RONJIRU JAPAN

Japanese business 2022: the year of engagement

https://youtu.be/QLKN32NvoAs

Rochelle Kopp is a management consultant in Japan, specializing in cross-cultural communication, human resources, leadership and organization development. Through the company she founded, Japan Intercultural Consulting, she works with Japanese companies doing business globally and global companies doing business in Japan.

A veteran facilitator, lecturer, executive coach…and author and/or co-author of 38 books…Rochelle delivers cross-cultural team-building training sessions and global consulting to scores of Japan’s leading companies, and session participants from around the world. And helps Japanese companies succeed in maximizing on the global trends that are shaping the future for Japanese business.

In this episode, Rochelle discusses some of the themes and challenges for Japanese business in 2022. Particularly, the way that Japanese companies who wish to re-boost themselves in this [almost] post-COVID world of “globality” (my word, not hers) need to understand, think about, and embrace the idea of employee engagement.

To me personally, sometimes management-related terms or hiring concepts seem to get lost in the words. Motivation, productivity, efficiency, etc. Rochelle makes them into living and actionable steps, for a Japan facing a new year, and a new normal, and a new work force.

Rochelle Kopp on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/rochelle.koppRochelle Kopp on Twitter:https://twitter.com/JapanIntercultJapan Intercultural Consulting:https://japanintercultural.com

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A stand-up comedian’s journey: nothing to lose

https://youtu.be/6dIBNMXjwhE

Shuhei “Shoe” Murakami is a Japanese stand-up comedian who has performed at comedy venues in the USA, Canada and Japan. In addition to stand-up comedy, he’s also an English teacher at a junior high school in Tokyo. After almost dropping out of high school, Shuhei began to study, learned English, completed university to become a teacher, but first went traveling in Southeast Asia after graduation. In Cambodia, he fell prey to an elaborate scam that resulted in his losing all his money. Penniless, homeless in a faraway land and bolstered only by his wits and the English he studied so hard to learn, Shuhei took on every challenge and turned it into his next opportunity. He learned that when you’re at the bottom, the only way to go is up.

In this interview, Shuhei guides us through highlights of the fascinating journey that he took from the streets of Phnom Penh to the comedy stages of New York and Toronto.  He explains some of what he learned during those years: how to take what life brings; and how sometimes the greatest range of opportunities and sources of strength come not from focusing on some distant life goal, but rather from following one’s heart, accepting each moment in the present, and moving ahead. 

Shuhei outlines how he got started in comedy, tells the story of how he went to the USA to try his hand at it, then moved to Canada to be a stand-up comedian. Serendipity and luck play a solid role in this part of the journey, too. His humor combines the witty observations of an outside perspective with narratives and punches that draw on his experiences as a Japanese person used to making his way outside Japan. He also talks about the differences between stand-up comedy and the types of comedy that are popular in Japan. 

As an English teacher at a public school, he speaks forthrightly about the ups and downs of teaching English within Japan’s educational system. Japan’s lackluster scores in English proficiency when compared globally are well-known. Shuhei tells us why. To paraphrase his metaphor: Japanese schools teach pupils to memorize the ingredients, but not how to cook, so they don’t get to eat what they make. Consequently, they remain unmotivated, and give up on their dreams. He wants his students to find what they are passionate about and pursue it, whatever it is. And armed with good English, the entire world can be their stage.

The story of Shuhei Murakami reminds us that as we continue to accumulate experiences, we should identify the humor in them, until one day we can look back and realize that the funniest thing in life—if lived freely and true to oneself—can be the journey of life itself. 

Shuhei Murakami on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWNr34ixo_7YofviTonuQZQ Shuhei Murakami on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/shuhei.murakami.9/ Shuhei Murakami on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/japanese_standupcomedian/ Sharky Bar video:https://youtu.be/6xJggKeETcEGood Times bar video:https://youtu.be/sCbzgT-grRM

Video clip of Shuhei Murakami on stage is used with permission of the content owner.

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Stand-up comedy: healing division through laughter

https://youtu.be/tdTx5Itlww8

Saku Yanagawa is a Japanese stand-up comedian based in Chicago who performs and headlines at comedy clubs throughout Chicago and around the USA. Formerly a promising baseball player in Japan but forced by circumstances to give up that path, Saku found a new league to play in: the stand-up comedy scene in one of America’s comedy capitals. He moved to New York and then Chicago to begin his on-stage career. Since then, he has continued to hit it out of the park, appearing at comedy festivals in Africa and Europe, becoming the first Japanese comedian to perform at the Break Out Comedy Festival, as well as being the first-ever stand-up comedian at the Fuji Rock Festival. More recently, he is featured on a growing number of news & talk shows, and other media in Japan.

In this interview, Saku discusses what attracted him to stand-up comedy, some of the similarities between Chicago and his alma mater city, Osaka (Japan’s comedy capital, also called Japan’s “second city”), and how he keeps himself well-informed about local issues to ensure that his comedy is relevant, edgy and insightful. He brings a sharp, observational eye to the various things going on in America; his ‘outside’ perspective is popular on stage, but also reveals a man who thinks and feels deeply, and is fond of both Japan and the USA. For him, the appeal of stand-up is partly in its ability to cut through differences and unite people—with just a single microphone. What’s important is not how we all differ. It’s how much we have in common.

