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Japanese Culture and Traditions
The Annual Corporate Baptism: Why Japan’s Entrance Ceremonies Exist (and Why I Hate Public Speaking)
Why does Japan practice synchronized recruitment and the Annual Corporate Baptism (Nyūsha-shiki)? I draw on my own embarrassing experience of attending three entrance ceremonies in three years to explain their function as a critical "attitude adjustment" event. I analyze the ritualistic genius of Toyota's CEO and his engine-revving speech. The analysis leads to my personal crisis: my existential dread over giving a compulsory lecture at the CondeHouse entrance ceremony next week. -
Japanese Culture and Traditions
Fun Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Japan
【What we do for Christmas in Japan】 Almost all the cities are filled with Christmas decorations in this season, though the percentage of the Christian population is only 1% in Japan. As I wrote before, we are good at cream-skimming oth... -
Japan Travel in the Know
Simple Rules for Enjoying Your First Japanese Onsen
Let me tell you the first rule of Hot-spring club: Bathe three times at least. Averagely, we Japanese people bathe three times for a stay of one night: Soon after check-in, before going to bed, and soon after getting up next morning. Accordingly, we can enjoy a sunset, night sky, and sunrise in an open-air bath. -
Japanese Culture and Traditions
The Anti-Sport Philosophy: Why Kendo Will Never Be in the Olympics
Why does Kendo resist Olympic inclusion? I explore the Anti-Sport Philosophy of Kendo, where natural expressions of victory are penalized and the bamboo sword is treated as the soul of the samurai. This ritualistic Way of Life is rooted in a deep Japanese reverence for tools. I conclude by revealing how the very same Kendo spirit—the humble partnership with one's instruments—is what drives the quality and meticulous care in our Hokkaido furniture factory. -
Japanese Culture and Traditions
The Zen Paradox: Why an Old Rock is Beautiful (and Why I Can’t Stylize Snacking)
What makes Sadō (tea ceremony) a profound ritual rather than just drinking tea? I argue that the merchant who formalized it was a genius to elevate a simple daily routine. This leads to the Zen Paradox: the spiritual core of mindfulness that balances objective observation (seeing a dirty rock as it is) with imaginative emptiness (seeing a whole garden in a single flower). We hope this Zen spirit will make you see expansive beauty in the simplicity of our furniture. -
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.
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