In this satirical episode, we explore a fictional “training course” designed to turn you into the perfect micro-manager. From obsessively monitoring your subordinates' screens to demanding hourly progress reports, this parody dives deep into the traits of controlling managers often found in traditional Japanese corporate culture. While humorous in tone, it sheds light on the harmful effects of excessive control, lack of trust, and fear-based leadership. In the end, we reflect on what true leadership really means: trusting your team, allowing room for growth, and resisting the urge to micromanage. Are you becoming a micro-manager without realizing it?

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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

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In this thought-provoking episode, we explore a paradoxical survival strategy in the age of AI: becoming a micromanager. As automation and generative tools like ChatGPT replace white-collar tasks, many professionals fear obsolescence. But ironically, those who reject efficiency and cling to control—micromanagers—may remain indispensable. By positioning themselves as bottlenecks, they become irreplaceable in rigid corporate cultures, especially in traditional Japanese companies. Is this the smartest way to survive the AI wave, or a symptom of deeper organizational dysfunction? Tune in as we examine this ironic phenomenon with a sharp, critical eye.

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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

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In this episode, I reflect on a growing uncertainty many people face today—what skills to learn, what work to pursue, and how to live meaningfully in an age where old rules no longer apply. Comparing Japan's stable Showa era with today’s rapidly changing world, I explore why so many feel lost, not only during their working years but also after retirement. This episode doesn’t offer simple answers—but it asks the right questions. If you've ever wondered, “What should I be doing with my life?”, this is for you.

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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

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Are all sales jobs equally tough? Not really. In this episode, we dive into the connection between sales roles and supply chain management (SCM). Discover why salespeople in the upstream of the supply chain—like raw material suppliers—often enjoy more stability, higher status, and fewer headaches. Meanwhile, those in downstream sectors struggle with price wars, short lead times, and endless negotiations. If you're in sales or considering a career move, this episode offers strategic insights on how “where” you sell can completely change your work life. Understanding SCM positioning might be the career hack you've been missing.

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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

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In this episode, we dive into the Japanese workplace culture of "obligatory overtime"—staying late just because others do. Why does this still exist, and how can you deal with it without hurting relationships or your reputation? I explore the roots of this practice, its psychological and cultural background, and offer practical strategies to leave work on time with confidence. For those considering a job in a Japanese company, this is a must-listen. Learn how to protect your time, maintain professionalism, and avoid being trapped by outdated norms.

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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

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Should we turn what we love into a career? In this episode, I explore the challenges of pursuing passion as work. I also share why it's okay not to find your “one true calling,” and how asking deep questions—and even playing—can lead to genuine creativity and fulfillment. Let’s reflect together.

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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

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Many new employees are told to “learn by reading CC’d emails” — but what if those emails make no sense? In this episode, I share my own confusion and frustration as a new hire trying to decode internal jargon, abbreviations, and vague messages. We’ll explore why Japanese workplaces often rely on implicit communication and how this creates invisible barriers for newcomers. I also share practical tips for surviving in environments where AI tools like ChatGPT can’t be used. From building your own glossary to reading email structure like an AI, here’s how to think smarter — even in analog workplaces.

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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

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In this episode, I reflect on what it means to be truly intelligent within the rigid structures of Japanese corporate life. While true thinkers often hide behind masks, I’ve encountered remarkable individuals—especially during my time in Bangkok—who revealed their depth in quiet moments. Real intelligence, I believe, lies not in titles or speed, but in the ability to embrace complexity and think deeply. I share personal stories of those hidden minds and invite listeners to reflect on their own workplace experiences. Perhaps you’ve met such quiet thinkers too—and perhaps this episode speaks to something you’ve long felt, but couldn’t say.

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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

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Is it okay to start job hunting immediately after changing jobs? In this episode, I discuss the challenges and realities of switching jobs quickly, including the emotional and practical aspects. I share my own experiences of short-term employment and the risks of leaving too soon. We also explore how to handle resumes with brief job stints and how recruiters view them. Most importantly, I emphasize prioritizing your mental health and long-term career strategy over pressure to stay. Whether you’re struggling with a new job or considering your next move, this episode offers honest advice and insights.

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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

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In this episode, I talk about why fax machines and paper direct mail are still common in Japan, especially among small and mid-sized companies. Based on my observations, I explain how older business owners often prefer analog communication due to limited digital skills or trust issues with new technologies. I also share why handwritten letters still hold emotional value, and why face-to-face, door-to-door sales continue to work. While digital tools are powerful, I believe it’s crucial to choose communication methods based on who you're targeting. This episode reflects on how tradition still shapes marketing in Japan today.

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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

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