In this episode, I question the traditional Japanese belief in “career consistency.” In many Japanese companies, being recognized as a true professional often requires staying in the same job for decades. Even dull or unfulfilling work can be valued if endured long enough. Drawing on Shibusawa Eiichi’s famous quote and contrasting it with Fukuzawa Yukichi’s humor and openness, I reflect on how these values still shape Japan today. I argue that switching jobs should not be seen as weakness, but as a path of self-discovery. Career exploration, not blind loyalty, is what creates a more humane society.

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●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログ

ビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, I reflect on why workplace relationships matter more than job content itself. From my experience, what truly shapes comfort at work is whether our values, or “work sense,” align with colleagues and especially bosses. I compare two contrasting types: the “relaxed type,” who values balance and free time, and the “stoic type,” who prioritizes work above all. I also share insights from my time abroad, where I saw cultural imitation and hierarchy at play. Using the metaphor of “cormorant fishing,” I explain how conformity can limit freedom. Finally, I ask listeners: which type are you?

In this episode, I explore the question: under what conditions can long working hours be justified in Japan? I talk about the restaurant industry, where staff shortages and ambition often drive people to extreme overtime, and I recall the old “Can you work 24 hours?” culture that once shaped Japan. I also compare Japan with Europe, where long vacations and family time are valued. While I respect working hard for a dream, I warn that endless work can lower efficiency and identity balance. I ask listeners to reflect: is success about overwork, or about living fully?

In this episode, I talk about why learning to “slack off” is essential for both employees and freelancers. Slacking off doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities, but rather finding small ways to rest, recharge, and create breathing space. I share my experiences in Bangkok—skipping work to wander around Siam Paragon or browsing Japanese books in Phrom Phong—and how those breaks kept me balanced. From dozing on a park bench during sales calls to managing motivation as a freelancer, I explain why intentional rest prevents burnout. Sometimes stepping away is the smartest way to keep going strong in the long run.

In this episode, I explore why arrogant or overbearing people often rise to positions of power in Japanese companies and society. Drawing from political figures and my own experiences in manufacturing sales, I reflect on how a culture that respects craftsmen and tradition can sometimes enable disrespectful behavior. I share a story about workplace dynamics, the subtle power of words, and why loud voices tend to dominate over thoughtful opinions. Finally, I invite listeners to reflect on their own countries: do arrogant leaders gain influence where you live, or do quieter, reasoned voices find respect?

In this episode, I reflect on the hidden meaning behind being treated to a meal. When I was younger, I often thought a free dinner was simply kindness. But through experiences at university, in my first company, and later abroad, I realized that meals can carry expectations—sometimes seen as an “investment.” In Japan, generosity is often tied to obligation, while in Vietnam I found a more natural, no-strings-attached attitude. What do these cultural differences reveal about trust, business, and relationships? Join me as I explore the unspoken rules behind invitations and ask: how is it in your country?

In this episode, I reflect on the challenges of changing jobs in Japan, especially the choice between large corporations and small to mid-sized companies. While big companies often offer better pay, benefits, and stability, smaller firms carry unique risks. One of the biggest pitfalls is the “fixed human relationship” problem: limited staff means little room to escape if you clash with a boss or colleague. I also discuss why building transferable, skill-based careers is essential in today’s job market. Join me as I explore the realities of career moves and what to consider before taking the next step.

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●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログ

ビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, I share a turning point from my college days. While working part-time at a small bookstore, I suddenly quit without notice. When the owner called me back, he told me something I will never forget: “You are strong in solitude. That strength may guide your future.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand. Years later, after struggling in corporate life and eventually becoming a freelancer, I realized the truth of his words. Solitude can be both freedom and isolation. Join me as I reflect on how one sentence shaped my path and way of life.

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●ビジネス日本語学習者のための無料メルマガ講座⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://my162p.com/p/r/odSmegng⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

●ビジネス日本語学習者向けブログ

ビジネスのために日本語を学んでいる人のための情報を発信しています⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessnihongo555.blogspot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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