Comments on: Respect for People: Japanese Style

By: John Santomer

John Santomer — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:53:42 +0000

As was noted by Pete (Abilla) and experienced by Ron (Pereira), considering cultural backgrounds and all…how can we differentiate this from “Passive Resistancce” or just being treated with a “Cold shoulder”?

For the Japanese, this is a depressing situation already. One that warrants major consideration. For Lean Agitators like yourselves, how do you address and go over this kind of situation? Kaizen and Continuous Improvements most often would go out of the the existing process or accepted practice in order to realize better results. Yet new, value added changes would also expose additional hurdles and improvement opportunities. To acheive this, one has to disrupt harmony to establish a “higher level” of “RI”. (From the Hu-Wa-Ri principle.)

By: Ron Pereira

Ron Pereira — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:36:21 +0000

Jon… what happens in Japan stays in Japan, man! Ha! Great to hear from you my friend. I hope all is well.

By: Jon Kenney

Jon Kenney — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:03:25 +0000

Ron, If I remember correctly, didn’t you disturb the harmony by stepping off the side walk before the little red man turned green?……. I know I did!

By: Ron Pereira

Ron Pereira — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:30:12 +0000

So that’s why everyone was so nice to me… kidding (I hope).

By: pete abilla

pete abilla — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:16:33 +0000

There is also the other side of the “cold shoulder” — sometimes, if one is offended, then the person can act “extra-nice” or “extra-courteous” to the offender.

For example, as the American who disrupts harmony, others around might act extra-nice, but are truly very bothered with you.

Cultural anthropology is very interesting as it relates to Asian cultures.