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/
＊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)
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:
- look for a seller or a buyer
- provide negotiation support
- 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
–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
–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.
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
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
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!
What can enhance both Japanese language skills and business skills?
January 19, 2018
Do you have the opportunity to read Japanese business books?
Reading books written in Japanese will help you improve your Japanese reading comprehension.
If it is a business book, it is useful also for business skills UP, so it is two birds with one stone.
But,
- It is difficult to read Japanese books because it takes long time…
- It is hard to choose a useful book for me…
For these reasons you may not be able to read?
Therefore, this time I will introduce services that will solve these troubles.
That is “book summary service”.
You may know getAbstract etc.
There are several similar services in Japan so I chose the following two from the point of view,
“Business books are handled a lot”
“Abstract quality is high”
“Site UI is good”
(1) Flier : https://www.flierinc.com/
Features:
- From topical books and masterpieces, celebrities such as managers and university professors, experts, etc. have chosen “books that business people should read now”.
- Management consultants and experts in each field prepare a summary.
- It corresponds to PC smartphone tablet.
- It is summarized so that it can be read in about 10 minutes.
(* For non-Japanese, it may take longer)
- Because you can choose from categories, it is easy to find a book that suits you.
There are categories such as “Skill-up career” “Self-development / mind” “Productivity / time management” “Leadership management” “Management strategy” “Entrepreneurial innovation” “Personnel” “Marketing” “Finance” “Technology IT” “Science” “trend”.
Plan:
- Free plan (free)
Viewable number: 20 (2 changes per month)
Number of additional contents: none
- Silver Plan (500 yen / month)
Viewable number: Free plan + up to 5 from charged contents every month.
Number of additional contents: About 30 books every month
- Gold plan (2,000 yen / month)
Viewable number:: Unlimited
Number of additional contents: About 30 books every month
(2) BOOK-SMART : https://book-smart.jp
Features:
- A professional staff with abundant business experience is preparing a summary at about 3,500 characters.
- You can read over 400 good books on the website anytime.
- 2 or 3 books are newly added each week.
- You can read it by email, too.
- Distributing essential readers of business people such as new topics and long sellers.
Plan:
- Subscription (6 month contract) (1,500 yen / month)
- Subscription (1 year contract) (1,350 yen / month)
- Subscription (2 year contract) (1,275 yen / month)
* All amounts stated are without tax.
* The amounts of BOOK-SMART is the amount when converted in the monthly amount. Actually, users need to pay the amount according to the contract period.
Both sites introduced a new book “Job Theory” by Clayton M. Christensen (original title: Competing Against Luck), so I will link each of them for you. I think both are compactly summarized.
https://www.flierinc.com/summary/1164
It will be a good story in a conversation with a Japanese business person, so please try it.
Japanese IT company that might be the world’s top company
January 5, 2018
In this article, we will introduce a company called Mercari, Inc., that might be the world’s top Japanese IT company for the following three reasons:
Reason 1: A strong management team
Mercari has so far raised 12.6 billion yen in funding. As its business in Japan has matured and grown with an increase in the operating profit, in the future it will probably invest human resources and capital proactively to expand overseas markets.
Mr. Yamada (President of Mercari. Inc.) is a key person who sold the network company Unoh to Zynga. He is known as a serial entrepreneur in startup industry in Japan.
Mr. Ishizuka (Director of Mercari, Inc.) who grew up in America, has a career in establishing the online social media networking, RockYou Inc, in Silicon Valley.
Mr. Koizumi was responsible for IPOs of leading Japanese companies such as Mixi and DeNA when working for a securities company. Then, he had provided consultation and other assistance to several startup companies, and joined Mercari in 2013.
Mr. Nagasawa (CFO of Mercari. Inc.) graduated from the Graduate School of?Business at the University of Chicago and then joined Goldman Sachs. He joined Mercari in 2015 after taking charge of IT-related M&A and IPOs in Tokyo and San Francisco.
