Community May 3, 2021
The downside of decision-making practices in Japan
by Rochelle Kopp
Adherence to the rules is important in Japan. When those rules don’t work, it is sometimes easier to make a whole new set.
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Apr 17, 2021
Paralysis and calm: Two sides of Japan's inertia
by Michael Hoffman
COVID-19 hasn't (so far) affected Japan as badly as other Western countries, but sometimes extreme situations can push people to get up and try to improve their lots in life.
How-tos Jan 25, 2021
Five questions to ask yourself when considering a job change in Japan
by David Cortez
The season of new employees is fast approaching, here are some last-minute things to ask yourself before making a big career change.
How-tos May 11, 2020
How the coronavirus widens a cultural divide
by Rochelle Kopp
If you'd like your Japanese colleagues to come around to your way of thinking, you'll need to convince them in a way that's common in the culture.
How-tos Mar 5, 2020
Japanese corporate culture explains why experts given back seat in virus response
by Rochelle Kopp
Organizations in Japan tend not to rely on specialists when it comes to solving in-house problems, which may be a consequence of fostering a workforce of generalists.
How-tos Feb 13, 2020
Corporate Japan's paralyzing fear of the unhappy customer
by Rochelle Kopp
Avoiding risks in business can help to keep your company safe, but it also lessens the chance you'll do something truly game-changing.
How-tos Jan 16, 2020
Why English translation needs the native touch
by Rochelle Kopp
Japan is a country that prides itself on focusing on the smallest details, so why do incorrect English translations plague signage across the country?
How-tos Dec 12, 2019
Working with the Japanese at a senior level when you're a non-Japanese woman
by Rochelle Kopp
While stories about mandatory heels and a ban on glasses are making the rounds in the media, the reality of working at a Japanese firm when you're a woman is not as bad as you may think.
How-tos Nov 14, 2019
Ditch the debate tactics when it comes to persuading Japanese colleagues on a course of action
by Rochelle Kopp
Coming to a compromise, PowerPoint presentations and group consensus will help you get your way at work over an impressive oral argument.
How-tos Oct 6, 2019
Dealing with the 'boss from hell'? You could be getting 'power harassed'
by Rochelle Kopp
Insults, physical violence, unreasonable demands — coming from a superior at work these and other types of similar behavior are definitely not allowed.
Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Sep 18, 2019
Be proactive, not reactive, as an intern
by Camryn Privette
An internship at a Japanese office can teach you a lot about the country's business culture.
How-tos Aug 18, 2019
Plan your response before taking on passive prejudice at the office
by Rochelle Kopp
What should you do when one of your Japanese colleagues makes a problematic comment? Sometimes it's best to keep things light.