Managing for Creativity in Japan Talking with Foreign Executives in Japan
Outward Looking-ness
Advantages to being Non-Japanese
“….There would be too many rules and obligations. Being a foreigner means that I can break those rules….”
Hard to Pinpoint
“….everyone was fascinated with me but not fascinated enough to employ me….”
Cultural Strength, Lose the Blinkers
“….This is a very closed society and that gives it strength – I see it as a real privilege to be able to be a part of it….”
Mind Opening
“….I am still incredibility impatient but that gives me worth here, I can’t lose that aspect of being a Westerner….”
It’s a Respect (not talent or experience) Thing
“….it’s a respect thing and you have to show that you are in for the long haul…..”
Fuck Ups
“…it is very important to have a more Western way of thinking if you are going to be working internationally…”
Broad Minded Employees
“…They haven’t worked underneath other Japanese companies in our industry so they don’t have this kind of robotic (or moronic) way of working instilled in them…”
On Choosing your Successor
“…I would be looking for somebody who can embrace change….”
On Being Open
“….there are cultural risks wherever you go but at least in other cases the language is the same…”
The Weirdo
“..You can’t have him as one of the battery hens, how can you have creativity in that scenario? It’s impossible….”
Contribute, Don’t Preach
“..when I have come across negative things I have had to be very sensitive to the fact that I am not here to teach…”
Things to Embrace
“Well, things to embrace. I’ve talked a lot about the challenges, but the people are pretty reliable so rates of sickness are just not an issue here, where as some of my counterparts in other countries might have to monitor that. I have an extremely trustworthy team so you don’t have to worry too much [...]
Aversion to Change
“People don’t want to take a risk, it’s mendokusai (bothersome) to change things. Another thing that is characteristic of Japan is that once a system is in place then it is very hard to change that system. Everything comes to support the existing system. On the other hand though, you look at a company like [...]
Technology Use
“I find it hard to get people excited about this, which is surprising. I am fascinated by how low the level of ITC and technology is in market research in Japan. It’s way behind America. (C: For example?) Say you have a central location test, an ad test. You may have a hall in Shibuya [...]
