In this episode, we take a deep dive into the often-mystifying Japanese business practices that foreigners in Japan struggle to navigate. Intercultural facilitator Masafumi Otsuka sheds light on puzzling practices like "Why Japanese managers change jobs every three years" and "Why they always see the glass as half empty." Masa offers a logical breakdown of the periodic job rotation system and Japan’s risk-averse decision-making process.

We also explore key cultural concepts that are often misunderstood by Westerners—such as Nemawashi, Genten Shugi, and Kyochosei—all explained by Masa in a fun and enlightening way.

Masa shares personal stories about his own struggles, including returning to Japan as a student, the politics behind leaving a high-profile job, and what it's like to feel "1/3 Japanese, 1/3 American, and 1/3 confused." This episode is packed with insights and humor, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of Japanese business culture.

Other highlights from our conversation:

• Why there is no Japanese word for "procrastinate"
• The unspoken rule for Japanese overseas returnee students
• The priority in Japan is harmonize
• What does an Intercultural Facilitator do?
• Best ever explanation of Nemawashi & Genten Shugi
• The subtle art of not having to tell everything
• Expertise in Japan is 10ft. wide and 1inch deep while in the US its 1inch wide and 10ft. deep
• Strategies for getting a positive outcome from Japanese meetings
• The reason Japanese prefer the process vs the outcome

Masafumi Otsuka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masafumiotsuka/
More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

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