In addition, Mercari’s management team brings together a wealth of elite entrepreneurial and sales experience, excellent members are gathered under the leadership of Mr. Yamada to further develop the business.
Reason 2: A great user interface
Compared to other flea-market app, Mercari has a very good ease of use. The company’s customer support team provides comprehensive support at the back, it can respond to a large number of user inquiries at a great speed to improve service quality.
Reason 3: Innovative corporate human resources
Mr. Ishiguro (Human Resources Department) was chosen as “Wantedly Award 2016” by Wantedly, Inc., a company provides social recruiting tool. Mr. Ishiguro is so famous in the Japanese IT industry that I doubt there would be a single person who doesn’t know him. He is engaged in various events regardless of online or offline, and many excellent talents decide to join one after another.
However, one point I have concerned is that there is no foreign executive in the company. As I mentioned before, “companies who do not hire foreigners in executive or HR are more difficult to globalize” (please refer to this article for details).
Mercari is now actively hiring bilingual talents, I believe that foreign executives?and HR staffs will come out soon.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mercari-shopping-marketplace/id896130944?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mercariapp.mercari&hl=ja
Giving Excellent Presentations in Japan (Don’t Imitate Steve Jobs!)
November 27, 2017
In a lecture on presentations being given the other day to advanced foreign learners of Japanese, there was a student who imitated Steve Job’s presentation style, but the Japanese people attending gave him a low evaluation.
So, let’s take a look at some important points that non-Japanese people need to know when giving a presentation in Japanese.
Learn the orthodox Japanese style well
When giving presentation in Japanese, there will probably be people in the audience who do not understand English very well.
Japanese people of this type are not used to presentations of the type Steve Jobs would give.
Actually, most Japanese people are used to a very simple style like that in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1dNSkGuCeg
Polish your presentation until you get it right
Advanced Japanese speakers should aim to give a perfect presentation just like a Japanese person.
Ideally, the presentation should be logical, informative, and easy for Japanese people to understand. Mid-level Japanese speakers should think of ways to compensate for their incomplete knowledge of Japanese.
First, try to gain the good will of your company.
To accomplish this, we recommend that you convey the disadvantages of products and services in addition to the advantages.
The reason is that honestly stating disadvantages in a frank appeal can easily gain the trust of Japanese people.
Practice your presentation
Make a video of your presentation and review it.
If you don’t have a video camera, use a ?Bandicam.
http://www.bandicam.com/main.php?from=jp
Get feedback from two Japanese people
You should ask your Japanese teacher about the accuracy of your Japanese.Particularly make sure that your particles and sentence ending expressions are correct.You should also ask the opinion of a business person regarding the content.
Good luck on your presentation!
When do you feel like going back to your own country?
November 27, 2017
Naturally, people who have decided to live in Japan, sometimes feel like they want to go home.
I saw an article about what non-Japanese people say when they are asked which times make them feel like going back home. I’ll tell you some of the things they said.
You can read the original Japanese article below.
http://news.mynavi.jp/column/gaikoku/052/
・When I want to see my friends and family
You can talk to them on Skype, but of course you would also like to have fun with them in person.
Try to make close friends in Japan so that you don’t get lonely!
・When I can’t express my feelings in Japanese
I also felt this way when I was living overseas. So, be sure to study your Japanese harder!
・When I can’t find a job other than teaching English conversation
In this day and age, I recommend trying to find an IT engineer job. The pay is good and a VISA is easy to get.
・When I get on a train fully packed with people
I don’t like it, either! (^_^;)
・When meetings at work drag on needlessly
One person said that even though Japanese people are very exact about starting on time, we don’t care so much about ending on time. We really are like that, aren’t we? Unfortunately, companies that have old corporate structures still hold lots of long meetings.
If there any of you out are lonely and don’t have any friends in Japan, please contact us.
Categories
Recent Posts
- I cannot keep up with meetings conducted in Japanese. Are there any good ways to study?
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- Are there any good business magazines to practice reading business Japanese?
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