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Japanese business culture emphasizes hierarchy, respect, and long-term relationships, with indirect communication and consensus-driven decision-making. In contrast, Western business cultures, like those in the US and Europe, are more egalitarian, direct, and focused on efficiency and immediate results. Understanding these differences can enhance international business interactions.
As an Intern from overseas in SASAL, INC, the question of why I decided to look for an internship in Japan is relevant. In this article, I wish to express some of the personal yet essential reasons for which Japan, and Tokyo, felt like the right place for me to be.
It is true that I have always been attracted to bigger cities. The idea of living in a dynamic, urban metropolis is a long-time goal of mine. Sadly the reality is far more cruel. With crowds and wide spaces often comes danger. Having visited Paris quite a few times, I felt this constant insecurity there and I could not help but associate this feeling with the general case of major cities. When I had the opportunity to move to Japan for studying, my first thought was to avoid Tokyo at all cost. As much as I wanted to go there, this fear of feeling oppressed and endangered seemed to be stronger than my long-time dream of experiencing capital cities. Cost wise as well, after discussing it with my parents, it seemed safer to start in a smaller city of Japan.
How did I still end up I Tokyo you would ask ? Well, when I was choosing among the different universities I could study in, I came across the prestigious Keio University and, despite being in Tokyo, I decided to check its program for international students. Their courses program was completely fitting with what I had been looking for : their classes choices were various and the possibility to rent a room in a dorm etc. appeared to be very convenient. After further thinking, I decided to apply to Keio University as my first choice.
➞ This is how I ended up in the most-populated city on Earth.
The reason for wishing to study in a Japanese university in the first place comes from the fact that I did a bachelor’s focused on languages, both English and Japanese. I had built a strong interest in the Japanese language in high school and wished to have it be my main focus at university. I chose this bachelor program in particular because of the opportunity it offers to study the entire third year abroad. My main focus being Japanese, it seemed more than logical to apply to Japanese universities.
Due to the world pandemic, I was unable to flight to Japan for the full length of my study at Keio University. I did the full first semester from my room in France, on my computer, adapting to Japan’s standard time. This period was discouraging as I was finally studying at a prestigious Japanese university, but I was not able to physically put a foot in Japan. Thankfully, the situation improved a bit, and as soon as Japan announced the opening of its frontiers, I was at the Japanese Embassy in Paris, asking for a visa. In less than two weeks, everything was ready, and I was finally flying to the land of Mount Fuji. I was able to complete the final semester of my bachelor’s on the campuses of Keio University.
➞ This is when my particular interest for Tokyo started to really grow.
As I was spending my semester in Keio University and discovering the beauties of Japan, I was also applying to masters back in my home country. I wanted to specialize in International Trade while keeping my focus on languages. This is when I came across the master I am currently in. What attracted me -and fairly every other candidate who applied- was the fact that the second year of master’s had to be done entirely overseas. With Japanese being my main focus, my application for studying in Japan was top priority among every other masters. My first experience in Keio and in Tokyo had been so enriching that I had been looking forward to going back there as soon as I could. After going through the whole application process as well as the interviews with my school etc. everything was set and ready to be sent to Keio University and all I could do was to wait for their answer.
➞ Mid-June, the results came in and I was going back to where I left off. It was the happiest news.
While I was doing my 2nd year of master’s first semester in Keio University, I started looking for internships all over the world but mostly in Tokyo. Tokyo really became home to me and I was not ready to say goodbye to this city again. After long and perilous efforts, I finally found a company that would take me in for my mandatory internship – SASAL, INC – and which would allow me to pursue my stay in Tokyo.
