The World Likes Japan More Than We Think

What surprised me most when I first went abroad was not the language barrier. It was how much Japan was already loved. In a small Canadian town, simply saying "I'm from Japan" opened doors and drew smiles from strangers.

Craftsmanship, cleanliness, courtesy and food formed an image of Japan far richer than I had imagined. In business, that image becomes a real asset: conversations begin with expectations of quality already raised.

That trust was built over generations by people who came before us, and we borrow it at every first meeting. I feel this brings two duties: never betray it, and add our own generation's share before passing it on. Being Japanese can be the first business card we hand the world. Does our work live up to it? What do you work for?