世界を巡った貿易商人の、回想と思索

The freedom is glorious, the responsibility is terrifying

So, imagine this: back in the old nine-to-five days, there’s this person whose boss used to say, “Oh, your work is so meticulous!” But not in a good way. Nope, it was more like, “You’re so slow it’s painful to watch.” Fast forward a bit, and this same person decides to go independent. What happens next? Chaos? Freedom? A bit of both, really.When you’re your own boss, no one’s there to roll their e...

2024/11/30 12:06

Better way to spend the weekend

The weekend’s just around the corner, isn’t it? Lately, the news has been a bit gloomy, hasn’t it? But weekends are the perfect time to switch gears, take a breath, and find a little joy in the simple things. You know, most people in Japan say they feel happiest when they’re having a good rest or spending time with their family. And honestly, doesn’t that just make you smile? No matter how tough l...

2024/11/30 01:23

World's largest recycling plant

I came across a story about a big European company planning to build the world's largest recycling plant for drink bottles. Now, I thought, that’s massive! But what really caught my attention was where they’re doing it. Not in Europe, no, no – they’re off to Asia! Imagine that – mixing clever European recycling know-how with loads of young, energetic workers. They’re aiming to take on the big leag...

2024/11/29 16:41

A small get-together

The other day, I went to a small get-together with people from the same industry. It had been a while since I last joined something like this, so it was nice to see everyone again. The group was really international, but there were loads of people from India and China. There were some folks from Europe too, but the Asian group really stood out. It felt like companies from Asia brought a lot of the...

2024/11/29 16:09

Rich folks in the UK

So, what are the rich folks in the UK spending their money on these days? It’s not just the usual stuff like mansions, fancy cars, posh meals, holidays to exotic spots, and the latest designer threads anymore. Oh no, the wealthy have got some new tricks up their sleeves – and it’s not all about flaunting their cash in your face.First off, houses. Sure, they’re still snapping up palatial estates wi...

2024/11/28 14:15

If you're under 16, no TikTok, no Twitter, no Instagram, no nothing

Australia’s just gone and done something that might make you raise an eyebrow— they’ve introduced a new rule that bans kids under 16 from using social media. Yep, you heard that right. If you're under 16, no TikTok, no Twitter, no Instagram, no nothing. It’s like they’ve said,

2024/11/28 13:41

A Fun Look at “Closing Down” in Modern Times

These days, walking through town, you can’t help but notice signs saying, “We’re closing down,” or hear shopkeepers saying they’re “calling it a day.” And honestly, isn’t it amazing how many ways the English language can describe the same thing? Makes closing up shop sound almost... charming, doesn’t it?Apparently, young folks today are all about “avoiding risk.” Back in the day, people would say,...

2024/11/28 13:21

That Famous Businessman: What’s He Up to Now?

Remember that French chap who made all the headlines in Japan? You know, the one who zipped through not one, but two of France’s fanciest schools, landed a big job at a tyre company before most of us could figure out how to change one, and then took over some struggling company abroad? Yep, that guy. Well, after his dramatic “exit” a while back, you’re probably wondering: what’s he doing these day...

2024/11/28 13:04

The Struggles of Starting a Business in Japan

Starting a new business in Japan these days? Oh, you’re in for a treat—if by

2024/11/27 14:35

The Woes of Business Trips in the Era of the Weak Yen

Back in the day, heading abroad for a business trip from Japan was almost like a little holiday, especially if you were off to somewhere in Southeast Asia or a developing country. With a typical Japanese company budget — say, about £60 a night or $100 — you could stay in a proper posh hotel, no problem. Sometimes, you’d even have cash left over! And what did we do with that extra money? Buy a nice...

2024/11/26 13:24

AI doesn’t actually think

AI is a cracking bit of tech, isn’t it? Makes life so much easier, doesn’t it? But then I read something from some clever clogs, saying, “AI doesn’t actually think,” and I was like, what?! Turns out, AI’s just copying how humans think – like a parrot with a fancy circuit board. It doesn’t think for itself or feel anything. Not a sausage. That’s why it can’t really make mistakes or genuinely learn ...

2024/11/25 15:03

Home cooking a thousand miles away

Ah, Sundays. They always seem to bring back memories of my business trips abroad, especially those early years when I was off to places that felt like they were worlds away. I used to get so excited about trying the local food – the fresh, exotic produce, and all the strange little dishes that you’d never find back home. It was almost like a mini-adventure with every meal. In those days, I convinc...

