Atom Alex Helling

This is the second book in the “Business Lessons” series. It explains how readers can use the business strategies of the Japanese, no matter what their line of work or where they are in the world. The author, a media entrepreneur and business consultant, has been working in Tokyo for three years. He breaks down his adventures into eighty-five business lessons that anyone can use in their work and life.

Stories in the book include how the author started and sank a joint venture with a multinational in Tokyo, how he ended up playing Russian roulette eating Japanese blowfish, how he managed to appear like a humble genius, or how he turned down a deal with the yakuza. Each short story concludes with the business lesson the author learned from it and explains how it can help readers solve particular challenges.

The book is organized into the following main segments:

• How to establish yourself in business,
• networking and communication,
• business meetings,
• deal making,
• managing projects,
• productivity hacks,
• avoiding problems, and
• damage control.

Even though Business Lessons from Japan gives a first-hand account of the customs and culture of the Japanese, it is much more than a reference for business etiquette or a how-to guide. Next to learning a lot about the fascinating culture of Japan, readers get a new approach to problem solving from a fresh and unexpected perspective. The Business Lessons from Japan are global in scope, regardless of their origin.