ビジネス日本語講座

In this episode, I explore a unique theme: “The Job Center for People Who Want to Boss Others Around.” Human desires take many forms—some want love, some want comfort, others pursue self-realization or wealth. But one common and rarely discussed desire is the urge to feel superior and show authority. I look at professions where this tendency appears most clearly—doctors, lawyers, teachers, construction supervisors, corporate managers, and those in elite firms or with prestigious qualifications. Finally, I contrast negative forms of arrogance with leadership that maintains order, and remind listeners that true influence often requires no arrogance at all.

In this episode, I reflect on the contrast between city life and rural life through my own experiences and cultural references. Urban living offers the convenience of freedom and anonymity, but it also fosters isolation and a sense of disconnection. By contrast, rural communities provide natural beauty and close human ties, yet their dense networks can feel overwhelming, even suffocating for outsiders. Drawing from my time working in a rural factory and watching the Korean drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, I explore how these dynamics are not unique to Japan but represent a universal dilemma about comfort, community, and individuality.

In this episode, I explore the question: does an easy job really exist? Society often insists that no work is ever easy, but my own experiences suggest the truth is more complex. I discuss how the meaning of “easy” differs—whether physical, mental, or relational—and share examples from my past: exhausting moving jobs, low-pressure route sales in Thailand, and creative but highly controlled office work in Bangkok. These stories show that what feels easy to one person can be hard for another. Ultimately, the key is to know what kind of “ease” matters most to you.

In this episode, I talk about survival strategies in Japanese companies where manuals are valued above creativity. I share my own experience working as a pharmaceutical route salesman, where even greetings and gestures were strictly controlled. While manuals bring efficiency and consistency, they often suppress innovation and produce managers who rely on micromanagement. I explain why strictly following manuals is usually the safest way to survive in such organizations, while also preparing an exit plan in case the company becomes unbearable. Through my story, I show how I cope with rigid corporate cultures without losing my sanity or career path.

After living in Southeast Asia for ten years, I returned to Japan and was struck by how little had changed. Unlike the folktale of Urashima Tarō, where the hero comes back to a world transformed, my “reverse Urashima” experience was finding a society that felt almost the same. From 100-yen coffee at convenience stores to the rigid business manners expected abroad, I reflect on the comfort and frustration of Japan’s stability. This episode explores what it means to return home, the tension between change and continuity, and how cultural expectations shape our lives inside and outside Japan.

In this episode, I talk about one of the most practical yet rarely discussed skills in Japanese corporate life: making excuses when you need to skip work or arrive late. From the safest option of claiming illness to more questionable reasons like family emergencies, I explore which excuses are believable and which can damage your reputation. I also explain cultural aspects such as train delay certificates, the unwritten rules after company drinking parties, and why some employees are forgiven while others are harshly criticized. Finally, I emphasize that true survival lies in choosing workplaces where excuses aren’t necessary.

In this episode, I explore the hidden survival skills required in Japanese corporate culture, focusing on the art of mastering subtle “insidiousness.” I explain how reading the atmosphere, using sarcasm and irony, and strategic positioning often define who thrives in the workplace. Through real examples, I reveal how these tactics are valued inside companies but remain meaningless once you step outside. Ultimately, I contrast these toxic survival games with healthier alternatives—honesty, sincerity, and the power of personal expression. This talk invites listeners to reflect: Will you stay inside the cage of corporate games, or step out?

