Japanese Online Lessons using SKYPE

Japanese television programs for business people

February 16, 2018

I want to tell you about Japanese television programs for business people working in Japan.

 

＜Business News Programs＞

 

• モーニングサテライト (Morning Satellite)

TV Tokyo, Monday-Friday, 5:45 – 6:40

http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/nms/

 

This program covers economic news every morning.

The program primarily covers what happened in the American market during the night in Japan, and what’s happening in the Japanese market.

 

• 日経マーケットアイ (Nikkei Market Eye)

TV Tokyo, Monday-Friday, 6:40 – 7:00

http://www.bs-j.co.jp/marketeye/

 

This program mainly focuses on experts discussing issues not covered in Morning Satellite.

 

• ワールドビジネスサテライト (World Business Satellite)

TV Tokyo, Monday-Friday, 23:00 – 23:58

http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/wbs/

 

This program is probably watched by more business people in Japan than any other program. It covers a broad range of topics from market information, to new product information, and includes special features.

(By the way, J-OS was discussed on this program.)

＜Documentary Programs＞

 

• プロフェッショナル仕事の流儀 (Professional Work Fashion)

NHK, Monday, 22:25 – 23:14

http://www.nhk.or.jp/professional/

 

This show focuses on the life of one business professional every week, including the person’s troubles, setbacks, and thoughts. The program is popular with people who sympathize with the lives of business owners and workers.

 

• 未来世紀ジパング (Future Century Japan)

TV Tokyo, Monday, 22:00 – 22:54

http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/zipangu/

 

This show discusses topics such as how Japan is viewed overseas, overseas markets that will grow in the future, and ventures in Japan trying to succeed overseas.

 

• ガイアの夜明け (Gaia Daybreak)

TV Tokyo, Friday, 22:00 – 22:54

http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/gaia/

 

This program covers companies and people taking on challenges.

The industry and topic being covered changes each week, but many people watch it.

 

• カンブリア宮殿 (Cambria Palace)

TV Tokyo, Thursday, 22:00 – 22:54

http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/cambria/

 

This program was created by Japanese novelist Ryo Murakami. It welcomes business owners, politicians and other?? important people as guests, and talks about their activities, achievements, failures, how to succeed and other topics in an interview format.

 

• がっちりマンデー！！ (Gatchiri Monday!!)

TBS, Monday, 7:30 – 8:00

http://www.tbs.co.jp/gacchiri/

 

This program covers one topic each week from a financial and economic perspective.

Often discussing familiar companies and products, the format is easy to understand and the program is popular among people of many ages.

These programs are also good for listening practice, so check them out.

 

 

Methods to find out the average annual income of Japanese companies

February 13, 2018

Those who would like to work in Japan will probably want to know more about the salaries and wages in Japan for various jobs. In this article, we will introduce several useful methods to find out the average annual income of Japanese companies.

 

(1) Yahoo Finance

This is the most simple and convenient method. Open Yahoo Finance (http://finance.yahoo.co.jp/), search by company name, and then click on “Enterprise Information”, many latest information and data such as number of employees, average age and average annual income will be listed. (Only companies that are listed on the stock are eligible.)

 
(2) Securities Reports

In addition to the basic information such as number of employees, average age and average annual income are listed in a securities report, average length of service of employees is also available. It is highly recommended if you would like to know more about the average length of service.

 

You can check the company’s securities report at EDINET (Electronic Disclosure for Investors’ NETwork, http://disclosure.edinet-fsa.go.jp/) of the Financial Services Agency. The website is also available in English. Press “Document Search”, enter the company name and select “Annual Securities Report/ Semiannual Securities Report/ Quarterly Securities Report”. “Data of Employees” is fully described in that.

You should pay attention that if the company is newly established, the average length of service of employees will be very short.

 

 

(3) Japan Company Handbook

If you want to know more update information about the company, especially recommend “Japan Company Handbook”. This book publishes detailed corporate information such as average annual income, overtime pay, number of days taken off with pay, pay at age 30, and more. Original data such as turnover rate of new graduate after 3-year employment is also calculated.

https://goo.gl/hL30N1

 

More detailed information of small and medium-sized enterprises “Excellent SMEs and the Services Industry” is also recommended.

https://goo.gl/kYkFWr

 

 

(4) Reviews

The above are public data provided by the companies. I do believe you are also interested in employee comments. The most straightforward way to do this is to ask for advices from those who work in the same industry or who are now working in the company you would like to join. If you do not know any relevant persons, you can take advantage of the SNS, or utilize recruitment companies to seek more specific information about the working conditions.

