Multicultural Exchange in Japan
Why were foreigners banned from entering Japan in 2021?
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the government to restrict entry to Japan.
What is “nudge theory”?
A theory on how people can be influenced to make certain decisions with “nudges”, like cleverly placed imagery.
From how many countries do the workers of Rakuten come from?
Over 70
What does “multicultural management” mean?
The skills and methods needed to manage groups of people from multiple different cultures.
Which country is Ryan from?
South Africa!
Name one method that Rakuten uses to manage its foreign workers.
Rakuten uses English as the company’s common language, and offers special training to the leaders of worker teams.
What is the opposite of a “nudge”?
A “sludge”.
Which industry in Japan hires the most foreign workers?
Manufacturing
What does “supply chain” mean?
The logistical (transport/organization) process of turning raw materials into finished goods that people can buy.
Ryan has a second job, with an online school.
Which subject does he teach?
History
What is the difference between “high context” and “low context” communication cultures?
The importance of body language, tone of voice and “reading between the lines” to communicate what people mean to say.
Who created “nudge theory”?
Two American scholars; Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein.
By how much did the number of foreign workers in Japan grow from 2008 to 2021?
The number more than tripled
What is the definition of “nationalism”?
Oxford English Dictionary:
”Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.”
What did Ryan have for dinner last night?
Konbini bento
Ramen
Cup noodles
Why did the demand for semiconductors rise during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 lockdown forced many people to work from home, and they needed a lot of PC’s and home appliances to do so. Semiconductor factories could not meet the new demand, creating a shortage.
What is one example of “nudge theory“ in practice?
Examples:
-A picture of a staring child next to a donation box
-Healthy food at eye level near the cash register of a store.
About how many foreign workers were in Japan in 2020?
*Give an estimate
About 1.7 million
What is “globalization“?
The ever-increasing connectedness of the world, driven by trade, technology and culture sharing.
The Mikasa Museum, in Yokosuka
Which law was revised in 2018 to allow more foreign workers to enter Japan?
The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
How is Japan’s Ministry of Environmental Affairs planning to use “nudge theory”?
For example, by allowing people to compare their houses’ electricity consumption rate with their neighbors‘ house. This can help motivate them to reduce their use of electricity.
How many foreign workers are in Japan right now?
*Give an estimate
About 2.5 million
What is a “semiconductor“?
A semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, allowing people to make advanced computer chips.
Name one president of South Africa
Options:
Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, Cyril Ramaphosa