Having met lots of exchange students throughout my semester in Keio University, I often encountered the case of individuals being happy with their experience abroad but feeling homesick and wishing to go back home. A single semester or a school year is usually more than enough for most students and they are actually happy and should-I-say relieved to get back home after their time abroad. However, in my case, this has never been a sentiment I felt. The longer I stay, the happier I seem to become. This is the reason for which I believe Tokyo is the home I have been longing for. I often get asked about my family and whether it is hard to be separated and so far away for that long.. but the answer is no. As an adult, I am able to achieve the goals I have set for myself and regarding my family, we communicate daily and not being all-over each other constantly definitely brings people even closer.
So to answer the question of why Japan, and in my specific case : why Tokyo ? Simply because it felt just right. Tokyo has welcomed me like no other city has and it has helped me unknot links I had built in my mind for years about big cities and it is mostly allowing me to live this all-time dream of mine with all the safety I require to be appeased. Tokyo has been nothing but security. I have been able to reconcile with crowded places and to even find myself enjoying them more than quieter places at times. The feeling of safety that Tokyo procures is like no other. On top of the feeling of security, Tokyo has offered me freedom. It is a great city where to spend one’s youth. I have been able to make meaningful connections thanks to my studies at Keio University. Tokyo is a very dynamic city and it has something to offer to everyone. Whether one likes art, music, prefers urban places or quiet parks ; wants to pursue its passion or is simply trying to enjoy its time ; Tokyo makes everyone belong. Moreover, we cannot deny that Tokyo really is the prettiest city there is -definitely not a biased statement-.
The Japanese population has also welcomed me so kindly. Even if I was not always able to properly express what I needed, everyone has always been super nice and helpful to me, regardless of the situation. I never felt judged or felt like I particularly stood out, even if I am a foreigner. A metropolis like Tokyo is more welcoming that smaller places and it is full of new things to discover constantly.
➞ For all of these main reasons, and others I am yet discovering, Tokyo just feels like home to me and is the place where I want to be right now. I am beyond grateful for SASAL, INC to have offered me the opportunity to do my internship in its company and to start my working experience in Japan.
You may know SASAL, INC as your strategy consulting firm, but do you actually know who is behind it? In this CEO Interview, discover more about who created SASAL INC, what its origins are, and what its goals are.
Actually, I don’t think anyone knows that, mostly if Japanese is not a language one understands, but SASAL comes from the Japanese term “sasaeru” (支える), which means “to support.” As a strategy consultant, my primary goal is always to support and assist my clients the best way I can with each problem they may encounter, so I named my company SASAL.
I was born in Miyazaki, Japan, and I have been interested in the global culture ever since I was young. My family was poor because my father built his corporation because of layoffs; however, his business didn’t work well. Therefore, there was not much of a learning environment, and sometimes I got hives throughout my examination season. Through this, I thought I did not want to put my future children through the same financial situation I had lived in after growing up. In conclusion, I am grateful to my parents for bringing me up to be a self-reliant person. After studying in Kumamoto, I started my university career at Hiroshima University after studying as a gap year student. During my time at the University, I had several part-time jobs and realized that even if I worked hard, I would not be able to get enough money. I need to manage my daily life with part-time fees because there is no allowance from my parents. Therefore, I had to earn money to cover my living expenses. Through this activity, I realized if I became a full-time job, I would not get much money. For this reason, while still a student, I decided to build my own company in the future.
For those reasons, I started my first career in a small corporation to acquire the skills of a small business, and then I moved to Accenture. Generally, in a consulting firm, transfer between departments is hard, but in my case, I didn’t apply overtime fees in my mind & worked harder; fortunately, I got an invitation, and I’m extending my career beyond the department. I tried IT consulting in this company and then transferred to Strategy Project. In the Strategy Project, I made a strategy proposal for each client through research and used the already established financial model to calculate the Future Value and Current Value of the corporation. Fortunately, I was able to work with the Managing Director of the Strategy department, which was really intelligent for me because they have a lot of knowledge. However, I felt there was no opportunity to expand my international career, so I left the corporation and built an incorporation in the US. I’m not an intelligent career, and sometimes more knowledgeable people deny me; I know already about that; however, I’m able to change the future by myself, and I have the toughness to learn. For me, everything is a continuous learning experience, and even if my title becomes CEO, that is just a title; I would like to keep working hard and never forget my attitude toward learning.
