Have you ever been curious about working for a Japanese company but felt discouraged by stories of long hours, low pay, rigid hierarchies, and mandatory social drinking? If so, this episode is for you. Our guest, Alvin Tan, dives into his controversial Medium article, "Why More Foreigners in Japan Should Work for Japanese Companies: Six Reasons to Consider It."

The article sparked a firestorm online, generating nearly 100 negative comments on social media, with many Japan experts calling working for a Japanese company a career dead end. But Alvin challenges that narrative, sharing six compelling reasons why it might actually be a great opportunity for foreigners.

As someone who has worked for two Japanese companies myself, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits—and was inspired to offer my own six reasons why it’s worth considering. Together, we break down 12 reasons why working for a Japanese company might just be the career move you didn’t know you needed. Other topics we discuss:

• Learning about real Japan via Japanese corporate culture
• Mastering the Japanese concept of QC, Customer Service, and Hospitality
• The difference between Otsukaresama and Gokorosama?
• Why Japanese companies don't have clear job descriptions
• Why one is unlikely to ever get fired from a Japanese company
• The pay isn’t good, but the benefits are usually great
• You get paid to practice Japanese
• Being a great stepping stone for better job opportunities
• Alvin's two favorite untranslatable Japanese words

Alvin Tan on Medium: https://medium.com/@alvintwrites
Alvin Tan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-tan

More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Welcome to today’s episode! Our guest is the multi-talented Sean Nichols, whose career is as diverse as it is inspiring. Sean has captivated audiences as an entertainer on Japanese TV, performed as a Manzai stand-up comedian, and even served as the global representative for Japan's biggest YouTuber. He’s toured with Aerosmith and, most famously, broke barriers as the first—and only—foreigner to star in the Ultraman series during its 40-year history, playing "Sean White" in 50 episodes.

In this episode, Sean takes us on a dream journey, sharing how he went from watching Ultraman on TV as a child to donning the iconic suit. He dives deep into his experiences in the Japanese entertainment industry: founding his own talent agency, navigating cultural nuances, and facing the highs and lows of stand-up comedy—including a memorable loss in the final round of a competition due to one bold joke. Plus, Sean reflects on the biggest professional risk of his career, one that ultimately led to touring with rock legends Aerosmith.

Get ready for an episode filled with passion, perseverance, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else! Other topics we discuss:

• The top 3 things Japanese always find hilarious
• How auditions and talent agencies work in Japan
• Best explanation of what is a “Tarento”
• Representing the most famous Japanese Youtuber Hikakin and getting him on stage with Aerosmith
• Backstage Stories with Steven Tyler and the band
• How humor in Japan is different from western humor
• Japanese comedy-style Manzai explained
• 3 tips for foreigners interested in getting into the Japan entertainment industry
• Advice on how to be funny in Japanese
• Favorite untranslatable Japanese word

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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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

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

• Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts