ビジネス日本語講座

世間のニュースに興味が無いことについて　I am not interested in the news.

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I am not interested in the general news that is disseminated by the mass media. I can see them as relevant to me. I am more interested in solving prob...

マザー工場とは何か　What is “Mother Factory”?

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the Japanese manufacturing industry, there are many technical terms. There are some words that you would not understand unless you work in that wor...

なぜ、昔の日本人サラリーマンはよく働いたのか　Why did Japanese salarymen work so hard in the past?

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the past, Japanese salarymen worked hard. They worked even if they were not paid overtime, and some were even willing to work on holidays. Why were...

職人の暗黙知は簡単に伝承されない　The tacit knowledge of craftsmen is not easily passed on to the younger generation.

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The high level of Japanese craftsmanship is well known throughout the world. It takes a long time to become a full-fledged craftsman. It is sometimes ...

カラオケ接待のマナー　Etiquette for Karaoke Entertainment

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are several types of Japanese entertainment. Japanese businessman sometimes dine with their customers and sometimes play golf. In this episode, ...

社長には大義名分が必要である　The president needs a cause.

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All companies usually have a corporate or management philosophy. Many corporate philosophies state lofty ideals for society, but why does the company ...

日系企業で求められるコミュニケーションスキルとは何なのか　What communication skills are required of salarymen in Japanese companies?

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Communication skills are extremely important in today’s Japan. In particular, there are a number of Japanese businessmen and women who praise commun...

まともな志望動機をどうやって考えたらいいか　How do you come up with a decent reason for application?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When interviewing for a corporate job, you should prepare in advance answers to several questions that the interviewer may expect to ask. In this epis...

ギブアンドテイクを相手に求めるのは偽善である

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The concept of “give and take” is generally widely accepted in Japanese society. I believe it is hypocritical to ask for something in return for d...

社長には冗談は通じない　The president can’t take a joke.

12 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The view of labor differs from person to person. But the president does not get jokes that make a mockery of labor.

サラリーマンは他人に勝ちたいという気持ちを捨てることが出来れば楽になる The Path to Enlightenment for Salaried Workers

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Salaried workers are forced to compete with others. Some people may not want to compete with others. However, if a fellow employee rises to the top fa...

社畜という言葉について考える　On Corporate Slave

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japan, there’s a term called 社畜 “corporate slave”. This term is very important in examining the problems of Japan’s corporate society. ...

日系企業で早朝出勤をすると上司から高い評価をもらえるかどうかについて　

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For many years, the practice early morning work has existed in many Japanese companies. No matter how early in the morning a worker comes to work, tha...

真面目に働こうが、サボろうがサラリーマンの給料は変わらない。だったらサボろうと言う考え方は日系企業では通用しない。

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The salary of a salaryman does not change whether he works diligently or socks off. The idea of slacking off without working is not acceptable in a Ja...

日本の大学は就職予備校になっている　Japanese universities have become job placement prep schools.

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

These days, Japanese university students seem to start job hunting much earlier after entering university. Compared to university students in the past...

接待ゴルフの上手な断り方　How to skillfully decline an invitation to play business golf

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you join a Japanese company, your boss may invite you to play golf on your days off. If you like golf, it may be fine, but some people may not be...

日系企業のサラリーマンに求められる適度な生意気さ　Moderate cockiness required of Japanese company salaried workers

05 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You need to get along with the people around you in a Japanese company. This is because if you are not well liked, you will not be able to rise in a c...

国際交流に関心が無い日本人とどう仕事で付き合っていくか　How to work with Japanese who are not interested in international exchange

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is not so difficult to work with Japanese who have experience studying or working abroad. These Japanese know through experience that there are dif...

営業においてマニュアルは役に立たない　Manuals are useless in sales.

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In many Japanese companies, detailed work related manuals exist. This may reflect the Japanese love of imitation. For truly autonomous and motivated e...

田舎では都会よりもコミュニケーションスキルが求められる　Communication skills are required more in the countryside than in the city

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

City life can’t be fun, but it can also be stressful. Some people are tired of city life and dream of living in a country side. In this episode, I t...