2024/11/24 02:39

The Dark Side of Masked Honor Employees at Top Banks

A major scandal recently shook one of Japan's top-tier, big city banks – a senior staff member had stolen an eye-watering amount of money from the bank’s vaults. The kind of money that most people can barely imagine. When this news broke, I’m sure it left many people across Japan feeling shocked and deeply uncomfortable. Of course, what he did is unforgivable, but when you step back and think abou...

2024/11/23 14:37

“Good Couple Day.” in Japan - 11月22日は『良い夫婦』の日

Today is the 22nd of November, also known here in Japan as “Good Couple Day.” Why, you ask? Well, because in Japanese, “11” sounds like “good,” and “22” sounds like “couple.” It’s a bit of a cheeky pun, isn’t it? But honestly, it’s so wonderfully Japanese—simple, clever, and with just the right touch of charm to make you smile. Apparently, loads of couples all over the country are marking the occa...

2024/11/22 14:47

Hong Kong’s Back in the Game: The Comeback Kid of Asia

Well, who’d have thought it? Hong Kong is making a proper comeback as Asia’s top financial hub. Now, if you ask folks in Japan, they’ll tell you, “Oh, it’s all doom and gloom over there. US-China tensions, elections in the States – best to pull out before it all goes pear-shaped.” But hang on a tick. The stats tell a different story. Hong Kong’s climbing back up, aiming to join New York and London...

2024/11/22 01:38

The Earth or the Sun – Who’s Really in Charge?

The other day, I had a chat with a Japanese bloke who’s been living in North America for nearly 40 years. He’s been on the West Coast for so long, popping back to Japan only for short visits, that he’s basically American now, just with a knack for using chopsticks.Anyway, we were talking about all sorts of topics – Japan and the US, China, you name it – when he casually dropped a comment that real...

2024/11/21 15:41

The Earth or the Sun – Who’s Really in Charge?

The other day, I had a chat with a Japanese bloke who’s been living in North America for nearly 40 years. He’s been on the West Coast for so long, popping back to Japan only for short visits, that he’s basically American now, just with a knack for using chopsticks.Anyway, we were talking about all sorts of topics – Japan and the US, China, you name it – when he casually dropped a comment that real...

2024/11/21 13:29

The Essence of Doing Business in India

India is one of those countries I’ve visited more times than I can count. I’ve travelled all over—north, south, east, and west—experiencing just how lively and diverse the place is. When I first went, I was absolutely floored by the heat, the sheer number of people, and those fiery dishes that could set your mouth on fire. But despite the initial shock, India turned out to be an amazing place for ...

2024/11/20 12:37

Sales slumps

Lately, Japanese-made industrial machines are hardly selling overseas. Now, there are a few reasons for this, but the biggest one is the cost of sending Japanese engineers abroad for long-term assignments, alongside the machine sales. Of course, the whole mess with COVID and the war in Ukraine hasn’t helped – shipping costs and product prices have gone through the roof. But at the heart of it all,...

2024/11/19 15:01

Japanese folks who stay in Japan and those who’ve gone off to live overseas.

Alright then, let me tell you a funny story about it. See, there’s a bit of a difference between Japanese folks who stay in Japan and those who’ve gone off to live overseas and make a name for themselves, especially in Europe.Now, Japanese people back in Japan, they’re big on keeping the peace and sticking to the group. “Let’s all do this together,” “Read the room,” that sort of thing. It’s almost...

2024/11/19 14:10

What’s the Difference Between Japanese and Chinese Brits?

So, if you asked your average Londoner, “What’s the difference between Japanese folks and Chinese Brits?” they'd probably chuckle and go, “Oh, I can tell just by looking!” Sure, from the outside, it might look similar—black hair, dark eyes, not the tallest bunch around, and English that’s... let’s say, a bit patchy. But spend some time working or chatting with them, and you’ll soon see there’s way...

2024/11/19 12:18

We're a bit too easily flattered?

You know, when people talk about Japanese folks or companies doing well overseas, it’s quite nice to hear the way they describe us. It’s not something we’d brag about or anything, but there’s a certain admiration there, and people often bring it up in conversation.In British English, there are a few words they use to capture that “Japanese precision,” if you like. Words like: 1. Meticulous 2...

