Japan Business Success with Sakurai

Summary In this episode of Bridging Borders, Rie Sakurai interviews Maya Matsuoka, a corporate communications and cross-cultural consultant based in Tokyo. Maya shares her journey of moving to Japan, the challenges she faced in understanding Japanese corporate culture, and the importance of consensus in business. She discusses effective communication strategies within Japanese teams, the significa...

In this episode 3 of Bridging Borders, Rie Sakurai interviews Joe Tamko, a communication and brand strategist with extensive experience in Japanese business culture. Joe shares his journey from France to Japan, discussing the importance of understanding local customs, such as the necessity of asking for permission and the cultural significance of apologies. He provides insights for international f...

Summary The conversation delves into the complexities and vulnerabilities faced by country managers, particularly in Japan. It highlights the prestige and autonomy associated with the role, while also emphasizing the significant risks and accountability that come with it. The discussion reveals how country managers must navigate a landscape where they are responsible for local operations but often...

In this Episode 1 of Bridging Borders: Japan Edition, Iris Kuhnert discusses the intricacies of decision-making within organizations, emphasizing that true decisions are often made prior to formal meetings. She highlights the importance of patience in achieving alignment and the necessity of understanding the broader impact of decisions on the organization. Additionally, she stresses the significa...