ビジネス日本語講座

In this episode, I explore why arrogant or overbearing people often rise to positions of power in Japanese companies and society. Drawing from political figures and my own experiences in manufacturing sales, I reflect on how a culture that respects craftsmen and tradition can sometimes enable disrespectful behavior. I share a story about workplace dynamics, the subtle power of words, and why loud...

In this episode, I reflect on the hidden meaning behind being treated to a meal. When I was younger, I often thought a free dinner was simply kindness. But through experiences at university, in my first company, and later abroad, I realized that meals can carry expectations—sometimes seen as an “investment.” In Japan, generosity is often tied to obligation, while in Vietnam I found a more natural,...

In this episode, I reflect on the challenges of changing jobs in Japan, especially the choice between large corporations and small to mid-sized companies. While big companies often offer better pay, benefits, and stability, smaller firms carry unique risks. One of the biggest pitfalls is the “fixed human relationship” problem: limited staff means little room to escape if you clash with a boss or c...

In this episode, I share a turning point from my college days. While working part-time at a small bookstore, I suddenly quit without notice. When the owner called me back, he told me something I will never forget: “You are strong in solitude. That strength may guide your future.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand. Years later, after struggling in corporate life and eventually becoming a freel...

In this episode, I talk about the unique culture of Japan’s food and beverage industry and how it connects with the Japanese language. From the concept of omotenashi—putting heart into service—to the teamwork between hall and kitchen staff, working in a restaurant in Japan offers both challenges and valuable growth. I also share why I decided to create a new online course designed to help people w...

In this episode, I reflect on the growing trend of seniors in Japan joining resort part-time jobs. At first, the idea of enjoying scenic places while working seemed inspiring. But from my own experience as a resort worker in my late twenties, I realized the reality can be harsh—poor living conditions, difficult managers, and generational gaps with younger coworkers. While some seniors may thrive,...

In this episode, I explore the unique concept of *“sontaku”* in Japanese culture—the subtle practice of adjusting one’s words and behavior by anticipating the feelings or expectations of others. While often seen in politics and corporate life, it deeply shapes how organizations function. I share personal observations from my career, including stories of colleagues whose personalities were tolerate...

In this episode, I reflect on my days as a salaryman and the struggle of surviving endless meetings. I share how I often fought off sleep and felt pressure to make comments, even when I had nothing to say. I describe five typical “safe” phrases people use to sound engaged, including the famous “optimal solution,” which often means nothing. I compare these hollow remarks to TV commentators who spea...

In this episode, I reflect on why news is often overrated compared to real-life experiences. From childhood, I noticed that much of what appeared in newspapers—wars, disasters, or crimes—rarely affected my daily life directly. People often follow news just to keep up in conversation, but I believe true intelligence lies elsewhere. During my time in Thailand, I learned that light, human topics can...

In this episode, I reflect on how much of today’s online culture relies on performance and fiction. On platforms like YouTube or Instagram, I often see creators exaggerating characters—whether cheerful or gloomy—simply to stand out. Viewers know it is not real, yet they still enjoy it. I believe this habit of embracing fiction can weaken our ability to tell truth from lies, leaving us vulnerable t...

In this episode, Shigeki explores the idea of “character culture” and how society often demands that people fit into simple labels such as the “serious type” or the “funny one.” Drawing from both Japanese workplaces and experiences in Vietnam, he highlights how these roles can provide a sense of belonging but also limit individuality. He reflects on his own struggle to resist performing a fixed ch...

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...