Now and Zen Japan
Entertaining and insightful conversations with Japan focused business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Recorded in bars around Tokyo, it’s like eavesdropping on candid conversations with Japan experts who share engaging stories of success, failure, and wisdom gained in Japan. Discover first-hand what it’s like to live, work, and experience the most fascinating country in the world. Direct from Tokyo, this is the Now and Zen Podcast!
Now and Zen Japan
Michael Howard: "The Salaryman" Author
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Andrew Hankinson
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Episode 4
This episode I sit down with Michael Howard to discuss his new book "The Salaryman". A humorous, manga-illustrated memoir from an American who tried and failed (?) to fit into Japanese office culture for almost a decade. We discuss some of the back stories from his book and analyze the reasons Japanese salaryman culture is the way it is. He is a great writer and a good story-teller as well. Together we fall into the U.S.-Japan business culture gap over beers (and margaritas) at Hacienda in Daikanyama. Some other highlights from our conversation:
- How he became such a talented and entertaining writer
- Why he kept a secret blog before writing "The Salaryman"
- Learning that one of his bosses was . . . "Connected"
- The positives of working at Japanese companies
- What happens when I accidentally spill a beer on his book
- Explains the ease & profitability of KDP self publishing
- Teases a potential second book and it's scandalous main story (11:00)
- The torture of Japanese "meeting" culture
- What is "Manner Mode"
- The Onsen and the Hospital stories
- Would he ever work for a Japanese company again?
gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
The Salaryman https://www.amazon.co.jp/Salaryman
Also available Direct: http://www.thesalarymanbook.com
Contact Michael: michael@thesalarymanbook.com