2024/11/18 12:52

About "Made in Japan"

Back in the day,

2024/11/17 14:56

Penny-pinching journey

Ah, the joys of modern-day business trips! These days, I find myself gravitating towards those little street stalls or pop-up food stands within walking distance of the hotel—just like in my younger days. Nothing quite like grabbing a bite or a quick drink while standing around with the locals. Sure, I keep an eye on hygiene once the sun’s down, but after a few visits, you get to know the owners. ...

2024/11/17 14:19

Business trip

Right then, who’d have guessed that a business trip abroad would turn into some sort of survival challenge? Not so long ago, you’d hop off the plane, check into a decent hotel, and maybe pop down to the restaurant for a quick bite. Work trips were just that—work trips. But now? Thanks to the plummeting yen, it's become more like a “budget expedition.”These days, I’m scouting out hotel rooms that a...

2024/11/17 13:53

Memories with songs

With the weekend here, I found myself thinking back on those familiar songs I’ve often heard in hotel lounges, airports, and lobbies around the world. The kind of tunes that, maybe because they’re universally loved, tend to pop up in these public spaces wherever you go.Is it just because they’re easy to listen to, and can be enjoyed across different cultures and generations? Perhaps. But for me, i...

2024/11/16 14:36

Food prices shooting up everywhere

Lately, inflation’s been giving everyone a right headache, especially with food prices shooting up everywhere. Doesn’t matter if you’re in Europe or Japan—everything’s getting more expensive, and it’s squeezing the wallets of regular folks. Sure, if you’re lucky enough to have a pay rise that keeps up, you might be all right. But for most people, their wages just aren’t keeping pace, so it’s putti...

2024/11/16 13:00

Overseas Trips and the Funny Little Voices in My Head

Alright, here’s a funny little thing about language I’ve noticed. You know, once you start travelling a lot for work, especially to all sorts of countries, you quickly stop using Japanese—or your own language, really. Hopping from one country to the next, your head just gets stuffed with bits of this language and that, and of course, everything defaults to English, because that’s what everyone’s h...

2024/11/16 02:49

All-you-can-eat

The whole

2024/11/15 17:57

Cafés and restaurants

Here’s the scoop – in 2024, loads of cafés and restaurants in Japan have been going bust! Why, you ask? Well, prices for everything have gone whoosh right up, and it costs way more to run a business these days. Plus, some of these restaurants borrowed lots of money during COVID times to keep going. Now, they’ve got to start paying it back, and that’s like a big, heavy backpack they just can’t shak...

2024/11/15 14:29

Trader job

Alright, so here’s the thing about trading—some folks might think it’s all flash and big deals, but really, it’s quite simple stuff! What we’re doing is taking cheap things from one country, popping them over to another where they’re worth a bit more, and voilà—that’s pretty much it! Just moving goods about. Nothing super tricky.But you know what? The real joy in this work doesn’t come from just s...

2024/11/15 14:15

You are actually pretty sharp!

So, as a Japanese chap, I've been in loads of meetings with local folks in what some would call “developing” countries. And you know what? Time and again, I’d find myself thinking, “Hang on a tick, these locals are actually pretty sharp!” They’d say their bit straight up, no faff, and get right to the point. It was refreshing – almost like a splash of cold water, in a good way! They’d look at thin...

2024/11/15 06:57

Surprises by visitors from Europe

Visitors from Europe often share such lovely stories about their first trip to Japan! One of the biggest surprises for them is just how kind and helpful the Japanese people are. If they ask for directions, they’re often guided all the way to their destination by a local, making them feel at ease—even if they get lost. Then there's the famous Japanese

2024/11/14 13:36

Work life balance

In and around Europe, people tend to think they’ve got a pretty good balance between work and life. For example, there are loads of holidays, and come Friday afternoon, you might even see folks having a cheeky pint already! They take their weekend relaxation very seriously, which helps them get back to work on Monday all fresh and ready (more or less). And if trains get cancelled or run late, well...

2024/11/14 13:13

Japanese-ness

When you’re off on business trips abroad all the time, you tend to bump into quite a few Japanese folks, I must say. But what’s fascinating is the range of “Japanese-ness” they bring to the table – it really does vary!Take the “freshly imported” Japanese, straight from Japan, for example. They’re usually super polite and look like they’re practically holding their breath to avoid inhaling too much...

