This the fourth and final part of a larger series on "The Toyota Way" where I compare the culture of Toyota with the culture of Japan to see what about Toyota's culture is unique.

In the beginning of chapter 18 Principle 12 of "The Toyota Way" Jeffrey Liker in...

Death by overwork is a phenomenon the Japanese call "Karoshi" which literally translates to "overwork death" and it's become a major topic surrounding corporate culture in Japan. Death ultimately occurs by heart failure, suicide and a number of other causes which trace...

This is part 3 of a larger series on "The Toyota Way" where I compare the culture of Toyota with the culture of Japan to see what about Toyota's culture is unique.

Section III

Section III of the “The Toyota Way” Jeffrey Liker begins be touting the differences b...

This is part 2 of a larger series on "The Toyota Way" where I compare the culture of Toyota with the culture of Japan to see what about Toyota's culture is unique.

Mission Greater than a Paycheck

In Principle 1 of “The Toyota Way” Jeffrey Liker stresses the long term phi...

This is part 1 of a larger series on “The Toyota Way” where I compare the culture of Toyota with the culture of Japan to see what about Toyota's culture is unique.

History (Why the Japanese “Own” Lean)

“The Toyota Way” begins by explaining the history of Toyota’s rise. T...

Every year I read "The Toyota Way" and every year I give the copy I just bought for someone else to read. Honestly, Jeffrey Liker owes me at least one drink. However, there is an aspect of the Toyota Production System (TPS) that I don’t think gets talked about often en...

When meeting new Japanese people in a business context it is important to remember the proper method for exchanging business cards. This method for introductions is very specific because it is part of a cultural ritual which has been generated through religious anthrop...

Culture and the Methods for Solving Problems Go Hand-in-Hand

Statistical control methods are a founding concept in Japanese manufacturing. However, Six Sigma as a problem solving methodology* causes many hang-ups for Japanese managers. Many Americans seeking training in Six Sigma in Japanese organizations face resistance with li...

A £500 million investment and trade deal with Japan was announced by Aston Martin's President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer on 8/30/2017. This comes during his visit as part of a UK delegation with Prime Minister Theresa May to bolster trade as the UK prepares exiting the EU...