Japan Consulting Office

Japan Consulting Office wishes a Happy Thanksgiving to all our clients and colleagues in the US! #Thanksgiving

Want to learn some Japanese? Check out the new free JCO video series!

9 essential expressions in Japanese! New JCO video series! The Japanese language is complex and context-sensitive, with different interpretations based on the situation and the people involved. Learning a few key expressions can greatly enhance your interactions and show respect for Japanese culture. In our next three posts—sent every two weeks to allow time to master each expression—we will introduce you to nine essential Japanese phrases that can transform your communication. Practice them regularly, and you'll undoubtedly strengthen your relationships with colleagues. For ease of learning, some expressions have been paired together. Are you ready? Check this link : https://lnkd.in/dSPaCFz5 Have you ever wanted to learn Japanese but felt you didn’t have the time? At JCO, we’ve designed a unique course specifically for busy professionals who want to master the essentials of Japanese quickly. In just 5 hours, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the language structure and start speaking with confidence. With its "productivity booster" programs, Japan Consulting Office has been helping Japanese and non-Japanese improve their collaboration and communication.

New JCO article: "The changing Japanese attitude towards Gaman (= enduring hardship with dignity)" The concept of gaman (我慢), or enduring hardship with dignity, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and has traditionally been viewed as a virtue—one that exemplifies patience, resilience, and quiet perseverance. Practiced in both personal and professional spheres, gaman is often seen as a mark of strength, where enduring challenges without complaint demonstrates a sense of honor and discipline. However, this long-held value is being re-evaluated, especially by younger generations in Japan’s evolving workforce, who are beginning to question whether endurance should come at the cost of personal well-being. A friend recently shared an experience highlighting this cultural shift. Under a new manager, her company’s previously supportive and flexible work culture became rigid and controlling. The team, once encouraged to maintain a work-life balance and freely exchange ideas, now found their voices stifled by a leader who disregarded opinions that didn’t align with his own vision. The work atmosphere changed significantly, affecting the morale of many employees. Continue reading on JCO Blog https://lnkd.in/dfAbN5yq

Meeting a #GLOBISMBA alumna is fun but especially so when we teach together. Japan Consulting Office/ Saskia Rock, SHRM-SCP -san, Emiko Nango-san and I had an opportunity to cover #Intercultural #Management jointly at our client in #Atlanta. I also found that the client is building a Japanese Garden with #Sakura Trees. Looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms in spring! #グロービス経営大学院 #卒業生 #研修講師 #日本庭園 #桜 GLOBIS USA

(Neuer JCO Blog Artikel) Durchhalten um jeden Preis? Das japanische „Gaman“ Konzept im Wandel der Zeiten: „Gaman“ (我慢), das Durchhalten auch in schwierigen Zeiten, ist eine japanische Tugend, die Eigenschaften wie Geduld, Widerstandskraft und stille Beharrlichkeit vereint. Sowohl im persönlichen als auch im beruflichen Bereich praktiziert, gilt „Gaman“ oft als Zeichen von Stärke, da man durch das Ertragen von Herausforderungen ohne Murren Ehrhaftigkeit und Disziplin lebt. Doch dieser traditionelle Wert wird in Japan insbesondere von den jüngeren Generationen zunehmend hinterfragt, wodurch sich die Arbeitswelt ändert. Viele fragen sich, was es bringt, „auf Kosten des persönlichen Wohlbefindens um jeden Preis durchzuhalten“. Die Freundin einer jungen JCO-Praktikantin erzählte letztens von einer Erfahrung, die diesen kulturellen Wandel verdeutlicht. Nachdem ein neuer Manager eingesetzt wurde, wandelte sich die unterstützende und flexible Arbeitskultur ihres Unternehmens zunehmend in Richtung eines rigiden und kontrollierenden Managementstils. Das Team, das bis dahin dazu ermutigt wurde, auf die Work-Life-Balance zu achten und ohne Scheu Ideen auszutauschen, fand sich nun in einer Umgebung wieder, in der Stimmen und Meinungen, die nicht mit der Vision des Managers übereinstimmten, gegängelt und ignoriert wurden. Die Atmosphäre am Arbeitsplatz verschlechterte sich erheblich und die Motivation der Mitarbeiter nahm ab. Weiterlesen auf JCO Blog:

