Career Hacks from an Accidental Insider

Insights: Real-life lessons from my journey
Understanding Unspoken Business Etiquette in Japan

(Or: How I Accidentally Became the Most Polite Person in the Office)

When I first started working in Japan, I thought I had a pretty good grasp of business etiquette. Show up on time? Check. Dress appropriately? Check. Bow when greeting people? Check (though my first few bows were probably way too deep—I must have looked like I was auditioning for a samurai movie).

But what I didn’t realize was that Japanese business etiquette is made up of an intricate web of unspoken rules—rules that nobody explains to you but somehow everyone expects you to follow.

Take email writing, for example. I once sent what I thought was a perfectly polite email to a senior colleague. A simple, “Got it! Thanks!” in Japanese. Short, efficient, to the point.

Big mistake.

Later, a more experienced coworker pulled me aside and gently explained that my email was, well… a little too casual. Apparently, emails in Japan aren’t just about conveying information—they’re an art form. There’s a whole structure to follow: an opening greeting, an expression of gratitude, a polite transition, the main point, an extra layer of humility for good measure, and a closing phrase so formal it could be framed and hung in a museum.

So instead of “Got it! Thanks!” I should have written something closer to:

"Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. I truly appreciate your time and guidance on this matter. I will proceed accordingly. If there is anything else I should be aware of, please kindly let me know. Thank you again, and I look forward to your continued support."

Yes, this is normal for even the most basic emails.

And then there were the meetings. I quickly learned that staying silent in a meeting doesn’t necessarily mean you’re disengaged—it often means you’re actively processing information. In contrast, my instinct as a foreigner was to fill the silence (a habit that once led me to accidentally interrupt a very senior manager mid-thought—definitely not my proudest moment).

But over time, I started to understand the rhythm of Japanese workplaces. I noticed how people communicate indirectly, how they show respect through small gestures, and how subtle hierarchy plays into everyday interactions. Once I got past my initial confusion, I realized that standing out as a foreigner wasn’t a disadvantage—it was an opportunity.

Because while I was trying to adapt, my Japanese colleagues were also curious about my perspective. My different way of thinking brought fresh ideas, and my direct approach (when used tactfully) actually helped move discussions forward. The key wasn’t trying to blend in completely—it was learning how to respect the existing culture while bringing something unique to the table.

So if you ever find yourself navigating the unspoken rules of a new work culture, my advice is this: observe, adapt, but don’t erase what makes you different. That’s where your true professional strength lies.

Strategies: Actional tips to develop skills and adapt
Navigating Salary Negotiations in a Different Culture

Salary negotiations can feel awkward in any country, but doing it in a completely different cultural context? That’s a whole new level of nerve-wracking. In some places, negotiating your salary is expected and even encouraged. In others—like Japan—it can feel like stepping on a landmine if you don’t approach it carefully.

I learned this the hard way.

Early in my career, I walked into a final interview with full confidence, ready to talk numbers. I had rehearsed my counteroffer, prepared logical arguments, and even practiced different ways to say, “I appreciate the offer, but I was hoping for something closer to [X].”

So, when the hiring manager slid the contract across the table, I took a deep breath and started negotiating.

The room fell silent.

For a long moment, I thought I had said something offensive. The interviewer blinked, then gave a polite nod. “We will consider it,” they said. And that was it. No back-and-forth, no discussion—just a vague response and a subtle shift in atmosphere.

It turns out that in Japan, salary negotiations are far less common than in other countries. While they do happen, the approach is completely different. Instead of aggressive counteroffers, a more indirect and polite approach works best. Think “I’m very excited about the opportunity, and I’d love to understand if there’s flexibility in the offer.” Instead of demanding a raise, it’s better to express long-term commitment and how your skills contribute to the company’s success.

So, what’s the takeaway here?

1. Research local salary norms – In some countries, negotiating is expected. In others, it might make hiring managers uncomfortable.

2. Understand the cultural approach – Some places value direct negotiation, while others prefer subtlety and patience.

3. Focus on long-term value – Rather than pushing for a higher number outright, highlight how your skills and commitment will benefit the company.

4. Be prepared for different responses – In some cultures, negotiations are quick and straightforward. In others, they take time and multiple conversations.

At the end of the day, negotiating your salary in a new country isn’t just about getting a better paycheck—it’s about understanding how business relationships work in that culture. And if you get it right, you won’t just secure a good salary—you’ll also gain the respect of your future employer.

Stories: Humbling, funny, and inspiring anecdotes
The Most Unexpected Career Opportunity I Found in Japan

If you had asked me years ago how I imagined my career in Japan would unfold, I would have given you a neatly planned-out answer: work hard, gain experience, and climb the corporate ladder. Simple, right?

What I didn’t expect was that my biggest career break would come from a quick 15-minute phone call.

At the time, I wasn’t actively job-hunting. But I was feeling a bit stuck, wondering if there was something better out there for me. That’s when a friend-of-a-friend—someone I barely knew—reached out and asked if I had a few minutes to chat.

I figured, why not? A quick call couldn’t hurt.

The moment we started talking, I realized she completely understood my situation. She had been in my shoes before, navigating the same challenges of working in Japan as a foreigner. And instead of just offering generic advice, she said, "I think I know a role that would be a great fit for you."

Before I knew it, she had connected me with her manager. One conversation led to another, and suddenly, I was sitting in interviews for a job that aligned perfectly with what I had been looking for. A few weeks later, I accepted an offer.

Now? That same person who took 15 minutes out of her day to talk to me is my coworker.

What did I learn?

1. Never underestimate a short conversation. What starts as a quick chat can turn into a life-changing opportunity.

2. Your next job might come from a connection you don’t even know well. This wasn’t a close friend—it was a friend-of-a-friend. Keep an open mind.

3. People remember when you help them. Now that I’ve been in this role for a while, I always try to pay it forward when someone reaches out looking for advice.

Looking back, it’s wild to think that a short phone call changed everything. If there’s one thing I’d tell anyone looking for their next career step, it’s this: take the call. You never know where it might lead.

CONCLUSION
The Career You Didn’t Expect Might Be the One You Needed

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working in Japan, it’s that career growth rarely follows a straight path. Sometimes, it takes navigating unspoken rules in a boardroom, fine-tuning your resume to match cultural expectations, or even picking up a phone call you almost ignored.

When I first moved here, I thought standing out was a disadvantage. I spent so much time trying to blend in, to “get it right,” that I didn’t realize my outsider perspective was actually my biggest strength. Over time, I saw that understanding Japanese business etiquette didn’t mean losing my own identity—it meant learning how to bridge two worlds, and that skill turned out to be incredibly valuable.

The same goes for salary negotiations. Every country has its own unspoken rules, and in Japan, those rules lean toward modesty and patience. But that doesn’t mean you can’t advocate for yourself. A well-prepared approach, tailored to the culture, can make all the difference.

And then, there are those moments that remind you just how unpredictable career growth can be. I never expected a 15-minute phone call to change my trajectory, but it did. It reinforced a simple truth: opportunities don’t always show up in the way you expect, but they are always there if you’re willing to say yes to them.

So whether you’re adapting to a new culture, refining your resume, or wondering if your dream job is out there—it is. The path might look different than you imagined, but sometimes, the unexpected turns lead to the best destinations.