Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the home of an Indian client and engage in some work. The lady of the house, who has been in Japan for three months, shared her observations with me.

“Japanese people seem to work incredibly hard. I often see them in cafes, deeply engrossed in their work on laptops. I imagine Japanese companies must be quite strict.”

I took a moment to explain the nuances of Japanese work culture to her.

“What you’re observing are ‘salarymen.’ Indeed, Japanese corporate culture is known for its rigor. Interestingly, it’s not just the workplace that’s demanding – Japanese wives are known to be quite strict too. This makes the life of a Japanese man quite challenging.”

She listened intently, trying hard to suppress her laughter, clearly intrigued by my explanation.

“It’s this dual pressure from both work and home that makes the moments in between so crucial. That’s why, before heading home, Japanese salarymen often unwind by having drinks with colleagues. It’s a brief yet significant respite from their disciplined lives.”

#JapaneseCulture #SalarymanLife #WorkLifeBalance #CulturalInsights #JapanWorkEthic #CorporateCultureJapan #DailyLifeJapan

The Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan witnessed the rise of many remarkable artists, among whom Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800) holds a special place. Known for his unique style and rich use of color, Jakuchu’s works continue to inspire awe and admiration. Living on Kyoto’s Shijo Street, he might have crossed paths with another great painter of his era, Nagasawa Rosetsu, who also resided on the same street.

Today, Shijo Street, just a few hundred meters long, is lined with souvenir shops for foreign tourists. At first glance, these shops might appear ordinary and outdated, yet, upon closer inspection, one discovers stores with remarkable design and rich historical backgrounds. This blend of the old and the new, where history meets contemporary design, is what makes Shijo Street uniquely captivating.

In my quest to bring the essence of Japan’s rich cultural heritage into the homes of our foreign clients, I find myself drawn to these shops on Shijo Street. Here, amidst the bustling tourist trail, are treasures of interior decor that not only reflect the traditional artistry of Japan but also resonate with modern aesthetics. Each piece sourced from these stores carries with it a story, a piece of history, and a touch of the artistic genius that once roamed these streets. It’s in these artifacts that the spirit of Ito Jakuchu and the legacy of Shijo Street continue to live on, bringing timeless elegance to contemporary living spaces.

#ItoJakuchu #JapaneseArt #KyotoHeritage #CulturalExploration #InteriorDesign #ShijoStreet #ArtisticLegacy #EdoPeriodArt #TraditionMeetsModern #InspirationInEveryCorner

Last night, We had the honor of attending the reception for the birthday of the King of Thailand. It was a delightful experience to mingle with our foreign clients, all of whom I find to be truly exceptional individuals. They are well-educated and possess outstanding personal qualities.

One thing I noticed is the pride that Thai people have in being citizens of the Kingdom of Thailand. Additionally, they are extremely delighted when Japanese and other foreigners speak Thai, a gesture of respect and connection that transcends cultural barriers.

Representatives from various countries were present to pay their respects to the Thai Kingdom. Despite their busy schedules in Japan, I hope they take the time to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and history and enjoy some leisurely tourism. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen international relationships and understanding.

#ThaiKingdom #CulturalDiplomacy #InternationalRelations #CrossCulturalExchange #Respect #GlobalCommunity #Networking #CulturalAppreciation #Japan #ThaiCulture

he photo is of The Kitahama, a residential building our company leases to foreign diplomats.

Recently, a friend reached out to me via LINE, concerned about a news report regarding an incident at the Yokohama Arena, managed by a Tokyo-based real estate firm specializing in foreign clientele.

He questioned, “Why do such terrible incidents frequently occur in the real estate sector?”

My clientele mainly comprises foreign governments and multinational corporations, known for their impeccable manners and integrity. We’ve never encountered fraud or similar issues.

I explained to my friend that real estate transactions often involve high stakes and complex dealings, making the field susceptible to fraudulent activities and disputes. The physical nature of real estate, entangled with intricate legal rights and land issues, often becomes a ground for conflict.

Understanding dawned upon him as he responded with a simple “I see.”

Expert opinions suggest that the stagnation in the construction of foreign pavilions for the Osaka Expo is largely due to numerous brokers mediating between foreign governments and Japanese construction companies.

If this is indeed the case, a critical examination and restructuring of these intermediary broker roles might be essential for progress.

#RealEstateIntegrity #Expo2025 #OsakaExpo #ConstructionChallenges #BrokerMediation #BuildingTrust #ProjectManagement #GlobalStandards