It’s been in the works for quite some time, and now it's official: Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel marks a significant milestone in the global steel industry. This strategic move not only strengthens Nippon Steel's market presence but also creates a unique opportunity for employees from both companies to learn and collaborate in innovative ways.

The linked JT article reveals that Japan’s youth are increasingly prioritizing meaningful work over traditional job security. Young professionals are seeking employment with companies that align with their values, offer flexible working conditions, and foster inclusive environments. This shift is not merely a trend; it represents a broader movement that is reshaping the future of work in Japan.

If, like me, you have navigated the waters of international business, you’ve learned that communication styles can vary wildly between cultures. While we often associate laughter with humor and agreement, in Japan, it can mean something entirely different—like embarrassment or confusion.

Today is my 100th post since I started posting regularly last summer, and i'm very happy it coincides with an article about women in business as this is a topic I'm very passionate about. I felt so lucky to be able to join the Stanford Panel Discussion with 3 amazing trailblazers: Masako Furuta, Makiko Kawabe and Yueyuan Yang.

When working between and comparing cultures, generalizing and sometimes stereotyping comes in handy. However, it's essential to be aware of how stereotypes can impact your interactions and relationships. While stereotypes can sometimes provide a general understanding of a culture, they can also trip you up if you rely on them too heavily.

In Japanese culture, nonverbal communication is much more nuanced than in the west and holds great importance. We know that bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect, but did you know that the depth and duration of the bow can convey different levels of respect or hierarchy?