The 証券外務員 (Shouken-Gaimuin) exam is a licensing examination that individuals must pass to become securities sales representatives in Japan. The exam is administered by the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA) and is designed to test candidates' knowledge of securities, finance, economics, and accounting.   Exam Format:   The Shouken-Gaimuin exam is divided into two parts, Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers a range of topics such as securities regulations, finance, economics, and accounting. Part 2 is an essay-style exam that tests candidates' knowledge of securities products and their application. The exam is offered twice a year, in June and December, and candidates must pass both parts of the exam to receive their license.   Practice Tests:   There are many practice tests available online, as well as study materials and courses to help candidates prepare for the exam. The JSDA provides a sample exa...

Japan's history is rich with tales of warlords who battled for power and control over the country's feudal lands. These warlords were skilled in the art of warfare, and their families were often the most prominent and influential in Japanese society. Today, it is interesting to note that many of the major Japanese companies we know and recognize today can trace their roots back to these powerful warlord families. One of the most well-known examples of a company with warlord roots is Toyota. The company was founded by Sakichi Toyoda, who came from a family of textile manufacturers that had long-standing ties to the powerful Oda clan. The Oda clan was one of the most powerful warlord families in Japan during the 16th century, and they were instrumental in helping to unify Japan under a single ruler.   Another major company with warlord roots is Mitsubishi. The company was founded by Yataro Iwasaki, who was the head of a samurai family that had served the Tokugawa shogunate....

The Samurai were a prominent military class in Japan that existed from the 12th century until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Their strict hierarchical structure, known as the bushido code, was based on loyalty, honor, and duty. Although the Samurai class was abolished during the Meiji period, the hierarchical structure of the Samurai still exists in Japanese society today, especially in corporate life. The corporate world in Japan is known for its strict hierarchy, with employees expected to show respect and deference to those in higher positions. The hierarchical structure is based on seniority and job title, with those at the top of the organization having the most authority and respect. This is similar to the Samurai hierarchy, where those of higher rank were shown respect and obedience by those of lower rank.   In Japanese corporate culture, the concept of senpai and kohai is a key aspect of the Samurai hierarchy. Senpai refers to someone who is more experienced or senior...

Kamagasaki, located in the Nishinari ward of Osaka, Japan, is a neighborhood known for its high concentration of day laborers and its history as a slum area. It is also home to a unique population of "jouhatsu-sha," or "evaporated people," who have left their previous lives and identities behind in other parts of Japan. The term "jouhatsu" refers to individuals who have disappeared without a trace, often leaving behind debts or other financial obligations. These individuals may have abandoned their families, jobs, or homes, in search of a fresh start or to escape difficult circumstances.   Kamagasaki has long been a destination for jouhatsu-sha due to its reputation as a place where one can disappear and start over. The neighborhood is filled with cheap, rundown housing and a large population of day laborers who are willing to work for low wages. For many who have left their previous lives behind, Kamagasaki offers a sense of anonymity and a chance t...

The Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) is a public-private partnership established by the Japanese government in 2009 to promote innovation and the growth of the country's economy. INCJ operates with the goal of creating and supporting startups, new industries, and innovative technologies that can bring about sustainable economic development. INCJ is primarily funded by the Japanese government, which holds a majority stake in the organization, with contributions from private companies and financial institutions. The organization provides funding, management support, and business development expertise to startups and other companies with high growth potential.  Since its establishment, INCJ has invested in numerous projects across various ,  industries, from healthcare and biotechnology to renewable energy and robotics.  Here are some of the current projects funded by INCJ: 1.     Development of Solid-State Batteries INCJ has invested in the ...

In Japan, there are two types of social insurance systems available for employees: Kokumin Hoken and Shakai Hoken. Both systems offer different benefits and premiums, which can make it confusing for families to decide which system is cheaper for them. In this article, we will explore the differences between Kokumin and Shakai Hoken and provide a guide to calculating which system is cheaper for a family of three. Kokumin Hoken is a national health insurance system that covers individuals who are not eligible for the Shakai Hoken system. This includes self-employed individuals, freelancers, and those who work for companies with fewer than five employees. The premiums for Kokumin Hoken are based on the individual's income, making it a more affordable option for those who earn less.   On the other hand, Shakai Hoken is a social insurance system that is available to employees of companies with more than five employees. It provides benefits for health, pension, unemployment, and wo...

Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s. The term "shinrin-yoku" literally means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing." It involves immersing oneself in nature and being present in the moment while taking in the sights, smells, sounds, and feelings of the natural world. The concept of shinrin-yoku is rooted in the idea that spending time in nature has significant health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. It is believed that this is due to the natural chemicals emitted by plants and trees, known as phytoncides, which have a positive effect on the human immune system.   Shinrin-yoku can be practiced in any natural environment, from dense forests to urban parks. However, to fully experience the benefits of this practice, it is recommended to visit a forest or wooded area whe...

最終面接 (Saishū Mensetsu) is the final job interview that a candidate undergoes when they have successfully passed all the previous stages of the company's recruitment process. It is the last step in the selection process and is usually conducted by senior executives, managers or the CEO of the company. The purpose of the 最終面接 (Saishū Mensetsu) is to make sure that the candidate is a good fit for the company and that they meet all the requirements for the position. If the company shows you around the office after the interview and explains the purpose of each room, it can be a good sign that they are interested in you as a candidate. It shows that they are taking the time to introduce you to the company culture and make you feel comfortable in the environment. The company is investing their time and resources in familiarizing you with the workplace, which suggests that they are interested in hiring you and want you to have a positive experience working for them.   Moreover, this...

In recent years, there has been much discussion about the low salaries of Japanese executives compared to their Western counterparts. This trend can be observed across a range of industries and is reflective of the cultural and business practices of Japan. In this article, we will explore some actual salary examples to better understand this phenomenon. To begin with, let us consider the case of a CEO in Japan compared to the same position in the United States. According to a 2021 report by the Economic Policy Institute, the average CEO-to-worker pay ratio in the US is 320:1. This means that on average, a CEO in the US earns 320 times the salary of an average worker. In Japan, the ratio is much lower at 16:1, which means that a Japanese CEO earns 16 times the salary of an average worker. To put this into actual salary figures, the average CEO salary in Japan is around 35 million yen (about $310,000 USD) per year, while in the US it is around $12.7 million per year.   Even wit...

Japanese baseball has gained worldwide recognition not only for its skill and athleticism but also for the unique values and mindset it embodies. One particular aspect of the Japanese baseball culture that stands out is the practice of the team bowing to the fans after a game, win or lose. This tradition reflects the deep respect that Japanese culture places on humility and gratitude, and it can offer valuable insights for the world of business.   In Japan, bowing is an important gesture that signifies respect, gratitude, and humility. It is a way of showing appreciation to others and recognizing their contributions. In the context of Japanese baseball, the team's bowing to the fans after a game is a way of thanking them for their support and acknowledging their role in the team's success. This practice reflects the strong sense of community and interconnectedness that underpins Japanese culture.   So, how can this practice of bowing to the fans be applied to the world of busi...

Japan is known for many things, but one area that is not too well known is its celebration of public holidays. Just how many public holidays does Japan have compared to other countries, and is it too many? In this article, we will explore this topic and provide some insights into the Japanese holiday calendar.   It is important to note that the number of public holidays varies greatly across different countries. For example, the United States only recognizes 10 public holidays per year, while India has 21. Japan, on the other hand, has 16 public holidays, making it one of the countries with the most holidays in the world.   Japan's public holidays are a mix of both traditional and modern celebrations. The traditional holidays are based on the lunar calendar and often have deep cultural significance. For example, Shogatsu (New Year's Day), Golden Week, and Obon are three of the most important traditional holidays in Japan. Golden Week, in particular, is a combination of...

Japan's labor unions have successfully negotiated an average wage hike of 3.8%, with an average increase of ¥11,844 ($89) per month, marking a three-decade high. This is a positive development for Japanese workers, who have long struggled with stagnant wages and a lack of bargaining power.   However, when compared to Western nations, Japan's wage increases are still relatively low. For example, the average wage increases in the United States in 2023 is expected to be around 4.6%, while in the United Kingdom it is projected to be around 5.7%. But there are more areas that need to be addressed for Japan to compete in the new global market.   One area where Japanese employers need to improve is workplace flexibility. Many workers in Japan are still subject to long working hours and inflexible schedules, which can negatively impact their work-life balance and overall well-being. By offering more flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flexible hours, employer...

Japan is a country known for its economic prowess and technological advancements, and its citizens enjoy the luxury of possessing the world's most powerful passport, enabling them to travel to almost any country without a visa. However, it is surprising to know that despite this, fewer than 20% of Japanese people have passports, according to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Let’s see the reasons why this is the case and how it could pose a significant problem for Japanese companies in the future. One of the primary reasons why many Japanese people do not have passports is due to the high cost of obtaining one. In Japan, a standard 10-year passport costs around 19,000 yen (approximately $148 USD). While this may not seem like a considerable expense for many people, it can be a significant financial burden for low-income families, especially for those with multiple family members. The cost of obtaining a passport is further exacerbated by the additional fees required for pa...