The number of Japanese CEO in the United States is low. According to LinkedIn information, that rate is estimated at around 660. That is 0.0005% (US Japanese CEO / Japanese Population), including Japanese Americans. Therefore, the actual rate will be smaller. While Asians, including Japanese, comprise a significant portion of non-white CEOs in the U.S., they still represent a small fraction of the overall CEO population. In 2024, Asians accounted for 55% of non-white CEOs at Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. However, this includes individuals from various Asian backgrounds, not just Japanese.
As a pure Japanese person, I want to be a leading person in the United States market. I’m a native Japanese. I’ve never been abroad as an exchange student, and I’m not highly educated; however, if you have a goal, you can achieve it. I’ll continue to challenge the United States market as a businessperson.
After I started my business in the United States, the opportunity to talk with Americans will increase. Americans are very casual and kind compared with the Japanese; actually, in my understanding, Americans are able to share kindness naturally compared with the Japanese. They tell us their demand directly; therefore, I don’t need to waste time because of the ambiguous communication like Japanese. They always tell us their opinions directly. Therefore, I’m able to communicate with them with respect.
SASAL, INC. pays attention to the clear cost. Consulting firms generally decide that the cost depends on the current corporation’s situation and client budget. That is not formal, and in the worst case, they show the proposal, but that is past or so different region’s past case. But they didn’t show this to the client. SASAL, INC pays attention to the clear cost system and value to the client. Hence, SASAL shows the cost on our webpage for contracting the same cost to each client. When SASAL proposes the new proposal as a corporation to the corporation, we also pay attention to the proposal. SASAL shows this proposal to the client on the webpage by templating ahead for the clear cost system. Thank you.
SASAL, INC would like to be a real strategy consulting company. SASAL doesn’t need capital like investment corporations because it wants to grow its client corporation through honest support. SASAL, INC is not an investment company; however, our minds come from an investment company. To respect the direction of each corporation, SASAL would like to provide a strong strategy product that depends on each corporation’s phase to maximize synergy. SASAL’s strategy product is calculated in each corporation’s phase; therefore, when you can pay the money for the particular product, your corporation becomes bigger. If you share the capital with the Found, sometimes you must change the corporation’s direction for capital reasons. Some investment companies do not have much knowledge, but they pretend to be professional compared with the invested company because they have the money as a corporation. In that case, if the invested corporation gets the money from the investment after that, they need to teach the investor that it is a waste of time. In addition, as a strategy firm, they really lack the knowledge when the corporation tries new business. In that case, even if the corporation gets the investment from the fund, the invested corporation cannot handle the money, which means the plan will break. In that case, the only thing left is a lack of trust; to escape that, SASAL would like to give the true knowledge, which means the knowledge of the” power to make money.” As a true strategy consulting firm, SASAL operates with the mind of an investment company.
Also, SASAL’s Value Chain comes from software corporations. After the CEO operated the corporation, SASAL made contracts with Google and Microsoft. Microsoft’s customer service is excellent; the client can work with Microsoft employees for only $100. For the client only paying $100/month, we are able to get 24×7 support, which is excellent. That is realized because the client is already paying for strong Microsoft products instead of the human resource fee like consulting. Therefore, by providing a strong product, SASAL, INC would like to operate a strategy consulting firm like a software corporation. I know there is a hierarchy in consulting firms or other corporations; however, essentially, all people are equal because the value of humans will change because of the demand following the place.
Unfortunately, the international presence of Asia is low. I wish to do business with Americans, so in the future, I would like to have more business relationships with Listing Corporations in the US (e.g., NYSE, Nasdaq). While operating my business, I figured that so many problems would last long until resolved. The main thing I realized was that each problem always comes from a human. Working with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and so on widened my perspective on my issues. It helped me find solutions in ways I would have never thought about if I had stayed focused solely on my ideas.
