March 2021– date –
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Marketing Tips
The Death of the “Monster”: Why Efficiency is Killing Our Passion
In the 90s, the only rival for a GT-R was another GT-R. Explore the "American Graffiti" days of Hokkaido's streets and why our past chairman’s defiance of marketing reflects the beautiful, irrational soul of human craftsmanship. -
Marketing Tips
The Pyramid Paradox: Why We Build Things That Last Forever
Obayashi Corporation proved the pyramid legends are impossible, but perhaps the "mystery" is the point. Join me as I explore Taro Okamoto’s theory on incomprehensible art, the fragility of lost civilizations, and why Japan’s Ise Grand Shrine is the ultimate backup system designed to prevent the catastrophe of forgetting. -
Japanese Culture and Traditions
The Sacred Chaos: Why Japanese Summer Festivals Are Essential for Local Relationships (And Our Complicated Faith)
We are a nation that is both deeply pragmatic and quietly spiritual. We have three times more shrines than convenience stores. Natsu Matsuri is essential, not for the gods, but for workplace harmony—and convincing ourselves that summer is finally, truly over. -
Japanese Culture and Traditions
The Productivity Killer: Why Japan’s “Do You Have a Minute?” Is the Most Disruptive Question in Office History
Why is Japan's most polite question—"Do you have a minute?"—the biggest productivity killer? I dissect the high-context culture of the Japanese office, where "Wa" equals mutual surveillance. I argue this constant interruption forces a cognitive shift that minimizes deep work, and propose a flexible design solution to fight the deadly disease of loneliness—or failing that, a strategic escape ticket to Tokyo. -
Marketing Tips
The Deepest Blue: From Samurai Workwear to Furniture Upholstery (The Allure of Japan Blue)
"Japan Blue," the color of the Tokyo Olympics, was named by a British chemist in 1875, who saw the entire nation draped in indigo workwear. Natural indigo is notoriously difficult, requiring delicate adjustment, but it yields unparalleled depth. This commitment to meticulous craft defines Okayama Denim, which is internationally prized despite our small market size. When our Singaporean dealer insisted on a collaboration, we partnered with the top maker, "Japan Blue." Now, you can order our furniture upholstered in their special denim—a synergy of modern design and ancient skill. The best part? This furniture denim is fade-resistant. There's truly no reason not to buy it. -
Japanese Culture and Traditions
The Swing of the Metronome: Why I Refuse to “Be Realistic”
Inside Japan’s fortress of power, even the elite were powerless against the swing of the metronome. Join me as I recount the collapse of the Ministry of Finance’s paper towers on March 11, 2011, and why that day convinced me that "responsible adults" must reject the easy path of realism and fight for their ideals. -
Marketing Tips
Which Is More Important, Speed or Quality?
【Speed and quality are not trade-off】 Leap before you look. Haste makes waste. These are famous ancient proverbs, meaning opposite to each other. It seems a speed-vs-quality issue has been long bothering us human beings. Speed, however... -
Marketing Tips
The Dollar-Store Revolution: Why “Kaizen” Beats Bureaucracy
I’m using my talent for "logical nonsense" to speak up for the invisible 99% of Japanese businesses. Join me as I challenge the government’s elite advisors and prove that a $1 hair dryer holder can teach us more about productivity than any spreadsheet in a Tokyo skyscraper. -
Japanese Culture and Traditions
The Invincible Extension of My Fingers: A Love Letter to Japanese Chopsticks
If you eat with a fork, you might be an avant-garde designer finishing a shirt with salad dressing. Explore the humorous world of Japanese "chopstick monogamy," the terrifying social pressure of proper technique, and how a nation's obsession with wooden textures defined the soul of CondeHouse furniture.
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