In the Japanese workplace, conflicts are bound to arise due to differences in culture or language. Efficient conflict resolution is key to maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Here are some tips:

Open Communication

Establish transparent communication for team members to express thoughts and feelings openly. This is incredibly important in Japan as many people are not too comfortable with expressing their own thoughts and feelings. 

Define the Issue

Clearly articulate the problem to ensure all parties understand the conflict's root cause. Using language that all parties can understand can help bypass the potential language barrier issue. In high schools the JTEs often have a higher level of English compared to those at elementary or junior high schools. So it is important when teaching in elementary or junior high school to use easy English or Japanese when presenting a problem or conflict.

Collaborate

Promote a collaborative approach to conflict resolution, involving team members in brainstorming and solution-building. Clearly state your goal in the lesson and the JTE goals for the lesson and work together to come to a solution that satisfies both parties.

Follow-Up

Make sure to follow up after the fact to make sure that all parties are ok with the new changes to the lesson. If there are still some points of contention, make sure to ask the JTE for their end goal for the lesson once more and work towards making the needed changes.

By embracing these strategies, workplaces can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and foster stronger team dynamics.

 Image by jannoon028 on Freepik

Many of us came to Japan alone and this can be especially hard during the holidays. While being away from family during the holidays can be challenging, celebrating the upcoming winter break in Japan alone doesn’t have to be daunting.

Some activities you can partake in are exploring local festivals, illuminations, and traditional events like Hatsumode. Try a festive KFC meal or join a Nabe party for a warm and communal dining experience.

If festivals and KFC aren’t your cup of tea, you can try connecting within the community:

This means building connections within the local community by attending events, language exchange meetups, or participating in holiday charity drives.

Searching with your local city hall, you can find several winter holiday events that would be the best fit for you. 

Celebrating the holidays in Japan without family may have its challenges, but it also opens the door to cultural exploration and personal growth. Embrace local traditions, savor unique flavors, connect with the community, and use technology to stay close to loved ones. The result can be truly enriching and memorable.