I built my career in Japan as an American. I learned there's one thing that's non-negotiable.

Company Overview - Vegas PR Group is a Tokyo-based marketing agency focused on culture, the arts, music, and fashion, founded by Lauren Rose Kocher [4][10] - The agency employs a bilingual team of nine, working with both Japanese and international clients [4] Career Development - The founder transitioned from teaching English to corporate roles in Japanese companies, including a position at Sony Music's business development division [3][2] - After nearly a decade in corporate Japan, the founder stepped into senior leadership as CEO of Vegas PR Group [4] Business Culture - Japanese business culture emphasizes consensus-building through "nemawashi," which involves aligning stakeholders privately before formal decisions [5][6] - Feedback in Japanese teams tends to be indirect, leading to issues remaining unspoken until they surface collectively [6] Management Style - The founder's management style incorporates American communication and entrepreneurial instincts while respecting local expectations [7][8] - The leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, focusing on the success of team members to build trust across diverse teams [10] Work Customs - The company enforces Japanese work customs, such as punctuality, where being late by even a minute is considered unacceptable [9][10] - In-person meetings require arriving at least 10 minutes early, reflecting the non-negotiable nature of punctuality in Japanese business [9] Leadership Insights - The founder advises leaders in Japan to communicate important news one-on-one before major announcements and to be aware of the cultural significance of roles and hierarchies [11][12] - It is crucial to understand that silence does not equate to satisfaction in Japanese workplaces, highlighting the need for careful communication [12]