Saku outlines the major differences between comedy in Japan and comedy in America. While US comedy has “punch” lines, Japanese comedy has “fall” lines (ochi). And while American comedy uses satire and irony to appeal to a country of people with diverse backgrounds, Japanese comedy finds humor in daily life anecdotes that appeal to people who share similar daily experiences. Comedy is local! However, Saku also talks about how today’s Japan is changing. Japan, too, is becoming more diverse, so he wants to see the growth of American-style stand-up there to help its society navigate the waters of change more smoothly.

In a society that is rending itself apart by focusing on division and differences, Saku stands up and uses humor to unite. Laughter is the way to bring people together, even when they have differing opinions. The world of comedy faces many new challenges, including rapidly changing sentiments about what is acceptable to say on stage, and what the consequences are when those sensibilities are perceived to have been breached. Saku boldly finds the borderlines, gets up, stands up, and keeps America laughing.

Saku Yanagawa on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiskWSbQaKs70oPIFjfxFpASaku Yanagawa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saku.yanagawa Saku Yanagawa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saku_yanagawa/ Saku Yanagawa website: http://sakuyanagawa.com

Video clip of Saku Yanagawa on stage is used with permission of the content owner. Video: Tim Webb linktr.ee/aclysm

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🎌 Insights on Japan, from people who know Japan 🎌

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Strategies for success in Japanese and Japan

https://youtu.be/tjtfoDpwJ1g

Loretta Scott is a successful entrepreneur who received her MBA from a prestigious Japanese university. She is also a wildly successful YouTuber through her KemushiChan channel on YouTube. She provides high-quality, informative videos that provide practical and actionable tips for learning Japanese, as well as dozens of real-life examples of Japanese in action around the country, to show students of Japanese worldwide how to have a richer experience while learning Japanese. Loretta is also the founder of two start-ups: KemushiChan LLC through which she provides a range of business, consulting and linguistic services; and Japanscholar, an entity through which she provides information and resources for people wishing to study in Japan, learn Japanese or participate in international scholarships.

In this interview, Loretta discusses some of the meta-learning strategies she has codified from her own journey in learning Japanese fluently. Such meta-learning tools help boost the speed and ease with which learners of Japanese can improve. She was a pioneer in using YouTube as an educational platform, and her many KemushiChan videos deliver fun and informative tips for success. Loretta also discusses the importance of being proficient in the Japanese language in order to make the most of one’s time in Japan and really get ahead.

As a self-proclaimed “start-up junkie”, Loretta also talks about her two start-ups, their roles, and some of the differences between start-ups and entrepreneurship in Japan compared to the USA. She also outlines how, nowadays, expertise in Japanese language is no longer enough to succeed maximally; one must bring other skills to the table, and be able to apply them in a Japanese-language context.

Many people around the world are eager to learn Japanese, to study in Japan, or to do business here. Loretta provides a myriad of ideas and stepping stones to achieve all of these. Above all else: she provides strategies for Japanese learners to build the tools they need to meet and interact with Japanese people. After all, as people, that is the major purpose of language, and one of the richest experiences one could ever have.

KemushiChan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/kemushichan/featured KemushiChan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kemushichan/ KemushChan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemushijp/ KemushiChan website: http://www.kemushichan.com Japanscholar website: http://ww7.japanscholar.com

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Journalism in Japan: Something to write home about

https://youtu.be/1SLoBk7ZdPA

Timothy Hornyak is a freelance writer, journalist and author based in Tokyo, who has worked in many levels of journalism in Japan for more than 20 years. He writes about a vast range of topics related to Japan, with his work appearing in publications and various media all around the world. As a writer and journalist in Japan, Timothy brings a sharp eye, careful analysis and fairmindedness to his writing. He has written extensively about travel, food, technology, science, culture, politics and business in Japan. He is also the author of Loving the Machine: The Art and Science of Japanese Robots, and has contributed to several Lonely Planet travel guidebooks.

In this interview, Timothy discusses journalism in Japan. He explains the country’s exclusive “kisha club” system that determines who has access to information. He discusses the history and roles of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ). He describes substantive differences between how news is written and received in Japan and other countries. And he talks about the benefits and challenges of being a freelance writer in the competitive world of journalism in Japan.

Timothy also discusses his book, and outlines how Japan’s global excellence in robotics and robot development has not lived up to its potential. Japan’s penchant for “cute” human-like robots could be both the key to easy introduction of helpful service robots for an aging population, but also possibly an impediment to the development of just the kind of technology needed to realize them.

Media and journalism in Japan is undergoing enormous change. Timothy covers some of these changes, and provides his thoughts on how Japan’s (Tokyo’s) unique juxtaposing of traditional and ultra-modern ensures that a curious mind never runs out of fascinating things to put to pen.

