Bridging Jinji人事 and U.S. HR: Gratitude for 2025 and excitement for 2026

On these last days of the year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey of 2025: a year filled with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the vibrant U.S.-Japan community. It was also the year I took a bold step: starting my own LLC at 50+ in my new homeland as a U.S. citizen. That milestone fills me with gratitude, not just for the chance to build something meaningful, but for the trust and support I’ve received along the way.

This year brought so many blessings. I had the privilege of working with and supporting organizations that are pillars of the U.S.-Japan relationship: the Japan Chamber of Commerce, Japan Society of Northern California, USJETAA, and the U.S.-Japan Council. Each event, each conversation reminded me how vital these connections are for fostering trust and collaboration across borders. From mentoring professionals to participating in programs that celebrate Japanese heritage, every experience reinforced why this work matters.

As I look toward 2026, I feel energized and optimistic. My vision for the coming year is to deepen the impact of cross-cultural communication coaching and mentoring. This isn’t just about language, it’s about helping people understand context, nuance, and the cultural values that shape decision-making. I want to create spaces where Japanese and American professionals can openly share expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and build trust that lasts.

In practical terms, this means expanding workshops, offering tailored programs for global teams, and continuing to mentor individuals who want to thrive in international environments. It also means listening, because the best solutions come from dialogue. I believe 2026 can be a year where we move beyond simply “managing differences” to truly leveraging diversity as a strength.

The world is changing fast, and the U.S.-Japan partnership has never been more important. Together, we can create workplaces that are not only productive but also humane, where collaboration feels natural, and where cultural differences become a source of innovation rather than friction.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to a new year filled with growth, learning, and even deeper ties between Japan and the U.S. Let’s make 2026 a year of meaningful conversations and shared achievements!

Saske HR Ninja will support you from the shadows!

サスケが御社の人事を陰からお支え致します。

How I can help:

この様な局面でのお手伝いをさせて頂きます。

🎯 Coaching & Training コーチングとトレーニング

I offer specialized coaching and HR-focused training tailored for Japanese managers (in English and Japanese). This helps them understand U.S. workplace expectations and effectively convey information without causing offense. 日本人マネージャー向けに特化したコーチングと人事に特化したトレーニングを英語と日本語で提供させて頂いております。これらは米国のビジネスにおいて各々が何を求められているかを正しく理解し、すれ違いや不快感を与える事なく効果的に意思疎通を図る為に有用な知識です。

🎯 Ongoing Support 継続的なサポート

I provide continuous resources and follow-up sessions to reinforce effective communication practices, ensuring lasting change. 効率的なコミュニケーションを強化、継続できる改善のためのサポートをさせて頂きます。

My support goes way beyond a 'box-ticking' exercise. I work closely with management to defuse current tensions and implement strategies that prevent future issues and costly lawsuits. 私の提供するサポートは単純な項目チェックだけに留まりません。経営陣の方々と密接に連携し現時点での緊張を緩和し、将来的な問題や多額の損失を伴う訴訟などを未然に防止する為の具体的な戦略を作成いたします。

If this situation resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d be happy to discuss how I can assist. まずはお気軽にお問い合わせください。喜んでご相談に応じさせて頂きます。