Now everyone knows SASAL is a small corporation. Every corporation started small. Therefore, I’m really interested in the future figures of SASAL, INC. Looking back, I can see the progress and everything I have built. In the future, I wish to grow even more, not only in terms of notoriety but humanly. I am looking forward to employing more people from various backgrounds and with common goals as mine, as well as developing more skills along the way. SASAL, INC is on its way to becoming something big. I can sense it, and I wish to thank those who trust it and who believe in this project. Our corporation wishes to help clients increase their own value. It is our mission.
Do you wish to give your business more visibility ? Do you want to make more high-level connections in order to grow your business ? Do you wish to expand your business on a more global level ?
The SASAL, INC Conference is the perfect event for you.
This hybrid held conference is an International event connecting ambitious people like you from all over the globe.
This SASAL INC Conference Event will be both held ONLINE and ON-SITE on Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:30PM EST.
Don’t miss out on this one-time opportunity and register now for the event from this QR code :
From the comfort of your own home, join a meaningful event, where you can exchange with other hard-working individuals and corporations about your goals and prospects. The SASAL, INC Conference is a networking event where you can make more high-level connections.
This event will begin by an introduction of who we are and how our corporation can help yours. This brief introduction will be followed by a group session and a valuable time of networking. We value your ideas and want to make sure we understand your demands in order to fulfill your needs. You will be able to exchange ideas, goals, values and much more with other participants as well as with SASAL, INC, helping you to expand your knowledge and to get another step closer to achieving your long-term goals.
This Conference Event is brought to you by SASAL, INC, your strategy consulting firm. We hope to see all of you at the event!
SASAL recommends those platforms for finding the event.
On July 19th, Friday 2024, I have attended my first business event as a SASAL INC Intern. bThis event was the Start Up World Cup, during which various start up companies were introducing their concepts and presenting their ideas.Start Up World Cup
As a start up itself, it is important for SASAL INC to attend events such as this one in order to discover more corporations which are in the same situation and it is always a good way to promote SASAL INC even more.
The event took place in a prestigious hotel in the district of Roppongi, in Tokyo. Several events were held on that same day, but I attended the one where we could go from booth to booth to discover the diverse start-ups. I had the opportunity to discuss with various start-up representatives who introduced me to their work and how they came to develop their ideas. The majority of the start-ups I encountered were focused on AI and on the use of new technologies such as robots, etc. Each start-up had approximately three representatives, and they were all available to answer our questions and to explain the functions and goals of their company.
Throughout this event, I went to nearly every single booth and listened to everyone’s ideas. I was able to exchange with lots of hard-working individuals who are driven by the will to make their ideas become reality. Those start ups all seemed to have a common goal, which was to propose a product or service that could ease the life or the work of their clients.
What I Have Learned From This Event
As a first experience, I really enjoyed attending this event. By communicating with various people from different backgrounds with diversified ideas and ambitions, I was able to put my own goals and thoughts into perspective. During this event, I was able to meet new people who I would have never had the chance to interact with if it was not for attending this Start-Up World Cup event. These interactions allowed me to practice my Japanese speaking skills as well as to learn how people communicate in casual business settings. It was encouraging to see that despite the disparities, everyone seemed to have the same goal, which was simply to succeed in the work industry. I applaud the courage each person has to come forward in this competitive scene by spreading their concept and working their way up.
It is also a good way to develop social skills and confidence by promoting the company I work for and by accepting that my name will be associated with my business ambitions. As a first offline event experience, I believe the Start-Up World Cup was very appropriate.
Now that I attended my first event, I have more knowledge on how these work and I am ready to attend new events.
I joined this event twice; in this event, there is a time 1 on 1 talk with attendees. And the operator of this event is so kind so I felt something hometown. For the person who would like to have casual networking time, I recommend this event.
