Golden Week as we know it today began in 1948 when the Japanese government officially designated the holidays that make up the week (I think) in an effort to provide a legitimate 'excuse' for people to take a few successive days off after the busy start of the fiscal year. It became one of those few times a year when most Japanese workers feel they can take some time off without too much guilt.

One of the coaching techniques I've found to be incredibly effective, especially with Japanese colleagues, is Level 3 Listening. Trust is crucial in Japanese culture, and by employing Level 3 Listening (Active Listening with empathy), I've been able to create a safer space for open dialogue, making my colleagues and clients feel more comfortable.

This is a question I often get from both native English speakers and non-native speakers in the sessions that I facilitate for Japan Consulting Office. My take on this: as long as you're polite and kind, I would recommend to ask as many times as you need so that true communication can flow.

Learning a few Japanese phrases can significantly enhance team dynamics and create a more inclusive environment. Moreover, your colleagues know it's not easy to learn Japanese, so even if you only know a few words they will greatly appreciate your effort.

The fiscal year in Japan starts off on April 1st and wraps up on March 31st. This timing is closely tied to the school year, making it a busy period for both businesses and schools.

When I first came to the US I was amazed at how often I'd see abbreviations in emails, documents - or even hear them spoken during meetings. Some of these were familiar, but lots were new. And, I later realized that when you change industries the same set of letters may mean something completely different!