Japan Consulting Office (JCO) specializes in improving efficiency in the workplace and communications between Japanese and non-Japanese colleagues through various training programs. These include in-house training and public courses focused on culture, leadership, and management, as well as specialized programs like post-merger acquisition integration.

Japan Consulting Office (JCO)

Japan Consulting Office | 1,146 followers on LinkedIn. Transforming cultural differences into business strengths since 2006! | Transforming cultural differences into business strengths

Our mission at the JCO is to improve business relationships among Japanese and non-Japanese, through increased knowledge and communication.

We can provide you with made-to-measure training and consulting services on overcoming cultural differences between Japanese and non-Japanese in a business environment.

See our website for more information on our services
http://www.japanconsultingoffice.com/

We aim to provide complete customer satisfaction by tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Intercultural communications trainer, consultant & facilitator; Qualified Circular Economy trainer offering talks & workshops; Ambassador at Circular…

Andrew Ure

Olivier Van Beneden

Helping businesses transform cultural differences into operational strengths | intercultural & leadership training specialist | business school…

Aska TSUCHIYA

Head of the Swiss office at Japan Consulting Office

Dr. Mira Lugonja - Knipping

Japan Consulting Office

Ever wonder why Japanese colleagues say ‘sorry’ so often?? 🌐 Working Wednesday series If you’ve worked with Japanese colleagues, you have probably noticed how often they say “sumimasen” (すみません) or “gomen nasai” (ごめんなさい) while bowing deeply to show humility. The way people apologize (or don't!) is deeply cultural, so I wanted to spend some time looking at the differences I've experienced while working abroad. When I first moved to the U.S. with my Japanese husband, he warned me not to say “sorry” in certain situations, like a car accident, to avoid implying guilt. (Good thing I haven’t had one yet—apart from a surprise run-in with a deer, which didn’t result in apologies from either party!)” In my native Belgium, apologizing also doesn't come very naturally if you're not the source of the problem, but I have since learned the advantages of apologizing even if what happened isn't directly my fault. In Japan, apologizing frequently is a way of acknowledging others’ efforts and feelings, which fosters trust and harmony in the workplace. A simple apology can reduce tension, making it easier to move forward on projects and preserve good relationships. Apologies also help maintain group harmony, or wa (和), which is central to Japanese culture. By saying “sorry” preemptively or out of politeness, Japanese professionals create an environment where everyone feels respected. Even if it feels weird to apologize in a business context, one thing I've noticed here in the US is that people are fast to emphatize which is also a kind of apology. By saying 'we are sorry this happened" you can convey understanding and respect for the inconvenience others might feel, which is essential in cross-cultural business contexts where misunderstandings may arise. Next time you want to show empathy, try saying “sorry”! No bowing needed, but even a small head nod or kind words can make a big impact. If you want to learn more about working successfully with the Japanese, join one of our sessions! Here’s a link to our upcoming sessions (be sure to select a time in your own timezone!): https://lnkd.in/gM6mzAnC At Japan Consulting Office , we specialize in helping professionals navigate cultural nuances. Reach out to learn more about our group or individual sessions—designed to help you thrive in a Japanese working environment! You'll be glad you did 😊 #WorkingWednesday #Japanesebusinessculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #management #leadership #HRconsulting #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting #presentationsskills #JapaneseBusiness #nemawashi #decisionmaking

Saskia Rock, SHRM-SCP

I was very happy with the workshop for a newly formed team of around people from Germany, Japan and the UK that JCO Hungary's Yusuke FUKUDA and me ran today. There was great interaction around topics like efficient communication and meeting formats as well risk assessment and planning.

Nikolaus Mach-Hour

Miyagi-Sensei and Kafka: how to deal with procedure in a Japanese office 🌐 Working Wednesday series I remember watching the Karate Kid in the movie theather when it came out, and I've definitely struggled to understand the wisdom behind endless “wax on, wax off” type of tasks when I was working in a Japanese office. Combine these tasks with a touch of Kafka-esque bureaucracy—layers of approvals, protocols, and hierarchies—and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some serious frustration. The good part: the Miyagi Method In a Japanese office, much like in The Karate Kid, it may feel like you’re following rules for the sake of rules, with no clear connection to the bigger picture. Procedures can seem endless: meticulous documentation, multiple approval stages, and strict adherence to hierarchy. But this structure is actually a protective layer, designed to prevent missteps, foster trust, and ensure decisions are carefully weighed by everyone involved. Much like Mr. Miyagi’s lessons, these procedures teach patience, respect for the process, and an appreciation for detail. The bad part: the Kafka Labyrinth While the structured nature of Japanese procedures can feel similar to a Kafka novel—where bureaucracy is both overwhelming and inescapable—there should be a key difference: in Japan, the rules are supposed to serve a clear purpose. Unfortunately this is not always the case. I've hear stories of entrepreneurs in Japan not getting a business license because a wall in their office didn't have the required dimensions. And many other stories just as annoying, people's lives can be seriously impacted by these sometimes nonsensical sounding procedures. So, if you're confronted with the Kafka part, how do you deal with it in a sink or swim business environment where deals can hinge on immediate replies? To navigate this system successfully as an individual in Japan, all you can do is try to channel your inner Daniel: try to be patient, adaptable, and respectful of the process. Accept that exceptions won't be made and you'll have to accept doing it their way. If you're working on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and your business success depends on working fast, there are some things you can do without endangering your carefully built business relationship. If you want to find out how to do this, join one of our sessions! Here’s a link to our upcoming sessions (be sure to select a time in your own timezone!): https://lnkd.in/gM6mzAnC At Japan Consulting Office , we specialize in helping professionals navigate cultural nuances. Reach out to learn more about our group or individual sessions—designed to help you thrive in a Japanese working environment! You'll be glad you did 😊 #WorkingWednesday #Japanesebusinessculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #management #leadership #HRconsulting #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting #presentationsskills #JapaneseBusiness

