ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（66）
2月4日(火)
7月30日(火)
meritocracy
[mɛrɪˈtɔkrəsi]
A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
aspiration
[ˌæspəˈreɪʃən]
=> career aspiration
career aspiration 仕事の大望/野心
the bi-annual performance review meeting
---
Michio, the HR manager is discussing the challenges of career development for non-Japanese employees with Nicole.
---
What is the percentage of foreign managers at the company?
-It's 25 percent.
---
Regarding career growth, our performance evaluation system has shifted toward meritocracy. I believe our foreign employee is appreciate the change. --What concerns do they have?
-Naturally they welcome the change, but they feel the transition from a seniority-based system to a merit-based system is somewhat slow.
-Slow? Transforming such a long-standing social norm takes time. There's no such thing as a perfect system.
-Michio san, please don't take it personally. You asked about their concerns, so I'm giving them to you. Some have pointed out that the proportion of foreign board members is still average for a listed company.
-Hmmm. True. However, foreign managers now account for 25 percent of all managers. Isn't that seen as an opportunity?
-It's encouraging, but they still struggle to see a clear career path.
---
meritocracy 実力主義
seniority based
merit-based
somewhat
there's no such thing as (+a ...)
-> There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Don't take it personally.
proportion
listed company
account for
---
account for ...
- Foreign managers now account for 25 percent of all managers.
- Personnel costs account for the majority of the company's operating cost.
- In India, Japanese cars account for about 50 percent of passenger car sales.
represent 示す・表す
Foreign managers represent 25 percent of all managers now.
constitute
Foreign managers constitute 25 percent of the total at the moment.
---
-It's encouraging, but they still struggle to see a clear career path.
During the bi-annual performance review meeting, we discussed their expectations and future career expirations. Do you believe there's still dissatisfied despite those steps?
We conduct regular cross-cultural training for them, providing concrete examples and discussing possibilities for their career. The post-training surveys are positive. But do you think they're not expressing their true feelings?
ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（65）
2月3日(月)
7月29日(月)
Fujiwara Michio, manager of the human resources department at a pharmaceutical company based in Tokyo discusses with hie subordinate Nicole how to improve the retention rate of foreign employees.
---
What's the main factor behind the departure of non-Japanese employees?
-It's compensation. 報酬
---
Hi Nicole, how was your weekend?
-Hi Michio-san, it was very relaxing. I managed to catch up on some reading. It was the perfect weather for staying indoors. How about you?
-Great. Thank you. I spent some quality time with my family. So, let's get down to business, shall we? We've been facing the issue of non-Japanese staff leaving our company prematurely. Let's dig deeper into the reasons for their departure. Could you share your thoughts on this?
-Sure. It's evident that compensation is a major factor, but there are other reasons as well. Some are seeking opportunities for career advancement, a positive work environment, or better work-life balance.
-You've mentioned several factors. Shall we examine each one more closely?
--
「retention rate」「維持率」「定着率」
catch up on -> I managed to catch up on some reading.
quality time
get down to business
prematurely <> maturely : premature <> mature
dig deeper into
departure 退職
---
dig deeper into
- Let's dig deeper into the reasons for their departure.
- We need to dig deeper into the research to uncover hidden trends.
- Let's dig deeper into the root cause of the problem.
* root cause 根本原因
delve into
-> delve : 探究する, 詮索/ 掘り下げる・掘る
Let's delve into what drives their decision to leave.
uncover
Let's uncover the underlying reasons behind their decision to depart.
* underlying reasons behind...
----
Some are seeking opportunities for career advancement, a positive work environment, or better work-life balance.
---
a positive work environment
I think there are three things to consider. Career development, work-life harmony, and above all, a comfortable workplace culture.
There are three key aspects to take into account. Career prospects, healthy work life integration, and most importantly, a supportive work atmosphere.
*, and most importantly, / and crucially, / and foremost
*first, ... Second, ... Third...
--
ラジオビジネス英語 Interview（2-8）
1月31日(金)
7月26日(金) Kailene Falls
The conversation with Kailene was really thought-provoking for me. Listening to her journey I felt it was evident she faced quite a few challenges. Especially when she first arrived in Japan. What stands out to you most about her experiences?
-I'd say Kailene's perseverance. It's surprising that despite the initial setbacks, she didn't give up and eventually found a job. I can't imagine the frustration of constantly hearing it isn't the hiring season and feeling like there's no way in.
-It's incredible how Kailene just kept pushing, isn't it? It must have taken a lot of soul searching to recognize her own artistic inclinations and capitalize on them to carve out unique space for herself in the industry.
What strikes you about her approach to her career shift?
-Two things. First, its's the way she found her niche in food illustration by combining her love for drawing with her fascination for Japanese cuisine. Second, it's her transition from digital to traditional art. It's not easy to break away from a skill set you've mastered and start something new, especially in the creative field.
-I agree. Kailene recognized the importance of finding her unique style and was willing to take that leap. It's a testament to the importance of pursuing work that not only pave the bills but also brings joy and satisfaction. By the way, what do you think of her advice on combining hobbies with language study?
