Report on the "Foreigner Coexistence Course 2025" Intercultural Understanding Course (1) for Japanese Employees

Communication with foreign talent,

Starting in May 2025, JAC will hold a total of six courses for Japanese employees on coexistence with foreigners.

This course is a further brush up on the "Plain Japanese Course," which was very popular in FY2024, and has been designed to reflect the voices of people close to the field.

The first "Intercultural Understanding Course (1)" was held on May 15, 2025.
We will report on the course.

Understanding Different Cultures

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, we held the "Intercultural Understanding Course (1)", with 280 participants.
This course was taught by Lecturer Yoriko Shiraishi of ORJ Co., Ltd.

First of all, there was a talk about different cultures.
The differences in values between Koreans and Japanese people were explained using the example of holidays.

According to Lecturer Shiraishi, "understanding different cultures" means:
"Culture has visible and invisible parts, and there are reasons for the invisible parts.
"The first step in understanding a different culture is to try to understand what is invisible."

Several examples of common problems caused by cultural differences were introduced.
Among them, "preferences for perfume, etc." was a very easy-to-understand example.

Japanese people prefer perfume that has a light scent, but people from overseas prefer perfume that has a strong lingering scent, so I could imagine there being some minor problems caused by the smell of perfume.
When I think someone's perfume is too strong, I feel that by telling them to "keep the perfume light," we can come to understand each other's differences in values and find a solution.

In addition, two foreign workers who appeared as special guests at the lecture said, "When (Japanese people) feel uncomfortable with our behavior, we want them to let us know."

There was also an explanation of some things that foreigners don't understand when working with Japanese people.

I can't take action unless I understand, so please tell me the reason why I will be scolded (or reprimanded).
Japanese people pay attention to small details. In my home country, I sometimes think, "You don't need to worry about that much."
There is often a lot of emphasis on small details and silly rules.
I understand the importance of following the rules, but even Japanese people don't follow them.

Does any of you have any idea?

Why do we say "I understand" when we don't?

Why do you say "I understand" when you don't know?
Reasons such as fear of causing trouble to the company by asking it over and over again, fear of being scolded even if you don't understand, embarrassment, wanting to finish it quickly, and problems with Japanese were cited.

Certainly, when you say "I don't know" and you don't understand the content of the instruction even if you are instructed again, you don't understand.
If you think about it from the opposite position, you can understand it very well.

So, if you are instructed in a different language in another country, stop and think for a moment.
I think you will naturally speak in words that are easy to convey Plain Japanese = .

Initiatives for intercultural understanding

Finally, as examples of intercultural communication, they introduced things that foreigners found enjoyable and examples of in-house activities that everyone could enjoy even if they couldn't communicate through language.

I was given a special day off for an important event.
- Lunar New Year (Vietnam/China)
- Christmas (Philippines)
- Festival of the End of Ramadan (Islam)
He found us a Vietnamese bento delivery service.
Cafeterias now display labels on menu items that contain pork.
I enjoyed the sports competitions, watching sports, and the karaoke competition.

It was a very useful course this time as well.
There are cultural differences where you can't see them, listen to the other person's opinion, and convey your own opinion.
This was the first step in cross-cultural understanding.

We received many requests from many people in the questionnaire, so we have prepared a collection of Q&A created based on some of the questions and answers to this course.
Please use it along with materials and videos as a supplement to cross-cultural understanding.
"Foreigner Symbiosis Lecture 2025" Missed Distribution, Materials, etc.

In FY2025, JAC will hold a total of six "Foreign Symbiosis Courses" for Japan employees.
Starting with "Cross-Cultural Understanding", the three themes of "Plain Japanese" and "Life/Transportation Guidance" are designed to help you acquire the knowledge and responsiveness necessary for coexistence with foreign human resources.
In the course, we try to communicate in both directions unique to live streaming.

There will also be a question time, so please join us!
"Foreign Coexistence Course 2025" for Japan Employees

お問合せ：(株)ORJ　担当：三浦
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Tel: 090-3150-0562

0120-220353
Weekdays: 9:00-17:30 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: Closed
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