Finding the power base in Japanese companies with David Sweet

We are back on the podcast this week with a solo episode with FocusCore Japan’s Founder and CEO, David Sweet. David shares his 25 years of working in Japan experience and wisdom on finding the power bases in Japanese companies. This is a must-listen episode if you are working or joining a Japanese company and want to succeed. APAC leaders and Western companies often put Japan in the too-hard basket when looking to expand their markets in Asia but more often than not, it's a failure to understand the power structure of Japanese organizations or they try to change the system. This episode is a guide for those outside of Japan thinking of moving to work in Japan and for country managers and expats who are coming to Japan to take up a position in a Japanese company that will help set you up to succeed. In this episode you will hear:What is the power base of a Japanese company and how it differentiates from Western organizations Why job titles in Japan are not what they seem Consideration of the systems analysis if you are coming to lead or manage a Japanese companyWhy and who to build relationships withLinks of things mentioned in this episode:The Enigma of Japanese Power by Karel van Wolferen.Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ David Sweet Bio ​David Sweet is the Founder and CEO of FocusCore Japan, based in Tokyo. FocusCore provides a broad range of services from executive to talent management and leadership consulting. His particular focus is in Human Resources. Prior to establishing FocusCore Group, David was a Director with the Tokyo consultancy Wall Street Associates, leading operations, training, and recruitment in multiple sectors. He also worked for 10 years in the U.S. Treasury Department in labor relations and organizational development. He is author of 6 books, including "Sweet Sales", "Sweet Success", and "Recruit!". He is also a Certified Executive Coach. David earned a MA in Communications from Regis University and a PhD in Leadership Development. Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.Mentioned in this episode:Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan. 2025 Salary Guide