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Japanese fashion: Making Kaos out of Order

https://youtu.be/5kIPRZM2cDI

Kaori Sumi is a Japanese fashion product designer, and the founder of two popular fashion accessory brands: Kaos; and LaLa Senorita. Her creations have garnered the attention of the fashion industry since launching her Kaos label in 1997. Raised for a time outside Japan as well, Sumi-san’s eye for design stands out from many other Japanese designers, as she combines vintage kimono cloth with new materials including acrylics in the Kaos brand, and sources fine fabrics and textiles from countries around the world, which she then combines with finely crafted parts made here in Japan for the LaLa Senorita brand. Sumi-san is also very active in sports, including triathlon, and has participated in multiple ITU triathlon and Ironman events.

In this interview, Sumi-san discusses how and why she got started in fashion design, how she first started both the Kaos brand and the LaLa Senorita brand, and discusses the philosophy behind her fashion accessory design creativity. She also covers the challenges of her particular style of fashion items, especially in an age when it is difficult to travel or hold exhibitions (or sporting events) and fashion brands are having great difficulties adapting.

Kaos brings a touch of Japan to the world. LaLa Senorita brings a touch of the world to Japan. With both brands, Sumi-san continues to cherish the great attention to detail that is provided by traditional and modern Japanese craftsmen, and incorporates their work in her creations. Each piece she creates helps communicate to everyone Japan’s traditional attention to handmade goodness and quality, and helps keep those traditions alive.

This episode provides insights into Japanese fashion and accessory design, from an experienced Japanese fashion designer.

NOTE: all photos shown herein are used with permission. Copyright kaos co. ltd. or LaLa Senorita. All rights reserved.

[[ kaos]] Online shop:https://kaos2020.thebase.in Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kaoshop_2020/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaorisumi2017

[[ LaLa Senorita ]] Online shop: https://lalasenorita.fashionstore.jp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalasenorit... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lalasenorita

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The Art of the Moment: Japanese calligraphy

https://youtu.be/0-eoz4AE-J4

Kumiko is an award-winning Japanese calligraphy artist and instructor, and an accomplished Japanese koto performer. Her calligraphy works are displayed in private viewings in Tokyo, while selected works have been picked up for display in events across Japan and in countries around the world. She has won multiple awards in Japan and overseas for her calligraphy pieces, one of which has even been added to the permanent collection of artworks from Japan in the National Museum of Prague. Kumiko instructs young students in the techniques of Japanese calligraphy, some of whom have gone on to receive acclaim in their schools and beyond.

In this interview, Kumiko discusses the philosophical aspects of Japanese calligraphy: how it is a powerful form of personal expression; what benefits it has in giving shape to one’s feelings; why she has called it “The Art of the Moment”; and how her creative approach to calligraphy sets her far apart from the traditionalists, and helps practitioners find the voice of their inner heart.

Exhibition samplesParis: heart and lightMonaco: fireflySoar, fun, and heartLight (modern)DreamCalligraphy by Kumiko, explained during the podcast

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The genesis of a creative production boutique in Tokyo

https://youtu.be/YBf3IQZVe1E

Kevin Hamilton is an entrepreneur, copywriter, and the creative director at UBIQ KK, a creative production boutique in Tokyo providing global-targeted corporate communications for a range of major Japanese companies and brands in multiple industries.

In this interview, Kevin discusses the genesis of his company, UBIQ KK, and what it does; and as a long-time resident of Japan and a person with a music background, he also reveals an exciting new area of business that his company will be starting to help bring the music of talented Japanese musicians to a global audience.

UBIQ KKhttp://www.ub-q.com/en/home/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/UBIQ-ユビーク株式会社-1733616453539090/

Video resolution is terrible until about 2 minutes in…sorry everyone.

JayTee note to self: get an additional camera with better resolution; and…never do a podcast on a sunny day in a room with no curtains. LOL. I’m glad my guest was on the shady side of the room.

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A life of music, and a new post-punk album in Japan

https://youtu.be/10efGcvvZww

Billy Jackson is a lifelong guitarist and musician from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, and the leader of the new post-punk band called Half-Past Nein. The band will be releasing its premiere album, entitled "Mass", from Japan during 2020.

In this interview, Billy discusses a lifetime of making music, including his childhood memories of going to the Grand Ole Opry, some of his former bands, his work with Gruhn Guitars, and what it’s like to be from Music City USA.

Billy's long-time love of Japan has brought him to the country many times to play live gigs at some of Tokyo's hottest venues for his genre. And now he's back again, making preparations for the launch of the new album. Graciously, he has allowed RONJIRU JAPAN to play three of the songs from Mass, so for the first time anywhere, you can hear Half-Past Nein's post-punk sound during this show. From Astro Boy to Band-Maid, from Godzilla to the Great Buddha, Japan's pop culture, music and traditions have kept the country dear to Billy's heart.

All Half-Past Nein songs in this episode are used with the exclusive permission of Billy Jackson, Half-Past Nein and Ubiq Artists. All rights reserved.

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