Japan as Only 1

  There are many things that happen in life, and there will be many more in the future. Of course, both good and bad things occur. If you currently feel overwhelmed by negative events, remember that good things are likely on the horizon. It's often said that each person experiences about 50% good things and 50% bad things in life. However, there are some individuals who believe they experience more than 50% bad things or more than 50% good things in their lives. Certain events, such as economic downturns or the loss of a loved one, are beyond our control. During such times, positive individuals focus on finding opportunities or lessons even in these challenging situations. This mindset can bring tremendous benefits to our lives. By finding meaning and extracting valuable experiences from difficult situations, bad events can transform into valuable life lessons. I believe this is the only way we can shift the balance to experience more than 50% good things in life. We cannot control...

I believe there are a few life-changing moments that permanently alter the course of our lives. These moments appear a couple of times each year, yet we often overlook them, either by observing others or simply closing our eyes to their existence. Even when we recognize these opportunities, having the courage to take the initial step is challenging. And even if that step is taken, the timing might be too late to seize the advantage, as it's difficult to catch up to the forelock from behind. Consequently, we find ourselves with only a handful of life-changing moments. Whether you aspire to initiate a new business, embark on fresh projects, or elevate the prosperity of your existing venture, it's crucial to grasp opportunities as they arise. Many smart people perceive these openings, but only a few of them actually take the first step. For the second or the third step, the number will be close to 0. If you are young, this notion is similar to the "Nike" slogan—don't...

If you have the opportunity to engage in business with Japanese companies, it's essential to grasp the significance of informal communication.  Japanese businesspeople typically don't openly express their true feelings during business meetings , especially when dealing with new acquaintances.  In such cases, these meetings tend to focus on information sharing. To establish trust, it's crucial to participate in a social drinking gathering known as a "Nomikai."  Sharing a meal and drinks together is the most effective way to cultivate trust with Japanese companies. While this practice has evolved due to COVID, it remains true for the majority of companies.   This principle extends beyond building trust with companies; it also applies to fostering trust among team members.  Recently, I had the opportunity to watch fireworks with our international team members. This experience provided a chance to learn about their personal lives, and it allowed them to unders...