My family holiday in Japan back in 2007 was a mind-blowing experience full of richness in culture and steepness in traditions. Additionally, its history, magnificent food, saké and respectful people left me wanting to experience more of what the country had to offer.

Seventeen years later, I was back in this amazing country through Bond Uni’s Japan Study Tour alongside 11 fellow MBA candidates. My first trip in 2007 was a delightful holiday; this time around in 2024, I got to experience the bustling business side of Tokyo.

The tour was to deepen our understanding of Japanese culture that is entwined into the business landscape of Japan. After several corporate visits and cultural excursions, every moment over 7 days testified to the richness and also complexity of the country’s traditions weaved into modern ethos.

Cultural Norms of Omonetashi and Ichigo-Ichie

Our trip began with a comprehensive introduction to Japan’s cultural norms, prominently featuring the concepts of “omotenashi” and “ichigo-ichie,” which set the stage for our immersive journey through Tokyo.

• Omotenashi, has its origins in Japan’s tea ceremony and is often described as the spirit of hospitality and selfless service.
• Ichigo-ichie, on the other hand, emphasises the preciousness of each encounter, reminding us to cherish every moment as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Various Business Insights

Our itinerary included a series of educational visits to renowned Japanese companies for a peek into their operations and work culture.

Uniqlo

I had often walked past Uniqlo at our local shopping centre with no interest to take a peek inside the store. However, after visiting their headquarters and learning of the company’s LifeWear philosophy of providing customers with everyday inexpensive high-quality products, I was impressed and became their newest big fan.

Suntory

My favourite whisky is made by Suntory, particularly Hibiki, so it was a wonderful experience to visit this distillery and see first-hand how their products are manufactured.

Ajinomoto

Ajinomoto is a popular seasoning and flavour enhancer and known to provide a 5th taste that is different from sweet, salty, sour and bitter. You’ll encounter the seasoning in different foods such as sauces, oils, sweeteners, protein shakes and so much more.

Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel (MAOUDC)

Japan experiences yearly heavy rain downpours that turns into devasting floods and mudflows. That’s why in 2006 after 13 years of work, the underground infrastructure that stands 18m high, 78m wide and 177m long was built to take in 5 rivers of water that surrounds Tokyo in the event of a flood, preventing the city from drowning and devastation.

Cultural Immersion

Sensoji Temple

The Sensoji Temple was built in 628 AD and is a must-see to fully experience the richness of Japan’s Edo period. Not only is the temple impressive but the row after row of restaurants surrounding the temple serve the most delicious Japanese food and is something not be missed.

Imperial Palace

The residence of Japan’s Imperial Family is located in a large park surrounded by moats and humongous stone walls in the centre of Tokyo. The palace was destroyed in WWII but was rebuilt in the same style.

Shibuya Crossing
The photo below does not portray the correct number of people who forge their way across this famous intersection, which is estimated to be 1,000 – 2,500 pedestrians every two minutes. Witnessing it in real life after seeing the Shibuya Crossing in videos was pretty impressive.

Pokémon

Our daughter was a fan of all things Pokémon when she was growing up, and still is to this day as a young adult. So, it was pretty special to visit the Pokémon Centre and see all these characters that she loved as a child; and bring a few back home to her.

Takashimaya Department Store

Stepping into Takashimaya Department Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, was one way to examine the concept of omotenashi that we began the tour with; and the experience did not disappoint. From the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Japanese crafts to the cutting-edge fashion on display, Takashimaya epitomised Japan’s ability to honour its heritage while embracing innovation.

My favourite part was seeing the elevator operator, adorned in her white gloves, usher customers into a lift like a flight attendant assisting us with where we wanted to go. This over-the-top customer service is a reflection of the warmth and welcoming attitude of the Japanese.

Colleagues and New Friends

Bond Alumni Event

Joining our Bond Uni colleagues was a sure way to connect with fellow students at Japan’s alumni event. It was the perfect time to practise the cultural lessons we had learned on the trip, how to greet others with a bow, known as ojigi in Japanese, and ways to received business cards with two hands for example.

Karaoke

But the best time of all was our night of karaoke with both Australian and Japanese colleagues that truly epitomised the spirit of camaraderie in our cross-cultural exchange. Belting out our favourite tunes had us in laughter that transcended language barriers and forged bonds that would last beyond the confines of our study tour. My song? It was “Simply the Best” by one of my favourite icons, Ms Tina Turner.

Farewell Japan

As I bid farewell to the bustling streets of Tokyo, I carry with me a newfound appreciation for Japan’s rich tapestry of traditions, values, and cultural norms that’s woven into the business landscape and hearts of the Japanese people.

This journey reaffirmed my belief in the power of travel to broaden perspectives, foster connections, and inspire personal and professional growth.

Sayonara and arigato, Japan!