長時間労働を擁護するサラリーマンがまだ日本には一定数いる　There are still salarymen who advocate long working hours.

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the past, Japan had many salarymen who were called “corporate warriors” or “economic animals”. They are willing to work long hours and sacr...

サラリーマンの人生において、新卒で入った会社が意味するものは何か？

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The first company you join will have a great impact on your values and way of thinking. Because you will be working for a company about which you know...

社長は営業マンの個性を認めてあげないといけない　The president needs to respect the individuality of the sales person.

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a stereotype of selling sales person in the world. There are qualities such as cheerful personality, diplomacy, and glibness. However, each ...

マニュアル的な接客用語はお客さんの心に響かない　Talking to customers according to manual will not impress them.

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Studying Japanese with a goal of using correct Japanese, including Keigo, is a wonderful thing. However, in the business world, simply being able to u...

転職後は自分の仕事観や労働観を周囲の人に表明してはいけない　after changing jobs, do not express your views on work and labor to those around you.

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People have different values. We all have different views of work. After changing jobs, it is best not to reveal your views on work to those around yo...

日系企業では仕事が好きだと公言しない方がいい　You shouldn't profess to love your job at the Japanese company.

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many Japanese people separate their true intentions from their tatemae statements. （本音と建前）if you work for Japanese company, no matter ho...

会社に洗脳されたフリをせよ　Pretend you have been brainwashed by the company.

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some Japanese companies have terrible corporate cultures. There are companies in Japan where employees are so closely and thoroughly managed that they...

総務に向いている人の特徴　Characteristics of a suitable person for general affairs

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At first glance, the work of the general affairs department appears to be easy. This is because, unlike sales people, the employees at general affairs...

エリートばかりの会社に入ってコンプレックスを感じるより、自分の実力以下の会社に入社して優越感に浸った方がいい　

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is better to join a company that is below your level and have a sense of superiority than to work for a company full of elites and feel an inferior...

会社の飲み会は30分で飽きてしまう　I get bored after 30 minutes of company drinking.

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Company drinking parties are fun for the first 30 minutes after they start. This is because I can eat some unusual food, drink a little alcohol, and e...

学生時代のアルバイトの経験をもとに、将来の職業選択をしない方が良い　You should not base your future career choice on your part time work experience such a student.

21 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Having a part-time job while you are a student will help you when you work in a company. Part-time work experience is also important to deepen your th...

資格マニアになってはいけない　Do not be a credential enthusiast.

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When changing jobs, work experience is more important than qualifications. Studying for certification exam is great in itself, but that certification ...

日本人サラリーマンに蔓延る悪しき経験主義について　On the Bad Empiricism Prevalent among Japanese Salarymen

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese salarymen Prefer experience to three meals a day. Empiricism is considered more important than anything else in the company, and things like ...

湯西川温泉のホテルでリゾートバイトをした時の話　Memories of live-in part-time resort work in yunishikawa onsen

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I have had an experience of live in part time resort work in yunishikawa onsen. It was harder work than I expected.

マネージャーになるには現場を知らなければならないのか　Do you have to know the field to be a manager?

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many Japanese businessmen and managers like the field. This is because if you do not know the field, you will not be able to persuade your subordinate...

引越しのアルバイトの思い出　Memories of part-time moving jobs

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I have worked part time as a mover. It was a very physically demanding job. Physical labor has its good sides, such as the sense of accomplishment and...

職人になればコミュニケーションの努力をせずに済むか　Should craftsmen not have to work on improving their communication skills?

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Affection has nothing to do with the outcome of the work itself. Therefore, some people who are good at their jobs can be very arrogant and pompous. O...

社長には人間的な魅力が必要である　The president needs to have human charm.

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Employees are more motivated to work under an attractive president. Human attractiveness is hard to explain in words, but employees sense the present ...

理想的な上司とは　What is an ideal boss?

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The definition of an idea boss with vary from person to person. I’ll believe that trust in people is important. If you don’t trust people, you can...