-Well, I wish I had received that kind of advice when coming to Japan. I sometimes feel like language learning can be tedious, but when you tie it to something you're passionate about, it becomes much more enjoyable and sustainable.
-Absolutely, I believe Kailene's advice would resonate with the listeners of this program as well. Her story serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance. You can turn what you love into your job.
---
- and capitalize on them: そしてそれらを活かすため。
"Capitalize on" は「～を有利に利用する」「～を活かす」
Thought-provoking 考えさせられる
Something that makes you think mentally stimulating. Mr. Shibata said that he found the conversation with Kailene thought-provoking. This means that the conversation was food for thought, or generated new ideas and considerations.
Soul searching
Thinking deeply about something or self-examining the conscience. Introspection. Reexamining tightly held beliefs. Here's an example, Members of the community did some soul searching after the tragedy in order to prevent another one. This means that the community members were reflecting on what happened and looked for answers or solutions. Even if they were difficult to accept.
- conscience.良心, 道義心
- Introspection 内省, 内観, 自己反省
自分自身の内面、考え、感情、動機などを深く探求し、理解しようとすること
inclination
A tendency towards something. A disposition. An urge or leaning. Mr. Shibata mentioned Kailene's artistic inclinations or what she usually does artistically. Another example would be, I have no inclination to become an athlete. We can imagine that based on this person's lifestyle and preferences, they have no desire to become an athlete.
carve out 経歴などを作り上げる・道を切り開く
To carve is to cut into something to make a shape or space such as carving a wooden statue. Using this image to carve out, means to make space for something. To work hard to establish something like a career.
To forge, or create. Mr. Shibata talked about Kailene carving out space for herself in the industry. This means she had to work hard to make a place for herself in the industry.
strike
In this case to strike means to leave an impression. Mr. Shibata asked me, what strikes you about her approach to her career shift? He's asking about what stands out to me about her approach or what impressions I have about her approach.
break away from
To stop using or doing something. To separate from something that is not beneficial. I mentioned that it's not easy to break away from something you've mastered and start doing something new. This means that it's hard to transition away from something you've mastered and start something new. Another example would be, My doctor says I need to break away from drinking alcohol. This person will have to give up alcohol because it's not for them even though they enjoy it.
testament
A testament is something that serves as proof of something or shows that something is a fact. It can also be a sign of something. An example would be, sales of this products are on the rise. It's a testament to its popularity and usefulness. This means that rising sales serves as proof, make it clear or signify that the product is popular and useful.
Pave the bills 生活費を生み出す
In this case, if something like a job paves the bills, it provides enough money to cover basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage water power, gas and so on. Mr. Shibata talked about pursuing work that not only pave the bills but also brings joy and satisfaction. This means work that provides enough money to get by, enough money to live on or provides enough money for basic expenses in addition to bringing joy and satisfaction.
tedious 面倒な
Something you don't want to do and find boring or dull. Something that takes a long time and isn't enjoyable at all. For example, the child doesn't want to do his homework because he thinks it's tedious. He doesn't like doing the same kinds of math problems over and over.
---
Listening to her journey, I felt it was evident she faced quite a few challenges especially when she first arrived in Japan.
-> What stands out to you most about her experiences?
---
It must have taken a lot of soul searching to recognize her own artistic inclinations and capitalize on them to carve out unique space for herself in the industry.
-> What strikes you about her approach to her career shift?
---
By the way, what do you think of her advice on combining hobbies with language study?
-Well, I wish I had received that kind of advice when coming to Japan.
---
Our office environment survey suggests that many feel background music could enhance the office atmosphere. The workspace is currently very quiet and voices carry easily making people reluctant to communicate. -> What do you think about the survey results?
-There seem to be many things to consider. Regarding background music, we could experiment with it for trial period. We need to create an environment suitable for smooth communication.
ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（64）
1月30日(木)
7月25日(木)
What is Ken's explanation for the cause?
---
Subject: Delayed payment
Dear Mr. Ferguson. I sincerely apology for the delay and payment for your IT services. We made a wire transfer around 10 this morning. The funds should be credited to your designated account within the next three hours. Please know that this delay was not intentional. It was a clerical error on our side.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Regards,
Shimada Ken
---
- clerical error
- be credited to
- sincerely
---
- Thank you for your quick action.
- Thank you for acting promptly.
Thank you for your prompt action.
Dear Mr. Shimada,
We confirm receipt of your payment. Thank you for your quick action. We understand that clerical errors can happen, but we'd appreciate it if you could take preventive measures to avoid the same mistake in the future.
Many thanks,
Paul Gerguson
---
Hi Ken,
Deposit confirmed. However, our remittance fee has been deducted and we're 23 dollars short. The agreement was that the sender would cover the transfer fee, right? Could you send us the shortfall?
Bridget
---
- We're 23 dollars short.
We're ... dollars long. - remittance
----
- The remittance fee is on us.
- We'll handle the transfer fee.
