In this episode, I explore the idea of “trust with boundaries” based on my experiences in both Japanese and global workplaces. Many Japanese companies confuse loyalty with control, creating cultures that resemble religious devotion. True trust, however, is built on respect for each person’s freedom — on waiting, not forcing. Boundaries are not coldness but the highest form of respect. As Japan’s workplaces become more diverse, we must learn to coexist with people of different values, recognizing that genuine trust grows not from sameness, but from understanding across our differences.