A Japanese company that is most feared by other companies!?

February 9, 2018

Do you know, recently there is a company that is feared by many Japanese executives, saying “it is the end if that company enters to our industry?”

The company is called DMM, which has over 40 business lines in 15 countries as of March 2017, including online video business, DVD/CD rental business, game business, online English conversational school, online securities, solar power generation and MVNO business etc.

Although DMM may not be so well-known in foreign countries, we would like to introduce this Japanese company to you in this article.

 

It is a well-known fact that DMM is a company that has grown in the adult video business originally.

Let’s take a quick look at the company’s history. (A partial excerpt from Wikipedia)

============================

Late 80s – Mr. Kameyama, now the president, opened a rental video shop

1998 – Started AV distribution site “DMM”

2003 – Entered the online DVD rental business

2006 – Launched TV commercials

2009 – Acquired a securities company and entered the FX business

2012 – Entered the solar power generation business

2013 – Started the online English conversational school

2014 – Started DMM mobile (MVNO)

2016 – Launched DMM. Africa.

2017 – Started DMM Academy (Two-year private school)

============================

 

It is seen that DMM has spread its business extensively.

I think the following are the three key strengths of the company.

 

(1) Unlisted company

(2) Cash-rich

(3) Strategic power of Mr. Kameyama

 

Let’s look at this in more detail.

 

1. Unlisted company

?

As DMM is an unlisted company, there is no need to publish the details of its business plan and the main source of revenue. DMM is ambitious aiming to the area that the company can win by analyzing various information including IR materials of other listed companies.

 

2. Cash-rich

DMM has rich commercial profits in adult video business and has adopted a marketing strategy to invest liquidity in other business lines.

Especially its online English conversational school. The business began in 2013 that was later entered the industry, but DMM actively promote television advertising and offer low prices than others in the industry, contributing to its rapid growth. It is a strategy to raise prices after robbing market share.

 

3. Strategic power of Mr. Kameyama

Mr. Kameyama led DMM to growth rapidly, but he seldom discloses his true face. However, he participates in many interviews and lectures, and his speech deeply impressed most of the audience. My impression on Mr. Kameyama can be concluded as one word of “Strategist”. As a manager, I also take off my hat to his strategic strength. He is thoroughly committed to only fight to win.

 

Business News Applications (NewsPicks) contains many conversations of Mr. Kameyama with other investors and celebrities, it is worth reading. It is easy to read as the contents are in a dialogue format, it would be useful for studying Japanese reading comprehension, studying strategy, and collecting information on related business.

https://newspicks.com/user/9314/

 

Japanese general trading companies were said to be handling various business lines “from ramen to rocket”, because they have developed a wide variety of business all over the world. And now, various business lines of DMM, from adult video to education, have been growth steadily.

 

New Japanese business that guarantees achievement！？

February 8, 2018

Today I will introduce a Japanese company that has a unique business model.

Do you know a company named RIZAP?

 

Rizap is a company that mainly manages a training gym.

If you are watching Japanese TV, you may remember it with its impressive CM.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl3KNzEZkai5e9WQryNOjGA

 

The characteristics of RIZAP’s business are:

(1) 30 days Full repayment guarantee system

For any reason for 30 days from the start of the program, if you can not convince your achievement, they will refund you in full.

(2) High price

 

With the same features, RIZAP also operates golf schools and English conversation schools.

In RIZAP, the unit cost per lesson (50 minutes) is about 20,000 yen(*).

Golf lessons and English conversation lessons are roughly the same unit price. It is expensive, isn’t it?

(*)In the case of Body Make Standard Course 24 times, including membership fee

 

However, I think that this price setting was calculated precisely.

Because RIZAP can collect only serious people who want to take lessons even at high cost.

Also, those who can pay high cost, that is, people who can afford money tend not to complain so much.

 

Since Japanese tend not to complain too much, it may be a business model that succeeds only in Japan.

RIZAP’s performance seems to be growing steadily. Are there any similar business models in your country?

Double-jobber increasing in Japan!

February 7, 2018

In Japan, the way of thinking about side jobs is changing.

It became a hot topic that Softbank, Japan ‘s major telecom giant, allowed their workers to do side jobs since November 2017.

 

.

■ Why did this movement happen?

There are five main reasons.

• As a Japanese employment system, seniority and lifetime employment are famous, but this system is changing.
• Anxiety about pension.
• Pursuit of diverse lifestyle
• With the spread of nets and tools, it became easier to have side jobs.