Ever wonder why Japanese colleagues say ‘sorry’ so often?? 🌐 Working Wednesday series If you’ve worked with Japanese colleagues, you have probably noticed how often they say “sumimasen” (すみません) or “gomen nasai” (ごめんなさい) while bowing deeply to show humility. The way people apologize (or don't!) is deeply cultural, so I wanted to spend some time looking at the differences I've experienced while working abroad. When I first moved to the U.S. with my Japanese husband, he warned me not to say “sorry” in certain situations, like a car accident, to avoid implying guilt. (Good thing I haven’t had one yet—apart from a surprise run-in with a deer, which didn’t result in apologies from either party!)” In my native Belgium, apologizing also doesn't come very naturally if you're not the source of the problem, but I have since learned the advantages of apologizing even if what happened isn't directly my fault. In Japan, apologizing frequently is a way of acknowledging others’ efforts and feelings, which fosters trust and harmony in the workplace. A simple apology can reduce tension, making it easier to move forward on projects and preserve good relationships. Apologies also help maintain group harmony, or wa (和), which is central to Japanese culture. By saying “sorry” preemptively or out of politeness, Japanese professionals create an environment where everyone feels respected. Even if it feels weird to apologize in a business context, one thing I've noticed here in the US is that people are fast to emphatize which is also a kind of apology. By saying 'we are sorry this happened" you can convey understanding and respect for the inconvenience others might feel, which is essential in cross-cultural business contexts where misunderstandings may arise. Next time you want to show empathy, try saying “sorry”! No bowing needed, but even a small head nod or kind words can make a big impact. If you want to learn more about working successfully with the Japanese, join one of our sessions! Here’s a link to our upcoming sessions (be sure to select a time in your own timezone!): https://lnkd.in/gM6mzAnC At Japan Consulting Office, we specialize in helping professionals navigate cultural nuances. Reach out to learn more about our group or individual sessions—designed to help you thrive in a Japanese working environment! You'll be glad you did 😊 #WorkingWednesday #Japanesebusinessculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #management #leadership #HRconsulting #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting #presentationsskills #JapaneseBusiness #nemawashi #decisionmaking

I was very happy with the workshop for a newly formed team of 50 around people from Germany, Japan and the UK that JCO Hungary's Yusuke FUKUDA and me ran today. There was great interaction around topics like efficient communication and meeting formats as well risk assessment and planning.

Miyagi-Sensei and Kafka: how to deal with procedure in a Japanese office 🌐 Working Wednesday series I remember watching the Karate Kid in the movie theather when it came out, and I've definitely struggled to understand the wisdom behind endless “wax on, wax off” type of tasks when I was working in a Japanese office. Combine these tasks with a touch of Kafka-esque bureaucracy—layers of approvals, protocols, and hierarchies—and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some serious frustration. The good part: the Miyagi Method In a Japanese office, much like in The Karate Kid, it may feel like you’re following rules for the sake of rules, with no clear connection to the bigger picture. Procedures can seem endless: meticulous documentation, multiple approval stages, and strict adherence to hierarchy. But this structure is actually a protective layer, designed to prevent missteps, foster trust, and ensure decisions are carefully weighed by everyone involved. Much like Mr. Miyagi’s lessons, these procedures teach patience, respect for the process, and an appreciation for detail. The bad part: the Kafka Labyrinth While the structured nature of Japanese procedures can feel similar to a Kafka novel—where bureaucracy is both overwhelming and inescapable—there should be a key difference: in Japan, the rules are supposed to serve a clear purpose. Unfortunately this is not always the case. I've hear stories of entrepreneurs in Japan not getting a business license because a wall in their office didn't have the required dimensions. And many other stories just as annoying, people's lives can be seriously impacted by these sometimes nonsensical sounding procedures. So, if you're confronted with the Kafka part, how do you deal with it in a sink or swim business environment where deals can hinge on immediate replies? To navigate this system successfully as an individual in Japan, all you can do is try to channel your inner Daniel: try to be patient, adaptable, and respectful of the process. Accept that exceptions won't be made and you'll have to accept doing it their way. If you're working on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and your business success depends on working fast, there are some things you can do without endangering your carefully built business relationship. If you want to find out how to do this, join one of our sessions! Here’s a link to our upcoming sessions (be sure to select a time in your own timezone!): https://lnkd.in/gM6mzAnC At Japan Consulting Office, we specialize in helping professionals navigate cultural nuances. Reach out to learn more about our group or individual sessions—designed to help you thrive in a Japanese working environment! You'll be glad you did 😊 #WorkingWednesday #Japanesebusinessculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #management #leadership #HRconsulting #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting #presentationsskills #JapaneseBusiness

We still have a few seats available on November 7th! If you're an HR/L&D professional you can join for free - find out more below or send me a DM. #Japaneseculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #Japaneselanguage #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting