Uchikura & Co Blog
2026-09-20
From 大君 to Tycoon The Japanese word 大君 has two notable readings with very different histories. When read as おおきみ (ōkimi), it is an ancient Japanese title meaning “great ruler.” It was once used f...
2026-09-20
Bukotsu: The Strength of Being Unpolished The Japanese word “bukotsu” (無骨) describes someone or something that is rough, unrefined, and lacking elegance. The word may sometimes sound critical, but it...
2026-09-19
Gikushaku Suru — When Things No Longer Move Smoothly The Japanese expression “ギクシャクする” (gikushaku suru) describes something that no longer moves or works smoothly. It can describe physical moveme...
2026-09-19
The Beauty of Muda In Japanese, 無駄 (muda) usually means waste—something unnecessary, inefficient, or without practical value. In business, we are constantly encouraged to eliminate muda. However, not...
2026-09-18
Quality Is What People Cannot SeeWhen people talk about Japanese manufacturing, they often mention quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. However, I believe the most important principle ...
2026-09-18
PSPINC Dreamersi External Link Verification Helps Expose Suspicious Links Spoofing emails are becoming increasingly difficult to recognize. An email may display a familiar company name, logo, colors,...
2026-09-18
Daikokubashira: The Pillar That Supports Everything The Japanese word “daikokubashira” (大黒柱) originally refers to the main supporting pillar in a traditional Japanese house. It is not merely decorati...
2026-09-17
Know Your Position The Japanese expression 立場をわきまえる (tachiba o wakimaeru) means “to understand one’s position.” This does not simply mean that subordinates must obey people with greater authority...
2026-09-17
The Rocks Japan Refused to Move In Nishinomiya, Japan, two large rocks known as Meoto Iwa—the “Married Couple Rocks”—sit directly in the middle of a road. Instead of removing them, engineers divid...
2026-09-17
Nagi: The Danger of Perfect Calm The Japanese word 凪 (nagi) describes a time when the wind dies down and the sea becomes calm. The water may look peaceful and beautiful, but for traditional sailing...