Featured Articles
Are Pets the "Children" of the 21st Century?
Some dogs live better than some people. They are better fed, better groomed, and better dressed. When ill, they receive better medical care. When they die they are more reverently mourned. The same could be said to everywhere in the world. But in Japan there are significantly more dogs and cats than there are children under 15 years of age. As Japan's pet population swells and its child population shrinks, it becomes hard not to wonder. But are pets really replacing children as the focus of family interest? Are little dogs the children of the 21st century?
Working with Japan
Managing Culture Shock
By Patricia Pringle
For Americans, working with the Japanese in a business is a challenging cultural adjustment. Even though both sides share a great many values in business, such as respect for education, enthusiasm for new technologies, and honest dealing, assumptions about working can be very different. In order to work most effectively, both the Japanese and Americans must develop awareness of these differences and skills to bridge them. It would be unrealistic to promise that culture shock can be eliminated entirely. Managing culture shock is an ongoing process, but vital to personal well-being and business success.
Products Of The Month
Hide and Seek
If you’re one of those people who are always misplacing important things—like your house keys or the TV remote control—then Seki City, Gifu Prefecture-based Imao Corporation has just the thing for you. Called “Mitsukarutetto,” it’s a device that causes remote sensors to emit a loud locator signal.
contents
2008 December contents
Contents of the month
Ranking
COUNTRYWhat are the strengths of Japan?
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