Notes on Japanese Corporate Culture

AI is changing more than the way content is created—it is changing the way we experience reality. In this episode, I explore why modern media literacy is no longer just about detecting fake news or verifying facts. Instead, it begins with understanding our own emotional responses to carefully crafted stories and digital experiences. Whether it's travel videos, self-improvement books, or AI-generated content, we are often drawn into compelling narratives rather than objective information. The most important question is not simply, "Is this true?" but, "Why does this affect me so deeply?" That awareness may become our greatest defense.

In this episode, I take a critical look at two seemingly opposite lifestyles: the traditional salaried career and the FIRE movement. While they appear fundamentally different, both rely on personal narratives that help individuals cope with uncertainty and constraint. I explore how people assign meaning to work or elevate freedom as an ideal, not necessarily because these paths are inherently fulfilling, but because they make reality more bearable. Rather than rejecting these narratives, the key lies in recognizing them. Awareness allows us to step back, question our assumptions, and consciously choose how we interpret and shape our lives.

In this episode, I talk about small talk in business and why it matters more than we think. Knowledge used to be power, but today information is everywhere — in a search bar, in a phone, in AI. What people remember is not how smart we sound, but how we make them feel. Small talk is the doorway to trust, the warm moment before the real conversation begins. It’s not about performing or impressing others. It’s about presence, ease, and being human. When we speak simply and listen sincerely, connection happens — quietly, naturally. That is where communication truly begins.

In this episode, I talk about the mindset many Japanese salarymen develop through school and work. We grow up believing there is always one correct answer. But in real life, there is no single truth. Many people start looking for the “optimal answer” instead — a safe reply that keeps others comfortable but hides their own thoughts. It avoids conflict, but it also stops personal growth. When we choose safe answers for too long, we lose our voice and our worldview becomes weak. Real freedom begins when we think for ourselves and speak with our own words.

In this episode, we explore a sensitive but important topic: the casual teasing of baldness in the workplace. While often brushed off as harmless humor, such jokes can carry real emotional weight and reflect deeper issues in workplace culture. Drawing from personal experiences in both Japanese and international settings, I discuss why “harmless teasing” is not always harmless — and how it affects the dignity and mental well-being of those involved. It's time we rethink how we treat others, especially when it comes to physical appearance. Respect, not ridicule, should define our professional environments.

Why do so many Japanese employees work with a “CEO mindset” — even when they don’t own the company? This episode explores the cultural roots of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and group harmony in the Japanese workplace. We discuss why praise and gratitude are rare, how status is earned through endurance rather than pay, and why many workers prioritize respect over money. As traditional systems face modern pressures, what will motivate the next generation? A thoughtful look at Japan’s unique corporate values — and what they reveal about ambition, humility, and the silent pursuit of recognition.

Why do employees stay silent in meetings, even when told to speak freely? In this episode, we explore how status and hierarchy shape communication in Japanese companies—and how this stifles creativity. It's not about what you say, but who says it. We discuss the fear of judgment, the illusion of open dialogue, and why true innovation requires more than just permission—it requires safety. Whether you're in Japan or elsewhere, this episode offers insights into the subtle forces that silence us at work.

Ever been fired? I have—more than once. In this episode, I share what it’s really like to get the boot, from being let go on day one to getting canned after a weird probation period abroad. Yeah, it stings—but it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes it’s just life telling you, “Hey, this ain’t your place.” If you’re stressed about job stuff or just need a new perspective, tune in. Getting fired might be the start of something way better.

Think working yourself to the bone means you’re a great employee? Think again. In this episode, Shigeki dives into the old-school mindset of grinding non-stop and argues why working smarter—not harder—is the real flex. From Japanese salarymen to tropical office life in Thailand, it’s time to ditch the hustle-for-hustle’s-sake mentality and reclaim your time. Work efficient, rest proud.

Many Japanese salarymen in Thailand spend their weekends playing golf—not for fun, but out of social pressure. In this episode, I share why I refused to follow that path. From unpaid overtime disguised as leisure, to the environmental damage caused by golf course development, and the desire to live a “petit bourgeois” fantasy abroad—I explore what it really means to say “no” in a culture that demands conformity.