日系企業の工場での働き方　How to work in a Japanese factory

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When working in the Japanese factory, you need to consider the characteristics of the working environment and behave appropriately for the place.

某ファーストフードチェーン店で深夜清掃のアルバイトをした時の話

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A long time ago, I had a part-time job at a late night cleaner at a certain first food chain. That part-time job did not require me to communicate wit...

工場で制服を着なければならない理由　Why you have to wear a uniform in a factory

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered about wearing the uniforms provided by Factory? I felt uncomfortable every time I wore the uniform. I felt as if I had become a...

日系企業におけるメールのマナー　Business etiquette for email in Japanese companies

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese companies have Business etiquette for email. If you learn this business etiquette, you will be highly evaluated by Japanese businessmen.

なぜ、処世術を学ばなければならないのか　Why you should learn how to get along with people in the company?

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Skills alone are not enough to survive in a company. Because there is no perfectly equal and fair personnel evaluation system in the world. You need t...

日本人サラリーマンとの雑談にはパチンコの話題が無難である　The topic of pachinko is a safe one for chatting with Japanese Salarymen.

07 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Regarding chatting with Japanese salarymen at work, some may not know what to talk about with them. In such a case, it would be safest to talk about p...

ストレスは塩の役割を果たすのか　Does stress play the role of salt?

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the inevitable aspects of working in a company is the stress of human relationships. If you view stress as salt in cooking, it may ease your st...

組織は上司の味方をする　The organization takes the side of the boss.

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the company, supervisors have more power than subordinates. No matter how badly Subordinate is Treated by his or her boss, and even if the subordin...

餅製造工場でのアルバイトの思い出　Memories of working part time at a rice cake factory

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When I was a student, I had a part-time job at the rice cake manufacturing factory. It was rather hard and boring work, but Japanese businessman like ...

日系企業に向く人と向かない人の違いについて　Differences between people who are suited for Japanese companies and people who are not.

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese companies often want to manage and monitor their employees. If you want to work freely, a Japanese company may not be the right choice for yo...

職場おいて日本人は他人のサボりに厳しい　In the workplace, Japanese are strict about others slacking off.

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you don’t work, you don’t eat. This phrase applies well to the Japanese workplace. The Japanese are very hard on people who are lazy. I thought...

日系企業で働くなら常に最適解を求めよ　If you work at a Japanese company, always seek the optimal solution.

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Optimal solution is the preferred term of many Japanese businessmen. Personally, I dislike this term, but it seems to be essential for analyzing Japan...

日系企業でのキャリアの積み方　How to build your career in a Japanese company

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Seniority is one of the hallmarks of employment practices in Japanese companies. If you move from job to job, you will be regarded as a person without...

日系企業におけるキレイな退職の仕方　How to leave a Japanese company in a decent manner.

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Leaving a company is an important event for a businessman. There is an old saying that ‘‘it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest’’. In thi...

新人に宴会芸を強制するような会社は避けた方がいい　You should avoid companies that force newcomers to perform Banquet entertainment.

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unfortunately there are companies in Japan that do not respect the human rights and dignity of their employees. Some companies require new employees t...

Is it an universal phenomenon that old farts tend to parade their knowledge?

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The typical Japanese middle-aged salaryman is often eager to show off his knowledge on the job. Is this phenomenon seen anywhere in the world?

日系企業では職場は人間修行の場であると考えられている　Workplace is considered for mental training in Japanese companies.

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you join a Japanese company, you may be asked to clean the office during working hours. Cleaning office is not your job, so you may be confused w...

日系企業におけるビジネスマナーは職場によって異なる　Business etiquette in Japanese companies varies from company to company.

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Standard business etiquette exists in Japanese cooperate society. However, this is only a standard, and in reality, each company has its own unique bu...

日系企業では忙しいフリをしなさい　Pretend to be busy in a Japanese company.

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Who do you think is more capable, busy people or people with free time? In this episode, I discuss the benefits of pretending to be busy.

