Author Archives: Atsushi

Moving to a new country is an adventure filled with opportunities and challenges. For someone like me, who was deeply rooted in the humanities in Japan, the transition to life in South Korea has been both transformative and enlightening. My journey here has led me to consciously avoid reading and writing, activities I once cherished,Continue reading “Embracing a New Path: From Humanities to Business in a Foreign Land”

Change is an inevitable part of progress, but the way it manifests can vary significantly between cultures. This is particularly evident when comparing the approaches of Korean and Japanese societies. Both countries are renowned for their technological advancements and cultural richness, yet their methods of integrating new systems and technologies highlight two distinct philosophies ofContinue reading “Understanding Change: A Tale of Two Societies”

Today was another tough day in the world of sales. I faced a lot of rejections yet again, through cold calls, cold emails, and presenting professional offers. It’s disheartening sometimes, but I’ve come to understand that this is all part of the journey. I often think about how people, if left unchecked, could easily becomeContinue reading “The Continuous Struggle of Sales: A Path to Personal Growth”

In Japan, school trips are a rite of passage for middle and high school students, offering a break from the classroom and a chance to learn in new environments. Traditionally, these trips have often taken students to historical and culturally rich domestic destinations like Kyoto and Okinawa. While these locations offer invaluable lessons in JapaneseContinue reading “Expanding Horizons: The Importance of Overseas School Trips for Japanese Students”

Yesterday, as I sat at my desk, I watched my colleagues head out for lunch together, their laughter and camaraderie filling the office. A pang of jealousy hit me, sharper than I expected. It wasn’t the first time I’d felt this way, but it was a reminder of the delicate balance I’m constantly trying toContinue reading “Navigating Jealousy: Balancing Family Commitments and Workplace Social Life”

Since the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea has witnessed a noticeable decline in its economic indicators, sparking concerns both domestically and internationally. When compared to the tenure of the previous administration under Moon Jae-in, the economic landscape under Yoon appears considerably bleaker. This essay delves into the complexities of South Korea’s current economicContinue reading “The Economic Challenges of the Yoon Administration and Its Impact on the Japan-Korea Supply Chain”

In the fast-paced world of business, managing deadlines effectively is crucial for success. As a sales professional, I have adopted a streamlined approach to managing my work that centers on the concept of two types of deadlines: “now” and “today.” This philosophy not only simplifies my workflow but also ensures that I remain productive andContinue reading “The Art of Simplicity: Managing Deadlines with Efficiency”

Last night, I experienced an unusual fatigue that left me feeling dizzy, causing me to fall asleep without even taking a shower. This morning, however, I woke up feeling better and decided to proceed with my plan to go to the gym before heading to work. This experience, though minor, prompted me to reflect onContinue reading “The Importance of Meaningful Living: Reflections Inspired by “Die with Zero””

I work as a commission-based salesman. Each day, our sales figures are recorded and prominently displayed on a whiteboard for everyone to see. Those who perform well are praised, held up as examples by our supervisors, who encourage the rest of us to aspire to their success. Conversely, if you have too many days withoutContinue reading “The Life of a Commission-Based Salesman: A Personal Reflection”

In the modern era, the proliferation of social media has enabled everyone to easily express their opinions. However, alongside this convenience comes the need to reevaluate the social impact of SNS, such as information overload, the spread of misinformation, and the implications of individual declarations of stance. Specifically, let us reconsider the benefits and drawbacksContinue reading “Reconsidering the Meaning of Writing in the Age of SNS Loss: A Personal Perspective”

During a recent conversation with my Korean friend, born in the 1980s like myself, I discovered an intriguing cultural asymmetry in our memories and experiences from the 1980s and 1990s. This disparity revealed itself through the nature of our recollections related to each other’s countries. While my memories as a Japanese individual often involve personalContinue reading “Cultural Asymmetry in Personal Memories: Insights from a Japanese-Korean Conversation”

In the tapestry of the modern workplace, where ambition and recognition often take centre stage, the profound wisdom encapsulated by Harry S. Truman’s words, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit,” stands out as a beacon of enlightenment. This venerable quote, attributed to the 33rd President ofContinue reading “The Sublime Power of Selflessness in the Workplace: A Closer Look”