We still have a few seats available on November 7th! If you're an HR/L&D professional you can join for free - find out more below or send me a DM. #Japaneseculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #Japaneselanguage #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting

This post by JCO´s Saskia Rock, SHRM-SCP and this related article below are a great combo to get you up to speed on Japanese presentations! 〇△✖: Japanese icons you need to know at the workplace https://lnkd.in/ezXZJ_jh

How networking events give you the edge in Japan! 🌐 Working Wednesday series In 2012, I moved to Tokyo to study at GLOBIS University - Graduate School of Management , and it marked the beginning of a new life and career in Japan. I intended to stay forever (I didn’t, but that’s life!). Anyone who has moved for work or life knows that starting over can be tough, but thankfully, Tokyo has a fantastic networking culture. Networking events are more than just opportunities to exchange business cards—they are essential for building lasting relationships and opening doors to new opportunities. In Japan’s business world, relationships are key, and these events provide a relaxed space to foster genuine connections and share ideas. After studying up to 10 hours a day at GLOBIS, I would attend various networking events across the city. It felt like a full-time job, but the effort paid off. I eventually met someone who introduced me to their company’s HR department, which led to an interview—and a job! If you're in Tokyo, I really recommend checking out events by Business in Japan . You'll not only have fun but you'll have found a new community! If you want more tips on how to work with the Japanese, join one of our sessions! Here’s a link to our upcoming sessions (be sure to select a time in your own timezone!): https://lnkd.in/gM6mzAnC At Japan Consulting Office , we specialize in helping professionals navigate cultural nuances. Reach out to learn more about our group or individual sessions—designed to help you thrive in a Japanese working environment! You'll be glad you did 😊 #WorkingWednesday #Japanesebusinessculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #management #leadership #HRconsulting #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting #networking #tokyo #businessinjapan #BIJ

If you are working in a Japanese company in HR, it is important to keep your HR colleagues in Japan up-to-date on global trends. Here is an article on the concept of "Workation" in both Japanese & English to share! What you need to know about the new “workation” trend! (Japanese translation link below) What you need to know about the new “workation” trend! In many countries, the trend towards “workations” – blending work with vacation – is gaining momentum as companies seek to enhance employee well-being and productivity. Workations allow staff to work remotely from holiday destinations, combining leisure with work. This can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve work-life balance, making it particularly attractive for overseas subsidiaries. With Generation Z valuing flexibility and experiences, workations can be an appealing perk, especially in today’s seller’s job market, where employees have more leverage in choosing how and where they work. – Many freelancers and remote workers who identify as digital nomads are already embracing this concept of workations as the lifestyle allows for both flexibility and new experiences. – Another group are foreign experts, who might choose a company that can offer workations so that it possible to spend more time with their families abroad while still working. Continue reading on JCO Blog. https://lnkd.in/dcBXbBtM Japanese version: https://lnkd.in/dkP3r7-a

Recently conducted an intercultural seminar(in corporation of Japan Consulting Office https://lnkd.in/dnNVuevY ) and discussion with IBIDEN Hungary(one of the large Japanese investment in Hungary) 's Japanese expats at their factory in Dunavarsany. The session highlighted the significance of diversity within global companies, emphasizing the value of intercultural understanding to enhance communication efficiency. In today's VUCA world, embracing diversity is crucial for success. Please contact us if you would like to know more about this kind of seminar. 先日イビデンハンガリー様の工場で、同社の日本人駐在員と異文化セミナー(Japan Consulting Office社との提携）及びディスカッションを実施しました。このセッションでは、グローバル企業における多様性の重要性に焦点を当て、コミュニケーションの効率性を高めるための異文化理解の価値を強調しました。今日のVUCAの世界では、多様性を受け入れることが成功の鍵となります。 このようなセミナーにご興味がありましたら是非当社までご連絡ください。 #InterculturalCommunication #Diversity #GlobalBusiness #Japanconsultingo #SudyandCo #Ibidenhungary

Yusuke FUKUDA

Information exchange in the Japanese workplace: the nomikai! 🌐 Working Wednesday series If you have worked in Japan, you know that workplace culture often extends beyond the office walls. Socializing with colleagues after work, commonly known as nomikai (飲み会), is not just a casual outing—it’s a vital part of building relationships and fostering teamwork. Especially when it comes to sharing information, the nomikai helps improve communication by breaking down walls so colleagues feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. After a few drinks or rounds of karaoke, conversations flow, and you might finally uncover why your proposal ended up in the dreaded “black hole of no return.” 😂 In my 30 years of working with the Japanese, I’ve witnessed a shift from weekly mandatory nomikai to more work-life-balance-friendly invitations that allow you to join when you’re able. It’s also perfectly acceptable to abstain from alcohol—something I definitely take advantage of! I prefer soaking in the gossip; in HR, it’s vital to keep your mouth shut 🤐. So, how can you access this information when working virtually? Join us for a session to find out! Here’s a link to our upcoming sessions (be sure to select a time in your own timezone!): https://lnkd.in/gM6mzAnC At Japan Consulting Office , we specialize in helping professionals navigate these cultural nuances. Reach out to learn more about our group or individual sessions—designed to help you thrive in a Japanese working environment! You'll be glad you did 😊 #WorkingWednesday #Japanesebusinessculture #crossculturalcommunication #HRconsulting #management #leadership #HRconsulting #Japanconsultingoffice #businessconsulting #nomikai #karaoke

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Japan Consulting Office (JCO)