Takuma@Japan Career Coach 🇯🇵

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In Japan, nobody can just say “yes, let’s do it” on the spot — even for small decisions. Everything goes through 稟議 (ringi) — a formal approval process where a proposal document circulates through multiple managers. Want to buy new software? Ringi. Change a supplier? Ringi. It can take days or weeks depending on how many people need to approve. It’s frustratingly slow but ensures accountability and prevents rogue decisions. Everything is documented, everyone’s consulted, nobody gets blindsided. #WorkingInJapan #Ringi #JapaneseBusinessCulture #CorporateJapan #DecisionMaking #RedTape

If you want to work in Japan, your resume matters. Japanese resumes are different. Key tips: • Use a standard format • Keep it clear and simple • Write a strong motivation • Pay attention to details I explained how to write a Japanese resume in my latest Patreon post. patreon.com/posts/japanese… #learnjapanese #workinjapan #japanjobs

In Japanese job interviews, you may be asked: “Why should we hire you?” Weak answer: “I am hardworking.” Strong answer includes: 1️⃣ Your skills 2️⃣ Your connection to the company 3️⃣ Your contribution I explained how to structure this in my latest Patreon post patreon.com/posts/how-to-a… #learnjapanese #workinjapan #japanjobs

@ACrowd34 That's normal for us.

@CafeLearner Why do Japanese people abandon their houses to a new one and never return to it again?

Most foreigners probably don't know about old Japanese houses, so I'll show you a quick video. Please take a look at Japanese culture☺️

I went to Yanagawa today. It's a famous tourist spot in Fukuoka known for its river cruises, but it was actually my first time there. It had a nice atmosphere, with a blend of old-fashioned Japanese charm and stylish shops✨

コストパフォーマンス (kosuto pafomansu) = “Value for money” / “Cost-effectiveness” / “Bang for your buck” Borrowed from English but used consultantly in Japan. Usually shortened to コスパ (kosupa). Quality vs price. What you get for what you pay. Japanese people are obsessed with this concept. Examples: “コスパがいい。” (Kosupa ga ii.) “Great value for money.” / “Good cost-performance.” “コスパ悪い。” (Kosupa warui.) “Not worth the price.” / “Poor value.” Not just “cheap.” Not just “high quality.” “このホテル、コスパ最高だった” (This hotel had amazing value) “あのレストラン、味はいいけどコスパ悪い” (That restaurant tastes good but overpriced) Different from just 安い (yasui - cheap). Cheap doesn’t mean good コスパ if quality is trash. コスパ = quality-to-price sweet spot. #Japanese #LearnJapanese #日本語 #JapaneseLearning #Value #Shopping #StudyJapanese #LanguageLearning #JLPT #CostEffective #BangForBuck #Smart

In Japanese job interviews, you will be asked: “What are your weaknesses?” Common mistakes: • Saying “I have none” • Giving negative answers without improvement A strong answer should include: 1️⃣ Weakness 2️⃣ Effort to improve 3️⃣ Result I explained this in my latest Patreon post. patreon.com/posts/how-to-a… #learnjapanese #workinjapan #japanjobs

In Japanese job interviews, you will be asked: “What are your strengths?” Many people say: “I am hardworking.” But that is not enough. A strong answer needs: 1️⃣ Strength 2️⃣ Example 3️⃣ Result I explained how to structure this in my latest Patreon post. patreon.com/posts/how-to-a… #learnjapanese #workinjapan #japanjobs

One of the biggest adjustments working in Japan: you’re not supposed to make decisions on your own. Even small stuff — changing a meeting time, picking a vendor, adjusting a deadline — you consult your boss first. Making decisions independently can be seen as arrogant or risky. It’s all about 相談 (soudan - consultation). “Should I do A or B?” → Ask your manager It feels micromanage-y at first but it’s really about collective responsibility. If something goes wrong, the team shares the blame — but only if everyone was in the loop. #WorkingInJapan #JapaneseWorkCulture #CorporateJapan #Management #DecisionMaking

In Japanese job interviews, you will often be asked: “Why do you want to work in Japan?” Many people answer: “I like Japan.” But this is not enough. A strong answer needs: 1️⃣ Reason 2️⃣ Experience 3️⃣ Contribution I explained how to answer this question in my latest Patreon post. patreon.com/posts/how-to-a… #learnjapanese #workinjapan #japanjobs

Many foreigners struggle when job hunting in Japan. Not because they lack ability, but because they make common mistakes. For example: • focusing only on JLPT • not preparing for interviews • not researching companies I explained 5 common mistakes foreigners make when job hunting in Japan in my latest Patreon post. patreon.com/posts/5-mistak… #learnjapanese #workinjapan #japanjobs

