Weekly Report 12: Brainstorming Among the Blossoms

Over spring break, my family and I took a very enjoyable trip to Japan. It was really nice to have a chance to unwind, explore a new culture, and take my mind off school for a little while. Now, that is not to say that I did not continue thinking about ISM and my final product development. In fact, being in a new country has exposed me to many new cultural characteristics and aspects of East Asian markets that can only be seen through personal experiences.

For instance, I have noticed how focused Japanese food tends to be on quality. Even in convenience stores and fast food restaurants, I notice a considerable difference in freshness and number of preservatives. This highlights a societal value of honesty and integrity that permeates through Japan. I also have observed a very high degree of orderliness, hierarchy, and hospitality, with sales people greeting me with deep bows and multiple verbal expressions of gratitude while I shop. My dad, who has come to business on many work trips, was able to explain how much they value their organizational pyramid and how that is reflected in the ways they refer to each other and conduct meetings. Overall, this vacation was an incredible way for me to travel, spend time with my family, and discover a new region for both personal and professional growth.