ビジネス日本語講座

In this episode, I explore the tension between conformity and individuality in today’s work culture. Based on my own experiences, I question whether losing our uniqueness for the sake of fitting in is truly worth it. Are we really living—or just surviving in society’s shell? I propose a “Third Way”: living with basic decency and social awareness, while secretly nurturing a quiet, burning madness i...

In this episode, I reflect on my experience working in a Southeast Asian country where social life revolves around loud drinking parties and karaoke. As someone who prefers quiet conversations and meaningful connections, I struggled to fit in. I share my honest thoughts on the cultural gap, the pressure to join group activities, and what I learned from observing others. This is not a critique, but...

In this episode, I reflect on the hidden costs of buying cheap goods, like those from 100-yen shops. While low prices may seem convenient, poor quality often leads to waste and environmental harm. I share personal stories, including my long-used sneakers and memories of my frugal grandfather who hoarded plastic bags. Through these reflections, I question the balance between saving money and living...

In this satirical episode, we explore a fictional “training course” designed to turn you into the perfect micro-manager. From obsessively monitoring your subordinates' screens to demanding hourly progress reports, this parody dives deep into the traits of controlling managers often found in traditional Japanese corporate culture. While humorous in tone, it sheds light on the harmful effects of...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore a paradoxical survival strategy in the age of AI: becoming a micromanager. As automation and generative tools like ChatGPT replace white-collar tasks, many professionals fear obsolescence. But ironically, those who reject efficiency and cling to control—micromanagers—may remain indispensable. By positioning themselves as bottlenecks, they become irrepl...

In this episode, I reflect on a growing uncertainty many people face today—what skills to learn, what work to pursue, and how to live meaningfully in an age where old rules no longer apply. Comparing Japan's stable Showa era with today’s rapidly changing world, I explore why so many feel lost, not only during their working years but also after retirement. This episode doesn’t offer simple answ...

Are all sales jobs equally tough? Not really. In this episode, we dive into the connection between sales roles and supply chain management (SCM). Discover why salespeople in the upstream of the supply chain—like raw material suppliers—often enjoy more stability, higher status, and fewer headaches. Meanwhile, those in downstream sectors struggle with price wars, short lead times, and endless negoti...

In this episode, we dive into the Japanese workplace culture of "obligatory overtime"—staying late just because others do. Why does this still exist, and how can you deal with it without hurting relationships or your reputation? I explore the roots of this practice, its psychological and cultural background, and offer practical strategies to leave work on time with confidence. For those...

Should we turn what we love into a career? In this episode, I explore the challenges of pursuing passion as work. I also share why it's okay not to find your “one true calling,” and how asking deep questions—and even playing—can lead to genuine creativity and fulfillment. Let’s reflect together. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Many new employees are told to “learn by reading CC’d emails” — but what if those emails make no sense? In this episode, I share my own confusion and frustration as a new hire trying to decode internal jargon, abbreviations, and vague messages. We’ll explore why Japanese workplaces often rely on implicit communication and how this creates invisible barriers for newcomers. I also share practical ti...

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...