忖度する　To consider someone’s feelings or wishes

24 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese language has a word for 忖度する(to consider someone’s feelings or wishes). If you master the word ‘忖度する’, it will be u...

試験管にシールを貼る仕事で何を学んだか　What have I learned through my work putting seals on test tubes?

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When choosing a job, you should probably consider what you want to do and your career plan. If you choose a job without thinking about it, you are was...

そちらからお配りしなさい　Hand them out from there.

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I once worked part-time as a waiter in a coffee shop when I was a student. That was a great Place to learn honorifics.

日系企業に総合職で雇用される利点

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese companies have positions called regular positions (総合職). They have hired most new graduates for regular positions. In this episode, I w...

仕事は目で盗め　Practice makes perfect.

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese companies often provide extensive training, but basically, supervisors rarely teach their subordinates how to do their jobs in hands-on, deta...

日本の企業社会に蔓延る体育会系の問題について　The problem of people with athletic backgrounds rampant in Japanese companies

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Students-athletes are welcomed by big corporations in Japan because of their characteristics. But there are several problems.

日系企業で出世するために必要なジジ殺しのスキルについて

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An expert killer at middle-aged men is called “ジジ殺し” in Japanese. Jijigoroshi is good at being liked by middle-aged men at Japanese compan...

会社は学校とは違うのか　Is a company different from a school?

17 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some Japanese businessmen preach to their subordinates that the company is not like a school. In this episode, I examine the veracity of this phrase. ...

会社に過度に適応すると仮面が剥がれなくなる　Over-adaptation to the company makes it difficult to remove the mask.

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you continue to play the role of the person the company wants you to be, you may not be able to remove the mask before long. In this episode I talk...

日本社会のタテマエをゲームのルールだと考えよ　Think of the tatemae of Japanese society as the rules of the game.

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some of you may feel that Japanese business etiquette is trivial. To get ahead In Japanese corporate society, It is helpful to have this etiquette.

現状維持の何が悪いのか　What’s wrong with the status quo?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many Japanese salarymen dislike the term status quo. In some industries, the status quo may be correct. Knowing these ideas is important to avoid exha...

アットホームな会社は要注意　A company where you can behave in a relaxed way, as if it was your own home.

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This topic is for those who can find job information in Japanese. If the summary section of the job posting states that アットホームな会社で...

日系企業でよく見られる座席配置　Typical office layout in a Japanese company

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Office layout has to do with the ease of work for employees. It is impossible to work creatively If you are being watched 24/7 by your boss.

日系企業ではオフィス内の掃除をさせられることがある　Japanese companies may have you clean up in the offices.

11 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For Japanese Salaryman, cleaning the company may not be a very special thing. Japanese managers often believe that cleaning of the company is a way of...

日系企業では仕事に対してやる気を見せることが大切です　It is important to show motivation to work in a Japanese company.

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japanese companies,the scope of an individual’s duties is not clear, and work evaluation criteria are often vague. Supervisors do not properly ev...

日系企業で働く外国人社員は黒船になりうるか　Can foreign employees working for Japanese companies be black ships?

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I am broadcasting this podcast in the hope that foreign employees working in Japan can be a positive agents of change in Japan’s corporate community...

新卒向け　営業職をどう前向きに捉えるか

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The world often perceives the sales profession in a negative light. Sales people deal directly with customers rejections and complaints. As a result, ...

社員に社訓を絶叫させる会社　A company that makes its employees shout out the company motto

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When joining a Japanese sales company, employees are sometimes made to exclaim the company motto during morning meetings. Through rituals, managers ma...

なぜ日系企業を目指すのか　Why do you want to work for a Japanese company?

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working for a Japanese company.

なぜ、日本人は他人のサボりに厳しいのか　Why are Japanese people so strict about other people skipping work?

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the Japanese workplace, employees monitor each other, and even if an employee wants to skip work, he was she cannot easily do so. I will analyze th...

雑談のテクニック　Small talk techniques in a Japanese company

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When chatting with a Japanese businessman, are you unsure of what to say. I will share my basic approach to small talk and specific techniques with yo...