・Because it is a shortage of talented people, it also has the aim of recruiting and holding excellent talent by allowing various ways of working.

 

■ Main side jobs being done in Japan

• Asset management (eg real estate management)
• Utilization of idle assets (eg Airbnb, Anyca) in the sharing economy * UBER is not operating in Japan.
• Second-hand goods sale (example: Amazon Marketplace, Ebay, Mercari, Yahoo auction)
• Internet Talent business, Internet Advertisement business (eg YouTuber, blogger)
• Utilize skills and qualifications (eg translation, interpreting, weekend soccer referee, rafting guide)

 

■ Side jobs unique to Non-Japanese people

There are an increasing number of Japanese people who start business for overseas / foreigners around me. So, in addition to translation, interpreting, demand for overseas market research etc seems to grow further. Language teachers will be needed more.

 

 

Your knowledge and skills are required more and more, but we strongly recommend that you check your employment rules and laws.

There are still many companies banning side jobs under the employment regulations. Please pay attention to VISA, too. If you earn income for operations other than what is stipulated in VISA, it will be regarded as “unauthorized activity” and become illegal here in Japan.

 

There is no doubt that opportunities are increasing, so follow the rules and get your success.

 

 

Recommended Japanese supermarket

February 1, 2018

When I go abroad, I try to go to the local supermarket as much as possible. Knowing what things are being sold and how much they are sold, it will be possible to imagine the lives of people living there.

Why do not you visit the supermarket in Japan for the same reason? I would like you to try not only people living in Japan, but also those who come to Japan on a trip.

 

So, although it is a very personal opinion, I chose four supermarkets in Japan that I would like to recommend.

 

No. 1　：　OK

Among housewives surrounding me, the overwhelming popularity No. 1.

This company is thoroughly selling good things cheaply, so carefully selecting the type of goods. Therefore, although the number of items is not many, standard products and popular items are sold quite cheaply.

In addition, the company has an “onest (honest) card”, for example, it is written to understand the following information. “Grapefruit that we are selling is a South African varieties with strong acidity. Delicious grapefruit from Florida will arrive in December. ”

For this reason, the company is gathering a lot of trust from customers.

http://www.ok-corporation.co.jp/shop/index.php

 

 

No. 2　：　KALDI

A company with many core fans. There are many unique things which are not sold at other stores, and it is fun just to watch. Many people come to buy “Pakuchi chips” etc.

The price range of Kaldy’s goods is higher than cheap supermarkets but cheaper than department stores. So I often use it when I want to buy “a little good one”.

At the entrance of the store, coffee put in a paper cup is distributed for free. If you find such a shop, I want you to look inside the shop. Because there are also many imported goods, you will surely find products that are familiar to foreigners.

https://www.kaldi.co.jp/english/

 

No. 3 (tie)　：　Ito Yokado　＆　AEON

Both were chosen to be third in the same rate because (1) Net Super (*) is convenient, (2) Private brand is substantial.

Ito-Yokado is a line of Seven-Eye Group which operates Seven Eleven, has a long history, and is very familiar to Japanese people. Private brand called Seven Premium is also popular.

Aeon is the core company of the Aeon Group and has a supermarket such as MaxValue and Daiei and a Mini Stop of a convenience store. Private brand called top value is also popular.

 

Both of them have a large sales scale and are used by many Japanese people, so if you go to either of these, you will not fail.

http://www.itoyokado.co.jp/special/global/en/

http://www.aeon.info/en/

 

＊Net Super : Products can be purchased on the web and delivered to their homes.

 

“Which supermarket do you like the most?” Is a conversation topic that can be naturally formed with Japanese neighbors. Depending on the area, the popularity supermarkets will be different, so please do try it.

(Because I live in Kanagawa prefecture next to Tokyo, this article assumes Kanto residents)

 

 

Major website mergers and acquisitions advisory and brokerage services in Japan

January 30, 2018

Mergers and acquisitions have become a popular business strategy for companies looking to expand into new markets. Nowadays, buying and selling websites has become most popular in Japan as well. There are also business advisors and brokers specialized in buying and selling websites.

The main functions required of the M&A advisors are as follows:

1. look for a seller or a buyer
2. provide negotiation support
3. conclude a business transaction

 

M&A advisory firms typically charge a commission (in form of ~% of contract price) when a business transaction is concluded. Business brokers specialized in buying and selling websites are always the same. In this article, we will introduce four major companies engaged in brokerage services for buying and selling websites in Japan.

