ビジネス日本語講座

In this episode, I reflect on how organizations often undervalue outspoken, "carnivorous" employees while favoring obedient, "herbivorous" ones. Drawing from my personal experience working in a top-down corporate culture in Vietnam, I explore how diversity in personalities is ess...

In this episode, I explore what it means to "wear a mask" as a professional in Japanese society. While some people appear to live authentically, most of us feel pressure to hide our true selves to survive in social and workplace environments. I reflect on my own experiences, espe...

In this episode, I reflect on a popular trend on social media—comparing celebrities' youthful photos with their current appearance—and question what it says about our values. Are we turning aging into a spectacle? I argue that wrinkles and changes in our faces are not signs of "d...

In this episode, I reflect on the word "salaryman" and why it feels limiting when used as a self-introduction in Japanese society. I explore how people often prioritize which organization they belong to over what they actually do or strive for. I also share a memorable story of a...

In this episode, I respond to a listener’s question about how to prepare for a job in the Japanese manufacturing industry, especially with little to no prior experience. I share my own story of entering the industry from scratch and explain how I studied specialized vocabulary, o...

Why are so many business meetings in Japan so dull and unproductive? In this episode, I reflect on two key issues: top-down communication that discourages open discussion, and the surprising absence of humor. I compare my experience in Japanese companies with meetings in Thailand...

In this episode, I talk about how the jobs we take just to make a living can sometimes lead to unexpected growth. Drawing from my own experience in a sales job I initially hated, I reflect on how those early struggles taught me skills that became valuable later in life. Whether y...

In this episode, I share practical techniques to maintain a strong presence in meetings—without speaking. From subtle nods to strategic note-taking and clever timing, these silent strategies are especially useful in traditional Japanese workplaces. Learn how to look engaged, be r...

Behind the scenes of "How to Do Nothing at Work and Still Get Paid."
In this episode, I share the story behind my new Udemy course, which explores the unique Japanese phenomenon of the “Shanai NEET” — employees who survive in the workplace by doing as little as possible. Based on...

In this episode, we explore a mindset shift: from “I’m grateful to be employed” to “I bring value through my work.” Many Japanese employees are still influenced by traditional loyalty-based work culture, but modern labor is a value exchange, not charity. We also unpack corporate ...

In this episode, I reflect on the issue of mocking physical appearances—specifically baldness—in the workplace. While it may be brushed off as harmless humor or part of workplace culture, such “jokes” can deeply affect a person’s self-esteem and mental well-being. Drawing from pe...

Why do Japanese employees work so hard with a “CEO mindset” — even when they don’t own the company? This episode explores the deep-rooted cultural values behind self-sacrifice, workplace pride, and the desire for recognition over monetary reward. We dive into the psychology of th...