The event is focused on networking. The attendees will be around 30 every time, and all the people have the time to introduce each business.
I joined this event for the second time. It is really effective because it focuses on networking. I’m able to know each person’s business quickly; hence, the people who are at the starter level of business are suitable. Thank you.
SASAL, Inc. joined the ACCJ event. This event is held in Japan.
In this event, we sang the national anthem of each country, and we can have the networking also. Compared to other events in Japan, there are many foreigners at this event.
Are you looking to do an internship in Japan ? Have you ever wondered how to change your status of residence in Japan ? In this article, as an intern …
Read more “Employee’s Interview – How to overcome getting a visa in Japan”
Thank you for joining the SASAL, INC. On this page, SASAL, INC introduces you to the usage of the SASAL, INC.
To increase future value, there are services in the SASAL, INC. All the services are shown on the HP. If you would like to contract the services to increase the future value, please feel free to ask SASAL, INC members.
A business strategy is a comprehensive plan that outlines how a company will achieve its goals and gain a competitive advantage in the market. It involves defining the company’s vision and mission, understanding the competitive landscape and market trends, setting clear and measurable goals, and allocating resources effectively. The strategy also includes identifying and leveraging the company’s unique strengths to stand out in the market, developing a detailed implementation plan with timelines and responsibilities, and continuously monitoring performance to make necessary adjustments. A well-crafted business strategy by a business strategist ensures that all parts of the organization are aligned and working towards common objectives, ultimately driving sustainable growth and success. Let’s update your corporation’s corporate plan.
Business growth strategies are comprehensive plans designed to increase a company’s market share, revenue, and competitiveness. Key strategies include market penetration, which focuses on increasing sales of existing products in existing markets through tactics like lowering prices and offering promotions. Market development involves expanding into new markets with existing products, targeting new geographical areas, customer segments, or distribution channels. Product expansion entails developing new products or improving existing ones to boost sales, such as adding new features or creating product bundles. Diversification involves entering new markets with new products, leveraging existing capabilities to create new opportunities. Acquisitions and mergers allow companies to quickly gain market share, access new technologies, or enter new markets, though this requires substantial investment. Strategic partnerships involve forming alliances with other companies to leverage their strengths and resources, aiding in market entry, technology sharing, or co-developing products. Cost leadership focuses on becoming the lowest-cost producer in the industry by optimizing operations and reducing costs. Innovation builds a culture of continuous development of new products and process improvements to stay ahead of competitors and meet changing customer needs. By implementing these strategies, businesses can achieve sustainable growth and enhance their competitive position in the market.
A strategic business plan is essential for guiding a company’s direction and ensuring long-term success. It encompasses a comprehensive business growth plan that outlines how the company will expand its market presence and increase revenue. This plan includes detailed business development strategies to identify new opportunities and foster relationships that drive growth. Additionally, a well-crafted strategic business plan incorporates a succession planning process to ensure leadership continuity and prepare for future transitions. By integrating these elements, the strategic business plan provides a roadmap for sustainable growth and development, aligning all parts of the organization towards common objectives.
An international business strategy is a comprehensive plan that guides a company’s operations across different countries to increase global footprint and profitability. It addresses both global integration and local responsiveness. The main types include: International Strategy, which involves exporting products with minimal local adaptation; Multidomestic Strategy, which tailors products to meet local market needs; Global Strategy, which offers standardized products across all markets to achieve cost advantages; and Transnational Strategy, which balances global efficiency and local responsiveness by creating a network of interdependent subsidiaries. These strategies help companies navigate international markets, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable global growth.
