This is my first time to write about a takeaway from a trip so I might write something up when I travel somewhere and relate it to my work. This is also a good start for me because I love to travel somewhere and what a better way to be productive while traveling is to have a takeaway on my travels. These are my own personal experience so for disclaimer purposes, all of the things I say may not be true to others. So here is what I noticed about Japan and my takeaways:
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Everything is in reverse or on the other side.
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The first thing that I noticed when I arrived in Japan was that everything is on the other side. Cars drive from right to left, the driver side is on the left side, you have to walk on the left side to be understood when you are about to collide with someone, etc. It was hard for me at first and messed up on the first day but I did learn and adapt.
To relate it to work, just remember that even though that everything is going south, just learn how to adapt and not panic. If you are in a new environment, it’s okay to mess up at first because you are still adapting to the environment that you are in. Every environment is not the same, they might adapt on to some culture which you are not comfortable with.
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The transportation is very organized and so easy to adapt.
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One thing that I like about Japan is their transportation system. I haven’t experienced in other countries but it’s very sophisticated. Even though you get lost, you can just ask their guards for some directions and they will help you out.
Be organized in your work. Yes, we have our own way of doing things but being organized makes you more efficient when it comes to your process. Make your process more organized and if you get lost, you can always ask someone who knows more than you.
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Customer is King
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I know a little bit of Nihongo (Japanese) but not in a super long conversation. I would tend to get lost when they would ask a lengthy question so I would tend to answer back, すみません、英語がわかりますか？ (Excuse me, do you understand English?). They would tend to converse with you in English the best way that they know. This made me realize that the customer or client for them is very important.
I think we need to adopt this method. I know I had been on gripes with some of my clients but I want to adapt the Japanese way. Even though I’m not comfortable with them or I’m not that good on their certain request, I’ll do my best to please them. If I don’t have the capacity to do what they ask, I will recommend them to someone who can do better.
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空気がよめない or “Can’t feel the air”
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Japan has this culture which is called “Can’t feel the air” or being socially clueless about the situation. I am avoiding this kind of situation so I would tend to do whatever it takes to blend in.
This can be adapted on the workplace. If you don’t know what is happening, don’t be an arsehole. Ask if you don’t know and if you offended someone, apologize. Jumping the gun is dangerous especially if you don’t have any clue on what is happening.
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The “WE” culture
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In the Philippines and other countries adopts the “I” culture wherein they are socially independent and would do whatever they want without considering others business. If you won’t believe me, then are you familiar with the term “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS”. In Japan adapts the “WE” culture wherein they consider the business of others and do whatever it takes to not disturb the space of other people. They believe that everything you do affects other people.
This can also be adapted on a workplace and always consider the idea that “EVERYTHING YOU DO, AFFECTS OTHER PEOPLE”. Everything you do affects your team. If you do everything to do a better job, affects the team in a good way.
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Every places has its own concentration or culture
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There are a lot of things that you can do in Tokyo because all of the places here are known for their own distinct features. Like in Akihabara which is known for their electronics and anime culture, Harajuku is known for anime stuff and somewhat quirky fashion, Shinjuku specifically in Kabukicho which is known for everything fun or dangerous (just use your imagination), Ginza which known for the luxurious things that you can find, Odaiba which adapts to the word “Modern”, etc.
To be known or leave an impact to your colleague or client, you need to set a tone to be remembered. Be something that you want to be which and avoid being generic. Be known for something unique rather than blend in the ordinary.
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There are people who give out or flyers tissue as advertisements
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This is somewhat annoying me sometimes especially if they are very persistent but I think it’s not that bad to do an extra mile just to advertise your business. Everywhere from train stations, outside of their store, on the streets, on the public square, to somewhere very unusual (If you know what I mean).
This would be something special because this can be adapted to your own life. Try even though no one is minding you. There will be someone who will take interest in what you do or what you offer.
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Clean up your own mess
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If I had to mention the first time I messed up in Tokyo, was this. I didn’t know that you had to clean up after you had eaten. Luckily I have my former student to teach me the way they do things in Tokyo.
Cleaning up your own mess is a given especially if you messed up but if we look at it from another perspective like in a project. If you need to deliver, deliver it completely and don’t be half-assed.
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I’m loving Tokyo. I would definitely come back again because I love the place even though most of the things in Tokyo are expensive. It’s not that expensive If you know where to look at but who cares when you are enjoying yourself. Most of my expenses had gone to the transportation but it’s definitely worth it. I haven’t bought a JR pass for several reasons and only got a Suica card. The next time that I’ll travel back here, I’ll get a pass and travel to the different prefectures to see the things that they can offer.
