Welcome to Japan Business Secrets!
Japan Business Secrets is the leading newsletter for professionals and international executives doing business with the Japanese – helping you navigate meetings, business culture, and decision-making in Japan the smart way.
Who is Japan Business Secrets for?
Japan Business Secrets is for:
Foreign managers in Japan:
Professionals working in a Japanese company:
Anyone doing business with the Japanese:
Who Are We?
Japan Business Secrets is written by Pascal Gudorf, members of my team at JBI and selected guest contributors with deep insights on doing business in Japan.
For the past 25 years, I have dedicated my career helping foreign companies enter the Japanese market and develop their business in this challenging space. Believe me: I’ve hit multiple roadblocks and was ready to give up numerous times. But through trial and error, persistence and the help of guides and mentors, I’ve found ways to overcome objections and get results for my clients I hadn’t dreamed possible.
I want you to avoid these lengthy and costly mistakes – so you can navigate Japan in a smarter way. This is why I peel back the curtain and share my lessons and insights in Japan Business Secrets.
I am the founder of:
I have written and co-authored several books and ebooks on Japan such as:
Getting to Yes in Japan: How to Read the Japanese and Influence Decisions.
Best Issues!
Still not sure if Japan Business Secrets is for you?
Here are some of our most read issues—so you can decide for yourself:
The 7 Key Challenges Foreign Executives Face When Leading a Japanese Company
My latest LinkedIn post about foreign CEOs in Japanese companies clearly struck a chord. Inspired by recent appointments at Nissan and Seven & i, I explored why Japan is still continuing to underutil…
The 3 Questions that Actually Move the Needle in Japan — Or Why Business Etiquette is Overrated
When in Tokyo, do as the Tokyoites do.
Our Promise to You!
To you as a reader of Japan Business Secrets, we promise:
We will never miss a week: You can count on us to keep on the cutting-edge of what it takes to be successful in Japan.
We will never stop diving deeper: More often than you think “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” With better awareness comes better clarity come better results.
We will iterate in real-time based on your feedback: If there are certain questions you have, issues you have with your Japanese clients and partners, or specific topics you’d like us to feature, just ask! We value you as a reader, and always want to be creating what is most helpful for you and your goals.
As a reader, you can check for new issues of Japan Business Secrets here on Substack—or, sit back and wait for them to hit your inbox at least 1x per week.
What’s in my paid subscription?
As one of our valued paying subscribers you get:
All of our newsletters directly in your inbox.
Our weekend deep-dives.
Exclusive invitations to our monthly Zoom call “Japan Business Secrets”
Full access to the publication archives.
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