Japanese phone etiquette has these super specific phrases you have to use. When transferring a call to a coworker, you can’t just say “hold on, I’ll get them” or casually hand off the phone. You say 〇〇におつなぎいたします (○○ ni otsunagi itashimasu) — “I will connect you to [name].” It’s formal, polite, and follows the exact pattern every time. Then you put them on hold, find your coworker, brief them on who’s calling and why, then transfer. #WorkingInJapan #PhoneEtiquette #JapaneseBusinessManners #CorporateJapan #OfficeLife

採算 (saisan) = “Profitability” / “Breaking even” / “Financial viability” 採算 (saisan) = profit and loss balance, cost-effectiveness Whether a project/business actually makes financial sense. Revenue vs costs. Can we sustain this? Examples: “採算が取れる。” (Saisan ga toreru.) “It’s profitable.” / “We can break even.” “採算が合わない。” (Saisan ga awanai.) “It’s not profitable.” / “The numbers don’t work.” 黒字 (kuroji) = profit (opposite of 赤字 akaji - loss) Japanese companies thinks 採算取れるか first. It's different from just 利益 (rieki - profit). 採算 includes the question of sustainability. Can we keep doing this profitably? Long-term thinking. When a project 採算が合わない, it gets cut. No matter how cool. Business is business. #Japanese #LearnJapanese #日本語 #JapaneseLearning #BusinessJapanese #Finance #StudyJapanese #LanguageLearning #JLPT #Profitability #Business #Reality

I've been incredibly busy with work lately, so I went to a hot spring for the first time in a while to relax ♨️ I feel so happy because I can just zone out and not think about anything while soaking in the hot springs and using the hot stone spa ✨ I found a co-working space, so I did a little work there too, but I was able to relax completely☺️

Many foreigners believe JLPT N2 = job in Japan. But that’s not how Japanese hiring works. Companies evaluate: • communication
• business Japanese
• cultural understanding Example: ❌ 日本で働きたいです
⭕ 御社で働くことで、自分のスキルを活かしたいと考えております #workinjapan #jlpt

Japanese companies have this whole system of 階層別研修 (kaisou-betsu kenshu) — basically mandatory training programs based on your career stage. New employee (1st year): Business manners, phone etiquette, how to bow properly Mid-level (3-5 years): Project management, mentoring juniors Senior (7-10 years): Leadership skills, strategic thinking New manager: People management, labor laws, how to conduct evaluations Everyone at the same level goes through the same training at the same time. It’s super structured. You’ll get pulled out of work for 2-3 days, sent to a training center, do role-plays and group exercises with people from other departments. It feels rigid but honestly? It ensures everyone has baseline skills and creates cross-departmental connections. #WorkingInJapan #CorporateTraining #JapanWorkCulture #ProfessionalDevelopment #CorporateJapan

If you want to work in Japan, you should know these workplace phrases: • お疲れ様です • よろしくお願いします • 承知しました • お先に失礼します These expressions are used every day in Japanese offices. I explained 10 useful workplace phrases in my latest Patreon post. patreon.com/posts/10-japan… #learnjapanese #workinjapan #japaneselanguage

議事録 (gijiroku) = “Meeting minutes” / “Meeting notes” / “Official record” Document that haunts every Japanese meeting attendee. Official written record of what happened in a meeting. Who said what. What was decided. What’s next. Examples: “議事録を取ってください。” (Gijiroku wo totte kudasai.) “Please take the meeting minutes.” “議事録を共有します。” (Gijiroku wo kyouyuu shimasu.) “I’ll share the meeting minutes.” Japanese companies are serious about 議事録. Not casual notes. Formal documentation. Date, attendees, agenda, discussion points, decisions, action items, deadlines. Every. Meeting. We have 議事録担当 (minutes taker) for every meeting. Standard format usually includes: •日時 (date/time) •参加者 (attendees) •議題 (agenda) •決定事項 (decisions made) •アクションアイテム (action items) •次回予定 (next meeting) Very structured. It's shared with all attendees. Sometimes higher-ups. Junior staff often get stuck with 議事録 duty. #Japanese #LearnJapanese #日本語 #JapaneseLearning #BusinessJapanese #Meetings #StudyJapanese #LanguageLearning #JLPT #WorkCulture #Documentation #Professional

Many learners ask: “Do I need JLPT N2 to work in Japan?” In many cases, the answer is yes. But N2 alone does not guarantee a job. Companies also look for: • Communication skills • Interview performance • Professional attitude I explained this in my latest Patreon post. #learnjapanese #jlpt #workinjapan patreon.com/posts/why-jlpt…