会社でお菓子を配る時のルール　Rules for handing out candy at work

03 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many people will bring snacks to the office when they join and when they leave. This episode explains how to distribute candy to company members at th...

手土産のマナー　What kind of gift are you going to bring when you visit your customers？

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japanese society, gifts are one of the the lubricants that improve human relations. What kind of gift is appropriate?

ホウレンソウは野菜のことを指すのではありません　Hourensou is not a spinach.

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hourensou means report, contact, and consultation. Japanese salarymen are forced to learn this Hourensou concept thoroughly after joining a company. I...

日系企業での処世術　How to get ahead in a Japanese company

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to move up in a Japanese company? In this episode, I teach you the thinking required to get ahead in a Japanese company, taking into accou...

日系企業におけるランチの早食いの問題について　Many Japanese Salarymen eat lunch too quickly.

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you go to lunch with a Japanese boss or colleague, you are not allowed to eat slowly. This is because eating quickly is one of the virtues of Japan...

会社の行事に参加したくない人のために　For someone who does not want to participate in events of company

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Various events are held in Japanese companies. These events include athletic meets, field trips, company trips, year end parties, New Year’s parties...

日系企業で働くなら言い訳をしない方が良い　If you work for a Japanese company, you better not make excuses.

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japanese society, excuses are frowned upon. It is easier to live with an apology than with an excuse.

他社訪問のルール　Visiting a customer

27 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are a number of rules to follow when visiting clients. Many Japanese people are pretty picky about business etiquette. If you don’t know the d...

アルバイトで自分を鍛えようとする発想は普遍的なものか

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japan, many people try to develop their personalities through part time jobs. Does part-time work experience make you the right person? 

根回し、寝技、腹芸、これらの言葉の意味について考える

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a Japanese corporate world, business people converse with each other using difficult jargon. The words presented in this episode are groundwork, pi...

日本の中小企業に入らない方が良い理由　Why you should not join a small Japanese company

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japan, if you can join either a large or small company, you should not hesitate to join a large company. In small and medium-sized companies, the p...

お茶のいただき方　How to enjoy tea

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you work for a Japanese company, you must be careful how you drink tea. This way of drinking tea is an etiquette that no one will teach you, and on...

遅刻・欠勤の連絡のポイント　Things to keep in mind when contacting your supervisor about tardiness or absenteeism

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are late or absent from work, you must notify your supervisor. Here are some points to keep in mind when doing so in Japan.

議事録作成のすすめ　Recommendations for writing minutes

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Writing minutes is recommended to prevent dozing off at the meetings in Japanese companies. By writing the minutes, you can give the impression to oth...

日系企業における会議への参加方法　How to participate in meetings at Japanese companies

20 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japanese companies, there are many unproductive meetings that are not worth attending. Boring meetings can cause intense drowsiness. Yet, as a sala...

日系企業では出世への野心を見せた方が良いのか　Is it better to show ambition to get ahead in a Japanese company?

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japanese society, it is important to strike the right balance between modesty and assertiveness. People who are overly ambitious are disliked by th...

上司運の良い、悪い　Whether or not you can work for a good boss depends on luck.

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your success as a business person will be determined by the kind of people you meet. In this episode I talk about the luck of meeting people.

名刺交換のマナー　Business Card etiquette

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Japanese corporate society, there is a detailed etiquette for exchanging business cards. Here we will look at some of the key points.

日本人は褒めるのが下手。Why don’t Japanese bosses praise their subordinates?

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese people do not often praise others. It is the same at home, at school, and at work. This lecture will help you understand this general Japanes...

暇そうですねという言葉

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s consider the phrase “you seem to be bored”. Many Japanese people are offended by this phrase. This is because many Japanese being busy is ...

御社と貴社の使い分け、おを付ける言葉、会社名の後にさんを付ける習慣について

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

ビジネスで使われる色々な敬語を考察します。敬語の中には聞いていて違和感を感じるものもありますが、実際...