect for age and experience. Drawing from my personal experiences, I discuss how this mindset may reflect broader cultural shifts shaped by social media and chan...

In this episode, I reflect on how organizations often undervalue outspoken, "carnivorous" employees while favoring obedient, "herbivorous" ones. Drawing from my personal experience working in a top-down corporate culture in Vietnam, I explore how diversity in personalities is essential for a healthy, dynamic workplace. Speaking up can sometimes get you labeled as a troublemaker...

In this episode, I explore what it means to "wear a mask" as a professional in Japanese society. While some people appear to live authentically, most of us feel pressure to hide our true selves to survive in social and workplace environments. I reflect on my own experiences, especially during my time as a salesman, where I learned to consciously perform a role to protect my mental well-b...

In this episode, I reflect on a popular trend on social media—comparing celebrities' youthful photos with their current appearance—and question what it says about our values. Are we turning aging into a spectacle? I argue that wrinkles and changes in our faces are not signs of "decline" but records of a life lived. Every line tells a story, every change holds meaning. Rather than cha...

In this episode, I reflect on the word "salaryman" and why it feels limiting when used as a self-introduction in Japanese society. I explore how people often prioritize which organization they belong to over what they actually do or strive for. I also share a memorable story of a Japanese factory owner who once said, “I did salary for seven years,” instead of calling himself a “salaryman...

In this episode, I respond to a listener’s question about how to prepare for a job in the Japanese manufacturing industry, especially with little to no prior experience. I share my own story of entering the industry from scratch and explain how I studied specialized vocabulary, observed factory operations, and built my knowledge step by step. If you're starting a new job in manufacturing or wo...

Why are so many business meetings in Japan so dull and unproductive? In this episode, I reflect on two key issues: top-down communication that discourages open discussion, and the surprising absence of humor. I compare my experience in Japanese companies with meetings in Thailand, where even senior employees aren't afraid to be playful. Could a little humor—and a more open structure—revive our...

In this episode, I talk about how the jobs we take just to make a living can sometimes lead to unexpected growth. Drawing from my own experience in a sales job I initially hated, I reflect on how those early struggles taught me skills that became valuable later in life. Whether you choose a job based on passion, money, or convenience, there’s no perfect answer. Sometimes, it's the act of jumpi...

In this episode, I share practical techniques to maintain a strong presence in meetings—without speaking. From subtle nods to strategic note-taking and clever timing, these silent strategies are especially useful in traditional Japanese workplaces. Learn how to look engaged, be remembered, and even earn respect while saying almost nothing. Perfect for introverts, observers, or anyone who prefers t...

Behind the scenes of "How to Do Nothing at Work and Still Get Paid." In this episode, I share the story behind my new Udemy course, which explores the unique Japanese phenomenon of the “Shanai NEET” — employees who survive in the workplace by doing as little as possible. Based on my personal experience as a former salaryman, I reflect on how this silent survival strategy reveals deeper a...

In this episode, we explore a mindset shift: from “I’m grateful to be employed” to “I bring value through my work.” Many Japanese employees are still influenced by traditional loyalty-based work culture, but modern labor is a value exchange, not charity. We also unpack corporate buzzwords like “passion,” “gratitude,” and “growth,” which can sometimes mask unequal treatment. Learn how to critically...