In this episode, I explore the question: Is mastering the “form” or “kata” really that important? Drawing from my own experience in Japanese corporate culture, I share how strict training in greetings and manners shaped — and sometimes limited — individuality. I discuss the value of learning form first, but also the risks of clinging to it for decades, leading to outdated practices. We look at how those outside the system, like freelancers or travelers, are often judged as “abnormal.” Finally, I invite listeners to reflect: Does your country have social norms or “forms” that restrict personal freedom?

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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 explore why films and TV dramas focused on Japanese “salarymen” are surprisingly rare, even though the corporate world is full of ambition, politics, and human flaws. I share examples from classics like Tsuribaka Nisshi and The Japanese Yes-Man to the gripping series Fumō Chitai, and reflect on how they depict tradition, ambition, and workplace dynamics. I also compare Japanese corporate storytelling with Western works like Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm. I argue that we need more stories that capture the complexity, absurdity, and humanity of Japan’s working world.

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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 my personal reflections on the idea of meritocracy in Japan’s corporate world. While many believe we should work in fields that match our talents, this mindset can create unnecessary pressure and lead to frustration when we can’t identify or monetize our strengths. I discuss how subjective evaluations, workplace politics, and sheer luck often shape careers more than pure ability. From the fading of humility in Japanese culture to the rise of self-promotion, I question whether meritocracy truly serves us. My conclusion: focus less on competing with others and more on building your own work philosophy.

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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 discuss why conversations that seem to be “neither helpful nor harmful” are so common, especially in workplace settings. Drawing from my experience working in various companies, I explore how safe, non-controversial topics like work, sports, and gambling dominate daily chats to avoid conflict. I also reflect on the consequences of this trend—social disengagement, shallow thinking, and widening divides. While such talks offer comfort, I encourage listeners to broaden their interests and think deeply to enrich both personal growth and business success. This episode is for those ready to challenge the status quo and think critically.

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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 explore how smoking areas in Japanese companies often serve as informal networking hubs — places where unspoken decisions, evaluations, and career advancements quietly unfold. Through personal stories and observations, I examine how non-smokers may be unintentionally excluded from crucial behind-the-scenes conversations. Is it fair that access to information and influence depends on a cigarette break? I also compare this with workplace culture in Thailand and ask: how can we create more inclusive environments for casual communication in the office? Tune in for a candid look at "smoke-filled" power dynamics in corporate 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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In today’s episode, I explore the value of aging in modern workplaces. As society increasingly favors youth and innovation, older generations are often unfairly labeled as “outdated” or even “toxic.” But should age alone be a reason for exclusion? I argue that we need to foster mutual respect across generations. Wisdom, experience, and emotional maturity are irreplaceable assets. Let’s rethink how we treat aging in our teams—and in ourselves.

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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 explore the deeper meaning of career change—not as a mere step up, but as a form of "shedding one's skin." Like animals that molt, true transformation through a job change often involves pain, fear, and the loss of old identities and relationships. I share my thoughts on why real change demands leaving behind comfort, stability, and even parts of ourselves. This is not about climbing the ladder—it's about redefining who we are. If you're considering a career shift that challenges your values, this episode may offer the perspective you need.

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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 today’s episode, I explore how to maintain a healthy mindset in a world full of invisible pressures — from climate change and economic disparity to social media overload. I share three simple yet powerful mental habits to help you stay grounded: embracing what you don't understand, living at your own scale, and accepting emotional ups and downs. When the world feels overwhelming, it's okay to shrink your focus and cherish your small, personal world. This episode offers gentle guidance for navigating uncertainty with resilience and self-compassion.

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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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Sometimes, not having a plan can lead to the most meaningful outcomes. In this episode, I share my thoughts on how embracing spontaneity and following your curiosity—without worrying about efficiency or success—can bring unexpected rewards. From childhood memories of picking up a ukulele to moments of pure impulse, I reflect on the value of doing things just because they feel interesting. Planning has its place, but so does serendipity. Let’s talk about the freedom in starting before you know the destination, and how that freedom might just lead you somewhere worthwhile.

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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 the limits of the “personal responsibility” mindset that’s often used to judge people who struggle. While I believe it’s important to take ownership of our actions, I question whether it's fair to ignore structural inequalities—like family background, education, or economic conditions. Not everyone starts from the same place. I also share why I think a mature society should let people ask for help without shame and offer second chances. This isn’t about making excuses—it’s about creating a world where even the less strong can live with dignity.

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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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