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 an improved version of the "Easy Japanese Course" that was very well received in 2024, and the program has been designed to reflect the voices of those 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 say "I understand" when you don't understand?
Reasons given included being afraid of causing trouble for the company by asking multiple times, thinking they would be scolded even if they didn't understand, feeling embarrassed, wanting to finish quickly, and problems with the Japanese language.

Certainly, if you say "I don't understand" and then don't understand the instructions even when you are given them, then you won't understand.
If you think about it from the other person's perspective, it makes a lot of sense.

So, let's take a moment to think about what it would be like if you were in another country and were given instructions in a different language.
I think you will naturally begin to speak simple Japanese, which means words that are easy to understand.

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.

This time too, it was a very informative course.
There are cultural differences that are invisible, so listen to the other person's opinion and express your own.
Doing so was the first step towards intercultural understanding.

In response to many requests made in the survey, we have prepared a Q&A collection based on some of the questions and answers regarding this course.
Please use these materials and videos as a supplement to your intercultural understanding.
"Lecture on Coexistence with Foreign Nationals 2025" - Missed broadcasts, materials, etc.

In fiscal 2025, JAC will hold a total of six "Foreigner Coexistence Courses" for Japanese employees.
The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to coexist with foreign personnel, with three themes starting with "Intercultural Understanding", followed by "Easy Japanese" and "Lifestyle/Transportation Guidance".
During the course, we aim to provide the two-way communication that only live streaming can provide.

There will also be a Q&A session, so please come along and join us!
"Coexistence with Foreign Residents 2025" course for Japanese employees

お問合せ：(株)ORJ　担当：三浦
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Tel: 090-3150-0562

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