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WorkSense | Labour Contracts & Hiring
Foreign workers in Japan often can't get straight answers about their employment rights. WorkSense covers the basics — verified by a licensed Social Insurance and Labour Consultant.
For your business
Omotenashi is a mindset, not a manual
For those looking to enter the Japanese business market, the high expectations from customers might feel daunting. Let's now heed the advice of Omotenashi Ambassador Kayo, whose unique perspective is informed by her own journey from housewife to entrepreneur.
People
Omotenashi is a management philosophy
We've seen that 'omotenashi' (welcoming guests in Japanese) transcends basic service by addressing needs customers haven't even recognised themselves, according to Kayo, the Omotenashi Ambassador. Now, we turn to her to explore: What core driver motivates this extraordinary level of mindfulness?
Exceeding expectations: How a Japanese mindset can transform your business
Are you familiar with the Japanese word omotenashi? Literally meaning ‘to welcome guests’, it has become widely used in recent years among Japanese speakers, though its interpretation varies.
For your life
Divorce in Japan: Visa & post-divorce navigation with an immigration lawyer
Divorce in Japan has implications beyond the legal dissolution of marriage for foreign residents, affecting visas and other aspects of life, whether married to Japanese nationals or are both foreign citizens. We asked an administrative scrivener/immigration lawyer well-versed in these procedures.
This week in Small Business Japan
Are customers God? Custom's genesis: Reflection between two Expos
A well-known Showa-era singer, Haruo Minami, sang the theme song for the #OsakaExpo in 1970, 'Sekai no Kuni kara Konnichiwa' (Hello from Countries Around the World). This song became an iconic tune of the Expo and is widely known as one of Minami's signature songs.
This week in Small Business Japan
Is that really wasabi or peculiar Japanese euphemism?
In Japanese, there are instances where the name given to something doesn't match its reality. Is euphemism the reason for this discrepancy? Is this just a Japanese phenomenon?
This week in Small Business Japan
Guide to spring 2025 startup subsidies
Given the rise in inquiries, I've compiled a list of previous articles that explain the recent openings and nature of subsidies. I hope this is helpful.
For your business
The business of scholarships: Reshaping Japan's learning landscape
To discuss scholarships in Japan, it's important to clarify the situation first. There are two categories: a 'benefit type' (no repayment required) and a 'loan type' (repayment required after graduation). Both of these are called 'scholarships' in Japan.
Subsidies
Japan startup subsidy up to ¥2m opening soon: Key funding opportunity for small businesses
The Japanese government has announced the 'Small Business Sustainability Subsidy (Startup Category),' providing up to ¥2m. Eligibility: Businesses within 3 years. This initiative offers crucial funding for startups to foster innovation and growth.
This week in Small Business Japan
Not-so-useful Japanese lessons by me: 'Suji ga tooranai'
While I was interpreting between a Japanese expert and his client, an English speaker, the expert abruptly said, 'それは筋が通らないです (Sore wa suji ga tooranai desu; That doesn't make sense)'. What did he mean?
For your business
HR-Focused MHLW Grants 3/3: Business funding for productivity initiatives
This MHLW grant supports spending on measures that enhance production efficiency for companies implementing 'Work Style Reform' to boost productivity.