A fundraising strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to build strong donor relationships and raise revenue to support an organization’s mission. Key components include evaluating current strategies and past campaigns to identify strengths and areas for improvement, setting clear and measurable goals, and understanding and segmenting your audience based on giving history and demographics. It involves selecting appropriate fundraising campaigns such as peer-to-peer fundraising, matching gift challenges, events, and online fundraising. Developing a multi-channel marketing plan to reach your target audience through social media, email, and direct mail is crucial. Stewarding donors by maintaining strong relationships through regular communication and personalized thank-yous, leveraging technology to streamline efforts and track engagement, and crafting a compelling narrative that emotionally connects with donors and communicates the impact of their contributions are also essential. By following these steps, you can create a robust fundraising strategy that helps your organization achieve its financial goals and sustain its mission.
A sourcing strategy is a comprehensive plan that organizations use to identify, evaluate, and select suppliers to meet their procurement needs. It involves several key steps: understanding market conditions and supplier landscapes, identifying potential suppliers, assessing them based on cost, quality, reliability, and capacity, negotiating terms, establishing and managing contracts, continuously monitoring supplier performance, and mitigating supply chain risks. Strategic sourcing focuses on building long-term relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality and reliability, and aligning sourcing activities with the overall business strategy.
Strategy and tactics are fundamental concepts in planning and execution.
Strategy is the overarching plan or set of goals that an organization aims to achieve, focusing on long-term planning and the big picture. It guides the organization towards its mission and vision. For example, a company’s strategy might be to become the market leader by offering innovative products and exceptional customer service.
Tactics, on the other hand, are the specific actions or steps taken to achieve these strategic goals. They are short-term, concrete, and focus on the details of execution. For instance, to support the strategy of becoming a market leader, a company might use tactics such as launching a new marketing campaign, improving product features, or expanding distribution channels. In summary, strategy defines the “what” and “why” of achieving goals, while tactics outline the “how” and “when” of executing the plan.
Related diversification is a business strategy where a company expands its operations into areas that are closely related to its existing business activities. This approach leverages synergies between the new and existing operations, allowing the company to capitalize on its current resources, capabilities, and market knowledge. For example, a company that manufactures consumer electronics might diversify into producing home appliances, as both industries involve similar engineering skills and market dynamics. The main benefits of related diversification include economies of scale, risk mitigation, and market synergies. However, it also comes with challenges such as increased complexity in management and potential internal competition between related business units.
Problem-solving techniques are methods used to identify solutions to specific issues. Some effective techniques include brainstorming, which involves generating a wide range of ideas in a group setting to find creative solutions; root cause analysis, which identifies the underlying cause of a problem to address it effectively; SWOT analysis, which evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a problem; and mind mapping, which visualizes ideas and their connections to explore different aspects of a problem. Other techniques include trial and error, testing various solutions until finding one that works; heuristics, using rules of thumb or educated guesses to solve problems quickly; working backward, starting from the desired outcome and working in reverse to find the steps needed to achieve it; and means-end analysis, breaking down a problem into smaller parts and solving each part to reach the overall goal. These techniques can help you approach problems systematically and find effective solutions.
Service differentiation is a strategy businesses use to distinguish their services from competitors by offering unique features, superior quality, or tailored experiences that meet specific customer needs. Key elements of service differentiation include providing high-quality services that exceed customer expectations, tailoring services to meet the unique needs of individual customers, offering exceptional customer support and communication, developing a strong, recognizable brand, making services easy to access and use, and continuously improving and innovating service offerings. Effective service differentiation can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and the ability to command higher prices, especially in saturated markets where many competitors offer similar services.
Business policy and strategic management are key concepts in guiding an organization’s direction and ensuring its long-term success. Business policy provides a framework of guidelines and principles that dictate the organization’s overall approach to decision-making and operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. It covers various areas such as human resources, finance, operations, marketing, and compliance. Strategic management involves the formulation and execution of strategies to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives, focusing on long-term planning, competitive positioning, and adapting to changes in the business environment. It includes setting goals, analyzing the competitive landscape, allocating resources, and monitoring progress. In summary, while business policy provides the rules and guidelines for consistent decision-making, strategic management charts the course for achieving competitive advantage and long-term success.
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