 

 

(1) Sitecathcer

–URL:http://sitecatcher.net/

–Operator : Faber Company, Inc.

–Fee (1) without brokerage service – direct negotiation

-Basic fee : N/A

-Commission : 3% of the contract price

-Minimum commission : 50,000 yen

–Fee (2) with brokerage service

-Basic fee : 100,000 yen

-Commission : Commission for contract price are calculated based on the following Lehman Formula.

——————————————–

< 20 million yen: 10%

20 million yen – 40 million yen: 9%

40 million yen – 60 million yen: 8%

60 million yen – 80 million yen: 7%

80 million yen – 100 million yen: 6%

> 100 million yen: 5%

——————————————–

–Minimum commission 200,000 yen

–Comparison of commission for contract price of 25 million yen <<2.55 million yen>>

100,000 yen+2 million yen　(20 million yen ×10%)+450,000 yen　((25 million yen – 20 million yen)× 9%)

–Features

——————————————–

-Established in June 2005.

-The number of transactions so far has exceeded 700, and the total number of websites registered for sales is 2,500.

-Administrative scriveners, who are familiar with buying and selling websites, make contract documents free of charge.

-Two plans, direct negotiation plan and brokerage plan, are available.

——————————————–

 

(2) Site M&A

–URL : http://www.sitema.jp/

–Operator : GMO Internet, Inc.

–Fee (1) without brokerage service – direct negotiation

-Basic fee : N/A

-Commission : Sell: 15% of the contract price / Buy: Commission-free

-Minimum commission : N/A

–Fee (2) with brokerage service

-Basic fee : 100,000 yen

-Commission : Commission for contract price are calculated based on the following Lehman Formula.

——————————————–

< 20 million yen: 10%

20 million yen – 40 million yen: 9%

40 million yen – 60 million yen: 8%

60 million yen – 80 million yen: 7%

80 million yen – 100 million yen: 6%

> 100 million yen: 5%

——————————————–

–Minimum commission 300,000 yen

–Comparison of commission for contract price of 25 million yen <<2.55 million yen>>

100,000 yen+2 million yen　(20 million yen ×10%)+450,000 yen　((25 million yen – 20 million yen)× 9%)

–Features

——————————————–

-Company listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with good reputation and achievement. (The GMO group is a comprehensive internet company which nine group companies are listed.)

-10 years of management record

-Good connection with listed IT & Internet companies and excellent companies.

-The price of websites less than 1 million yen is a marketplace type (1), that direct negotiation between buyer and seller in auction form is conducted. The price of websites over 1 million yen is M&A service type (2), that brokerage service by experts are provided.

——————————————–

(3) SITESTOCK

–URL:http://www.sitestock.jp/

–Operator : SiteStock Inc.

–Fee (1) without brokerage service – direct negotiation

-Basic fee : N/A

-Commission : 3% of the contract price

-Minimum commission : 50,000 yen

–Fee (2) with brokerage service

-Basic fee : 100,000 yen (Only in case of contract signings)

-Commission : 10% of the contract price

–Minimum commission : N/A

–Comparison of commission for contract price of 25 million yen <<2.6 million yen>>

2.5 million yen　(25 million yen ×10%)

–Features

——————————————–

– Started in 2007.

– Business approach to several thousand companies. (There are many affiliated partners.)

– (1) the lowest prices in the industry.

– (2) A contingency fee type commission, commission-free in case of contract failure.

——————————————–

(4) SITERADE

–URL :http://www.site-trade.jp/

–Operator : ZESTUS, Inc.

–Fee (1) without brokerage service – direct negotiation

-Basic fee : N/A

-Commission : N/A

-Minimum commission : N/A

–Fee (2) with brokerage service

-Basic fee : Commission-free

-Commission : < 100 million yen: 10% / > 100 million yen: Separate consultation

–Minimum commission 300,000 yen

–Comparison of commission for contract price of 25 million yen <<2.5 million yen>>

25 million yen ×10%

–Features

——————————————–

– Established in July 2006.

– Specialized in corporations. Websites operated by individuals are not eligible.

– (2) A contingency fee type commission, commission-free in case of contract failure.

——————————————–

※Amounts are all tax excluded. As of 27 March 2017

 

 

Given the above information can clarify the following two points:

First, there is a trend that small-scale business websites become a marketplace type that buyer-seller interact directly. On the contrary, buying and selling high-priced business websites are usually conducted with support of the M&A advisors.

