The first Japanese business concept we would like to introduce is; Nemawashi
Nemawashi is a subtle but powerful way to prepare for decisions in Japan, ensuring consensus before any big change.
Nemawashi literally means 'preparing the roots'. It refers to building informal consensus before making formal decisions.
In Japanese organizations, harmony and group alignment are highly valued. Decisions are rarely made unilaterally. Instead, leaders and managers engage in nemawashi—discreetly consulting stakeholders, listening to concerns, and securing support. By the time a proposal is presented formally, it already has broad backing, which makes approval smoother and reduces resistance.
Applying nemawashi in a business context means preparing the ground early: meeting key stakeholders informally in advance, gathering their input, and aligning expectations before any public announcement. Always consult informally before presenting something in a meeting. In Japan, meetings are for confirming agreements, not debating. This approach may take more time upfront, but it builds trust and leads to more sustainable decisions. Don’t hesitate to use that word with your Japanese colleague whenever you want to consult with them informally.
