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.
How-tos Jul 7, 2019
Asking for a raise in a Japanese company
by Rochelle Kopp
When looking for a salary boost at your job it's important to remember that individual effort is appreciated but not necessarily rewarded.
How-tos | Age Wise Jun 26, 2019
Deal with clutter while the choice to toss is still yours
by Louise George Kittaka
A big part of retirement is spent organizing your home and your affairs, but tidying experts advise decluttering well beforehand.
Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Jun 23, 2019
Cleaning toilets with a smile: The lessons you can learn from a convenience store side job
by Megha Wadhwa
Learning Japanese and want a bit of extra cash? Getting a part-time job in the service industry can teach you a lot more than the language.
How-tos Jun 12, 2019
by Rochelle Kopp
The viral story of how a Japanese chemical company, Kaneka, reassigned an employee to the Western part of Japan immediately after he returned from paternity leave in Tokyo left netizens indignant last week. And the story has also caused many non-Japanese to scratch their ...
Language | BILINGUAL May 27, 2019
Speaking up in Japanese for quality time off work
by Kaori Shoji
Decades ago, the mid-1980s to be exact, I complained to my mom that my dad worked too much. Like legions of middle-aged Japanese salarymen, my father was never home before 9 p.m. and spent his weekends on 海外出張 (kaigai shucchō, overseas business trips). He ...