Second, each M&A advisory company has different commission rates and basic fees, but the basic fee structure is more similar to each other.

 

Please note that company which offers a lower commission rate is not always good. M&A service quality and engagement are more important than the fee. For good mergers and acquisitions advisory and brokerage services, it is more important that the company how to negotiate with good partners to make good conditions and how quickly it can make a prompt decision. For this reason, even if the commission are somewhat high, the overall merit will increase when the transaction is concluded.

 

It would be a good idea to have these options when launching a new business or as an exit strategy for your business.

Popular 18 Business Japanese Dramas recommended for business Japanese learners!

January 24, 2018

Many foreigners like learning Japanese through various media such as comics and animations. But, some business people may feel this is not enough. Given that, we have selected some business-theme related Japanese TV dramas that both Japanese learners and business people enjoy. The following are my favorite Top 3 and other popular dramas.

 

No１

“Hagetaka”

It’s a business drama that depicts the battle between Japanese bankers trying to prevent buyouts by foreign investors. It is said that the awareness of the threats to acquisitions raised among Japanese businesspeople after broadcasting this drama. Recommended for those who are interested in the topics like M&A, corporate rehabilitation and foreign fund.

 

Watch this program on DVD

http://amzn.to/2r3AM8G

 

No２

“Hanzawa Naoki”

The drama follows the story of Hanzawa Naoki, a banker working for the largest bank in Japan, faces numerous obstacles from upper management as he climbs his way up the ranks.

The story is interesting that it offers an in-depth look at the constraints of those close-knit in bank’s internal structure. It is one of the super popular TV drama with a consistent high rating of 42.2%. A popular signature phrase of Hanzawa, “Yararetara yarikaesu! Bai gaeshi da!!” (An eye for an eye! I will just fight back twice as much!!”), was also chosen as a buzzword for 2013.

 

Watch this program on DVD

http://amzn.to/2r3v1YK

 

No３

“SoratobuTaiya”

A drama with the theme of a flying tire accident and hiding recalls by major automakers. It gives a realistic depiction of the conflict between people working in an organization called “company”, and the relationship between large companies and their subcontractors.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/PsFH3b

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3nf0L

 

“Kabuka Bōraku”

It depicts a restructured mega supermarket targeted by bombings terrorism, and the widespread darkness among its main bank. It’s a drama that combines various elements of financial drama, corporate suspense and police drama.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/ss0mGb

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r37pmY

 

“Kansa Hōjin”

It’s an economic drama that depicts the battle between a company and an audit corporation.

With the theme of accounting audit, it’s recommended for people involved in accounting and auditing.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3m5ma

 

 

“Genkai Shuraku Kabushikigaisha”

The story is about reconstruction of rural areas where have experienced depopulation. A management consultant has appeared in rural areas and tries to reconstruct the area though agriculture with a group of young people from city. It’s recommended for people who are interested in topics like regional reconstruction, consulting, as well as Japanese mentality in the countryside.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

 

“Saisei Kyoryu”

A human drama that takes place in logistics industry, depicting the conflict and regeneration of a man who, although has abilities, is still suffering a demotion transfer after his failure. You may be drawn into the story because of its detailed description of the restraints of Japanese companies.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/RG0gci　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r38sTW

 

“Shitamachi Rocket”

The story is related to the development of domestic rocket engine, depicting a small factory in downtown fighting against a huge company. It’s recommended for those who are interested in small and medium-sized manufacturers which support the Japanese manufacturing.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3mZPl

 

“Cheisu: Kokuzei sasatsukan”

The story is about a huge asset of 600 billion yen, depicting the battle between the National Tax Inspector and the tax evasion consultant. It’s recommended for those who are interested in tax consulting or tax havens.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2s60kR2　

 

“Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out”

The story follows a female employee working for the bank 5 years, overcomes many challenges one after another within the Bank. Although it’s a comic origin story that lacks reality, everyone can easy to enjoy.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3tima　

 

“Made in Japan”

It’s a drama that depicts a giant electric manufacturer, just before bankruptcy, attempts to rebuild in the lithium ion battery market. It’s recommended for those who are interested in Japanese manufacturing industry and international competition with foreign enterprises.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3F3sJ

 

“Roosevelt Game”

Medium-sized precision instrument manufacturers on the verge of bankruptcy are facing the crisis of absorption merger. The story depicts a miracle reversal play “Roosevelt Game” by overlapping the fight against competitors with the struggle of company’s baseball team.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/cK14kk　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3sFsB　　

 

“LEADERS”

The story is based on Toyota’s founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, depicts the people who spend their whole lives on domestic automobile manufacturing. It’s recommended for those who are interested in Japanese manufacturers, automobile manufacturing, Toyota etc.

