ビジネス日本語講座

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 sto...

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 influen...

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 str...

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 ...

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,...

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 in...

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 usua...

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 ...

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...

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 perfec...

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 outs...

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 ...