2024/11/14 02:43

The Phone Call That Reminded Me Why I Love My Job

So today, I got a phone call from someone in a country in the MENA region – it's been years since we last spoke directly! We've been doing business together for over ten years, and back in the day, we used to travel to each other's countries all the time. But these days, we don’t move around as much. Still, as soon as we started chatting on the phone, it was like no time had passed at all. It's fu...

2024/11/13 14:08

Unforgettable

Looking back on my days in trade, nothing quite compares to those trips to what people often call

2024/11/12 13:55

Speak multiple languages

Folks who can speak multiple languages often have that sort of experience from a young age. When you've had to learn a foreign language out of necessity, it changes the way you approach other languages too—you’re more adaptable and open to absorbing new ones. Once you’ve grasped

2024/11/12 00:29

Winter in London

Winter’s finally landed in London, and blimey, is it chilly! This year, the cost of living has shot up even more, making it harder and harder to live close to the action. Even in Zone 2, right close to the city, two-bedroom flats are renting for over £3000 a month! Imagine that! So, lots of folks are having to pack up and move a bit farther out where it’s a bit cheaper.And food—oh, don't get me st...

2024/11/11 13:34

Three things

So, after working with people from all sorts of countries for years, here’s what I reckon is really important. It’s like three simple rules to live by – or should I say

2024/11/10 12:32

Best to keep those wits

Thoughts and Tales of world-traveling trade merchant! 「世界を巡った貿易商人の、回想と思索」

2024/11/10 01:02

Here’s a fun, lighthearted rundown for your weekend pub chats. Hope it helps you make some lively mates!

So, let me tell you about my mates – each from a different corner of the world and each with their own, let’s say, unique way of handling a row. Imagine a Friday night, everyone’s a bit merry, and here’s how it goes:Foreigners Who Are a Laugh in the Pub – Top PicksBraziliansChampions of cheer! Super friendly and upbeat, they’ve always got a smile and a story. Talk music or a bit of dancing, and th...

2024/11/09 15:00

Hilarious Top Nations for a Bit of a Tussle

Ireland“Start with a cheery ‘cheers!’ in the pub... but a few too many and it’s, ‘You want a go, mate?’”They’re quick to spar after a few drinks but good as gold come morning!Italy“Family dinner? More like a football match of fiery debates!”From olive oil to opera, they’re all chat and passion. But don’t worry – it’s just how they show they care!Russia“It may be freezing out, but hearts are blazin...

2024/11/09 14:48

Japanese Village-ism

Japan’s a bit of a mixed bag, you see! It’s got some capitalist bits, sure, but there’s also a fair bit of socialism sprinkled in. The place is spotless, safe as houses, and everyone’s really polite. But democracy and human rights? Not quite as strong as you might think. Folks here have a great sense of public manners – they’ll keep things clean and follow the rules like pros – but don’t expect ma...

2024/11/09 01:35

Fun little political story

Here’s a fun little political story that’s perfect for the weekend, and not too serious either! Recently, the leader of a certain political party made some rather amusing comments about a person who had been arrested. This person, who used to run a popular video website and even ran for election once, had been arrested for some serious charges. But the party leader, in his usual calm way, said, “I...

2024/11/08 15:24

Surprising bit of news

Oh, blimey, talk about a surprising bit of news! It seems one of the big names in online videos got himself arrested right here in Japan – and, of all places, at the airport after flying in from Korea! It’s like something out of a film, isn’t it?Now, this fella started a video-sharing business ages ago, where folks could post videos and even make a bit of money if lots of people watched. Quite cle...

2024/11/08 15:10

A bit wary of touching cash

These days, QR codes and mobile payments have taken over, haven’t they? Especially since Covid, everyone’s got a bit wary of touching cash, and let’s be honest, contactless payments are just so easy! No more rummaging about in your wallet at the till—just a quick “beep” with your phone, and off you go! It’s like magic, isn’t it?But it does make you wonder about the role of banks these days. Back i...

2024/11/08 14:41

Merchant adventurer

Trade, you know, is a bit like a grand swap shop.

2024/11/08 14:21

Aging in Asia

Rank Country Aging Population Rate in 2023 Projected Aging Population Rate in 10 Years1 Japan Approximately 30% Approximately 35%2 South Korea Approximately 18% Approximately 25%3 China Approximately 14% Approximately 20%4 Singapore Approximately 17% Approximately 20%5 Hong Kong Approximately 16% Approximately 18-20%6 Thailand Approximately 13% Approximately 15-18%...

2024/11/07 15:08