Business Success Japan

In today's episode, Anne Hooghart walks us through the differences between high- and low-context cultures, as well as the common misunderstandings that commonly occur between people from cultures on different ends of the spectrum. Today's Phrase: わかりません wa-ka-ri-ma-se-n Meaning: I don't know/I don't understand Previous Episodes to Learn More: Japanese Body Language Groupism and Nommunication: Minae-san on Building Strong Business Relationships in Japan Suggested Links: Anne’s Book Edward Hall's "Beyond Culture" Video on High-Context Culture vs. Low-Context Culture The Illustrative Example of T. Boone Pickens Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan Be sure to subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

In today's episode, I chat with Sébastien about his experiences in Japan. As the community manager of Japan Travel, Sébastien is passionate about helping others through making Japan more accessible even to those with nonstandard diets. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with religion-based dietary restrictions have frequently voiced their frustrations about how difficult it is to find the food they need in Japan--an issue that can be especially dangerous for those with allergies. Sébastien shares his views on how the Japanese concept of omotenashi, which is a defining feature of hospitality in the country,  can make accommodations around food especially challenging. He also shares his advice on how best to navigate finding the food you need while making the most of your time in Japan, so anyone planning to eat at all while in the country will definitely benefit from listening in. Today's phrase: どうぞ do-u-zo Meaning: "Here you are," "Help yourself," "Go ahead," etc. Learn more about Sébastien and Japan Travel: Connect with Sébastien Sébastien's articles Japan Travel Japan Travel on Instagram Relevant past episodes: Dining in Japanese Restaurants Making the Most of a Nomikai Groupism and Nommunication: Minae-san on Building Strong Business Relationships in Japan Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, please subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

In today's episode, I go into more detail about taking buses in Japan. Although the system is a bit more complicated than subways and trains, buses are still a very convenient way to get around in Japan. And for people traveling on a budget, highway buses and bus passes are by far the most cost-effective way to get around the country. Be sure to listen in to learn more. Today's Phrase:  ごちそうさまでした go-chi-so-u-sa-ma-de-shi-ta Meaning: "It was a feast." Usage: set phrase for after a meal Useful Past Episodes: Getting Around in Japan I For More Information: Highway Buses Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, please subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

Today I chat with Faye Valtadoros, a  Japanese teacher in Michigan who lived in Japan and taught English there through the JET Program. She shares her experiences, what she's learned, and what she teaches her students about how to make the most of their time in the country. This episode will be particularly useful to anyone looking to move to Japan for any length of time, though her stories and thoughts are worth listening to for anyone with an interest in Japan. Today's Phrase:  いただきます i-ta-da-ki-ma-su Meaning: "I [humbly] accept." Usage: set phrase used before eating Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, I hope that you will subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

In today's episode, I talk about some basics information that'll be useful for navigating the transportation system in Japan. Honestly, it can be complicated and overwhelming at times, but having an idea of the situations you'll face will go a long way to making sure you end up in the right place. But when in doubt, don't be afraid to ask for help. And be sure to take advantage of resources like the JR Pass, one-day passes, and Suica/Pasmo cards to not only save money, but help avoid unnecessary stress. Today's Phrase: [place]までいくらですか ma-de i-ku-ra-de-su-ka Meaning: "How much does it cost to get to [place]?" Useful Past Episodes: Surviving Japan: Taxis and Money Additional Information: JR Pass and One-Day Tickets Prepaid Travel Cards Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help me stay well-caffeinated enough to keep the content flowing: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, I hope that you will subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

Today I chat with Kimi Sugiyama, a travel consultant with a focus on and love for Japan. She shares her experiences navigating business relationships and identity in Japan. We also discuss the intersection of culture and language in really understanding Japanese culture and effectively engaging with people in the country, so be sure to listen in. Today's Phrase: おつかれさまでした o-tsu-ka-re-sa-ma-de-shi-ta Meaning: "Great work today." "You worked hard." Kimi's Links: blog photography podcast consulting/travel services Kimi's Book Recommendation: Japan's Cultural Codewords Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help me stay well-caffeinated enough to keep the content flowing: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, I hope that you will subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

In today's episode, I teach you how to make the most out of a karaoke event in Japan. As karaoke is a common destination after an afterword nomikai, or "drinking meeting," it's another great opportunity to further develop your business relationships in Japan. Today's Phrase: おさきにしつれいします o-sa-ki-ni shi-tsu-re-i-shi-ma-su Meaning: Excuse me for leaving before you. To Learn More: Making the Most of a Nomikai Groupism and Nommunication Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help me stay well-caffeinated enough to keep the content flowing: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, I hope that you will subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

In this interview, Minae-san explains the concept of Groupism in Japanese culture, as well as the importance of Nommunication in a Japanese business setting. We explore how Japanese professionals work to develop and maintain relationships, as well as how it ties into Japanese cultural values as a whole. Interested in helping an organization dedicated to improving Japan-US relations? Check out Minae-san's links below to get in contact. Today's phrase:  とんでもありません to-n-de-mo a-ri-ma-se-n Meaning: "it's no big deal" or "you're welcome" Minae-san's links: -email: GENJ.msawai@gmail.com -website: https://www.cgp.org/exchange_network_japan_program -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GENJofMichigan/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genj.michigan/ -Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/japan-foundation/ Relevant Episodes: -Volunteer with Minae and Gen-J -Kasia on Hourensou -Making the Most of a Nomikai Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help me stay well-caffeinated enough to keep the content flowing: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, I hope that you will subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

In today's episode, I walk you through what to expect at a Japanese "nomikai" or "drinking-meeting." What should you expect when you're invited to go to an after-work dinner with your Japanese counterparts? What's the point of these after-work activities? And, most importantly, how can you make the most of the time you spend at a nomikai? Today's Word: いいえ i-i-e Meaning: No To learn more: -Business Meeting Basics -How to Behave in a Business Meeting If you found the information here useful, I hope that you will subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.

In this episode, Kasia explains the unique approach Japanese companies have toward communication called "hourensou." While the most common definition you'll find for the word is probably "spinach," in business, it takes on a whole new meaning. Today's Phrase: はい ha-i Meaning: Yes To learn even more about hourensou, check out Kasia's awesome blog post: https://www.ikigaiconnections.com/hourensou-it-does-a-business-good/ Learn More/Job Board:https://www.ikigaiconnections.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ikigai-connections Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help me stay well-caffeinated enough to keep the content flowing: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan If you found the information here useful, please subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.