In this episode, I question the traditional Japanese belief in “career consistency.” In many Japanese companies, being recognized as a true professional often requires staying in the same job for decades. Even dull or unfulfilling work can be valued if endured long enough. Drawing on Shibusawa Eiichi’s famous quote and contrasting it with Fukuzawa Yukichi’s humor and openness, I reflect on how these values still shape Japan today. I argue that switching jobs should not be seen as weakness, but as a path of self-discovery. Career exploration, not blind loyalty, is what creates a more humane society.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I reflect on why workplace relationships matter more than job content itself. From my experience, what truly shapes comfort at work is whether our values, or “work sense,” align with colleagues and especially bosses. I compare two contrasting types: the “relaxed type,” who values balance and free time, and the “stoic type,” who prioritizes work above all. I also share insights from my time abroad, where I saw cultural imitation and hierarchy at play. Using the metaphor of “cormorant fishing,” I explain how conformity can limit freedom. Finally, I ask listeners: which type are you?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I explore the question: under what conditions can long working hours be justified in Japan? I talk about the restaurant industry, where staff shortages and ambition often drive people to extreme overtime, and I recall the old “Can you work 24 hours?” culture that once shaped Japan. I also compare Japan with Europe, where long vacations and family time are valued. While I respect working hard for a dream, I warn that endless work can lower efficiency and identity balance. I ask listeners to reflect: is success about overwork, or about living fully?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I talk about why learning to “slack off” is essential for both employees and freelancers. Slacking off doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities, but rather finding small ways to rest, recharge, and create breathing space. I share my experiences in Bangkok—skipping work to wander around Siam Paragon or browsing Japanese books in Phrom Phong—and how those breaks kept me balanced. From dozing on a park bench during sales calls to managing motivation as a freelancer, I explain why intentional rest prevents burnout. Sometimes stepping away is the smartest way to keep going strong in the long run.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I explore why arrogant or overbearing people often rise to positions of power in Japanese companies and society. Drawing from political figures and my own experiences in manufacturing sales, I reflect on how a culture that respects craftsmen and tradition can sometimes enable disrespectful behavior. I share a story about workplace dynamics, the subtle power of words, and why loud voices tend to dominate over thoughtful opinions. Finally, I invite listeners to reflect on their own countries: do arrogant leaders gain influence where you live, or do quieter, reasoned voices find respect?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I reflect on the hidden meaning behind being treated to a meal. When I was younger, I often thought a free dinner was simply kindness. But through experiences at university, in my first company, and later abroad, I realized that meals can carry expectations—sometimes seen as an “investment.” In Japan, generosity is often tied to obligation, while in Vietnam I found a more natural, no-strings-attached attitude. What do these cultural differences reveal about trust, business, and relationships? Join me as I explore the unspoken rules behind invitations and ask: how is it in your country?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I reflect on the challenges of changing jobs in Japan, especially the choice between large corporations and small to mid-sized companies. While big companies often offer better pay, benefits, and stability, smaller firms carry unique risks. One of the biggest pitfalls is the “fixed human relationship” problem: limited staff means little room to escape if you clash with a boss or colleague. I also discuss why building transferable, skill-based careers is essential in today’s job market. Join me as I explore the realities of career moves and what to consider before taking the next step.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I share a turning point from my college days. While working part-time at a small bookstore, I suddenly quit without notice. When the owner called me back, he told me something I will never forget: “You are strong in solitude. That strength may guide your future.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand. Years later, after struggling in corporate life and eventually becoming a freelancer, I realized the truth of his words. Solitude can be both freedom and isolation. Join me as I reflect on how one sentence shaped my path and way of life.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I talk about the unique culture of Japan’s food and beverage industry and how it connects with the Japanese language. From the concept of omotenashi—putting heart into service—to the teamwork between hall and kitchen staff, working in a restaurant in Japan offers both challenges and valuable growth. I also share why I decided to create a new online course designed to help people working in this field. For a limited time, I’m offering a special 5-day coupon.👉 Coupon link:https://www.udemy.com/course/japanese-for-restaurant-staff/?couponCode=7FF4419CCD95EC4CE780

In this episode, I reflect on the growing trend of seniors in Japan joining resort part-time jobs. At first, the idea of enjoying scenic places while working seemed inspiring. But from my own experience as a resort worker in my late twenties, I realized the reality can be harsh—poor living conditions, difficult managers, and generational gaps with younger coworkers. While some seniors may thrive, for many it could be challenging and even discouraging. Through my personal story at a hot spring hotel, I share both the bright side and the hidden struggles of resort work.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I explore the unique concept of *“sontaku”* in Japanese culture—the subtle practice of adjusting one’s words and behavior by anticipating the feelings or expectations of others. While often seen in politics and corporate life, it deeply shapes how organizations function. I share personal observations from my career, including stories of colleagues whose personalities were tolerated only within a framework of harmony. This culture of “planned harmony” has supported Japan’s organizations but also limited true diversity. As Japan faces demographic change and works with more foreigners, these cultural habits will be tested, creating both challenges and opportunities.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I reflect on my days as a salaryman and the struggle of surviving endless meetings. I share how I often fought off sleep and felt pressure to make comments, even when I had nothing to say. I describe five typical “safe” phrases people use to sound engaged, including the famous “optimal solution,” which often means nothing. I compare these hollow remarks to TV commentators who speak without substance. Finally, I argue that in the age of AI, only words that still carry real meaning—when written down as well as spoken—will keep their value.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I reflect on why news is often overrated compared to real-life experiences. From childhood, I noticed that much of what appeared in newspapers—wars, disasters, or crimes—rarely affected my daily life directly. People often follow news just to keep up in conversation, but I believe true intelligence lies elsewhere. During my time in Thailand, I learned that light, human topics can create deeper connections than politics or economics. Real stories from our own lives, however small, resonate more than memorized headlines. Sharing experiences, not just news, is what makes conversations meaningful and memorable in today’s world.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------