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3zMkP

 

 

“Kanryotachi no Natsu”

It tells the story of the industries and government officials, who are carrying out their mission to make Japan, the defeated country, as affluent and wealthy as the western world. It’s recommended for people who are interested in Japan at the time of high economic growth.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3hhwW　

 

“Shizumanu Taiyō”

The drama depicts the battle of company labor union modeled on Japan Airlines in the 1960 – 1980s. With the theme of labor unions, it’s recommended for people involved in personnel affaires and labor.

 

Watch this program on DVD vol 1 http://amzn.to/2r3m8hS　

Watch this program on DVD vol 2 http://amzn.to/2r3tEsW

 

“Taiyo no Wana”

It’s a romantic-suspense story that depicts the protagonist is suspected of being an industrial espionage in relation to the technology of solar power generation. It’s recommended for those who are interested in themes such as intellectual property or patent warfare.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2s69NYv

 

“Top sales”

A story of a woman who changes her career and eventually becomes a president of a car sales company in a male-oriented society of the 1970’s. It’s recommended for people who are interested in Japanese car industry after the war, or successful career woman in Japan. Since Japanese famous cars such as Toyota 2000 GT are also appeared, car fans can also enjoy the story.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2s67JA2

 

“Rich Man, Poor Woman”

It’s a romantic comedy drama, tells a love story between the president of an IT venture company and a student from the University of Tokyo right out of college. Although some business people may feel the content is not enough, IT-related people may enjoy, since it’s a story taken place in an IT company.

 

Watch this program at FujiTV on demand https://goo.gl/ORjIRw　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3u9TI　

 

Some occupations and industries that I’d like to recommend are listed. All the stories are interesting, and I do believe everyone else can enjoy the stories. Let’s practice listening skills while enjoying Japanese TV dramas!

How many Japanese proverbs do you know?

January 24, 2018

These days on YouTube, many non-Japanese express their opinions on Japan and discuss how to learn Japanese.

Today, I’d like to introduce an interesting video explains Japanese proverbs in a quiz format;

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KoQYyeGfy0

 

Since many of Japanese proverbs reflect the Japanese culture, sometimes the knowledge on them helps understanding the Japanese values. The followings are some of sayings in this video. Well, how many Japanese proverbs do you understand??

 

「Saru mo ki kara ochiru」

「Kappa no kawa nagare」

「Onnagokoro to aki no sora」

「Ishibashi o tataite wataru」

「Jakuniku kyooshoku」

「Sawaranukami ni tatarinashi」

「Deru kui wa utareru」

「Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu」

「Juunin toiro」

「Ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku」

「Donguri no seikurabe」

「Tsuki to suppon」

「Neko ni koban」

「Makeru ga kachi」

「Nasake wa hito no tamenarazu」

「Nou aru taka wa tsume o kakusu」

「Koubou fude o erabazu」

 

If you are interested in the Japanese sayings, please refer to this site as well;

 

http://www.geocities.jp/tomomi965/ichiran.html

 

Although I knew only about the half of them, 489 pieces of the Japanese proverbs are listed in this site. I believe that knowing Japanese proverbs can be some tips for better communication with Japanese.

 

 

When to start studying for business Japanese?

January 24, 2018

Some of J-OS members may be studying Japanese language now for current work or for future career opportunities.

As for the question of when you should start studying for business Japanese, I recommend all Japanese learners to build up a basic knowledge of Japanese grammatical structures and vocabulary at first.

That is because most of Japanese expressions and terms often used in business situations are difficult and time-consuming to understand for the beginner level, which is not an efficient way of learning Japanese.

So, which stage will be the best to begin business Japanese for learners?

Although there are recently some business Japanese textbooks targeting beginner level, I should say that JLPT N3 or level 5 of J-OS level map are at least required.（Such factors as needs, urgency or receptiveness vary between individuals, of course.）

Skipping basic level of Japanese is something like beginning a triathlon without any previous preparation.

First of all, you need to improve your basic physical fitness by such step-by-step process as mastering 10 km marathon and then 1 km swimming. Secondly, try to　extend the distance gradually with less impact on your body. Finally, as a result, you will be able to cross the finish line in less time than expected.

As you can see, making a realistic plan is an important key to successful Japanese language learning.