-> in adding to "handle," "cover" can also be used to express this.
We'll cover the transfer fee.
Bridget,
Sorry about that. Yes, the remittance fee is on us. We'll send the missing amount asap.
Regards,
Ken
---
Jenny, ASAP can be used in conversation or in emails, but what about in polite emails?
-I think as soon as possible is better in polite emails. Not ASAP. In general, it's considered better not to use abbreviations too often. It is because you don't know whether the other party can understand the meaning.
---
- We apologize for our mistake in the billing numbers.
- We've noticed a missed payment on your end. 御社サイドで
- We're sorry for the oversight that led to the missed payment on our end.
*oversight : 見落とし, 手落ち - We've received your payment but the invoice number doesn't match our records.
- There is a delay in the transfer of funds. Can you provide us with an update?
Today's topic was payments. Could you share some stories about payments from when you woulked at the bank?
-Payments, well... if the payment doesn't go smoothly, it tends to lead to troubles or complaints. In the case of crossbar transactions, delaying processing payments or clerical errors are not uncommon.
-Sensitivity to time, accuracy can vary depending on the country or region, right?
-Yes, that's true. Ultimately, it depends on individual clients. It was sometimes nerve-wracking.
-I can imagine. I'd be nervous, just handling large sums of money.
crossbar transactions？
cross-border transaction？
ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（63）
1月29日(水)
7月24日(水)
Two days after the visit to the Taiwanese company, Arun invites Malay to his office in Bangkok during Malay and Arun's meeting. A small surprise occurs.
---
What does Malay think about the length of the contract?
-She thinks the three-year contract is a bit too long.
---
Sorry to interrupt, but would you mind if I join you?
-Mr. Naka. What a surprise. I thought you'd already left Thailand.
-Malay, how could I leave Bangkok knowing that you're here. So what's your impression of our service?
-Now I understand what one stop solutions really mean.
-I take that is a compliment. How about our pricing?
-It's reasonable. But the three-year contract is a bit too long and we can't guarantee the volume of goods you requested.
-As Arun probably explained, our competitive pricing is based on a long-term contract on a bulk trade, which I'm afraid we can't compromise on.
-Understood. We'll review the details and get back to you.
-Thank you. It would be a great honor for us to do business with you.
---
one stop solution
compliment
reasonable
bulk trade
compromise (+ on...)
honor
one-stop
providing a range of goods and services, so that you do not have to go to different places or ask different people
Relating to or providing a comprehensive selection of goods or services at a single location
---
- Would you mind if I join you?
- Would you mind if I open the window to let in some fresh air?
- Would you mind if I ask a few questions about your project?
Would it be alright if ...?
Would it be alright if I join you?
Could I possibly ..?
Could I possibly join you?
---
I'm afraid we can't compromise on.
Well, our standard practice is to offer a three-year contract. We can proceed with a two-year contract while maintaining the volume of transactions. I believe this adjustment strikes a balance between our respective needs and moves our relationship forward.
----
We can't adjust the contracts duration. We're willing to accommodate your request by reducing the volume of transactions by 10 percent. This adjustment allow us to address your needs to some extent.
---
Mr. Shibata, do you have any memorable projects from your time as a banker?
-Yes, when I worked in London, we arranged new financing scheme for Japanese clients. The hardest part of launching a new product is determining whether it will sell. We visited European and Asian investors to sound them out. The investor response was not bad. But we were not convinced that it would sell. So, we were released when it sold out on the launch date.
-I see. So the launch date must have been nerve-wracking.
-Oh, yes.
nerve-wracking
Intensely distressing or irritating to the nerves.
sound ... out
探る、探りを入れる、
意向を打診する，考えを探る、叩くTo try to ascertain or gauge someone's knowledge or opinion about something.
ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（62）
1月28日(火)
7月23日(火)
Malay beginning to talk about logistical challenges. In response, Mr. Naka and Arun make a proposal.
---
What is a way to address the document related issues?
-It's to visualize and analyze the entire process.
---
What are the issues if any in the logistics process?
-Well, there are document related issues like delays in customs declarations and permits. These impact production lines and sales processes.
-Mmm, that must be frustrating for you. One way to address the problems would be to visualize and analyze the entire process. Why don't you visit our Bangkok office and our warehouse? If you look at our operation and compare them with yours, you'll have a better idea of what we can offer.
-That's not a bad idea. I'm interested in understanding what Japanese style services.
-Great. Well, thank you for your time today. It's been a pleasure talking to you. Arun will follow up on your visit.
-Okay, thank you for coming all the way here.
---
declarations
[ˌdɛkləˈreɪʃənz]
---
- if any -> What are the issues if any in the logistics process?
-> If there's any issues - customs declaration 税関審査
- production line
- frustrating
- visualize
- follow up
---
follow up ...
- Arun will follow up on your visit.
- Could you follow up on the additional information Isabella requested?
- I will follow up with the client after the meeting.
get back to ...
Arun will get back to you regarding your visit.
reach out コンタクトする
Arum will reach out about your visit.
---
Thank you, but honestly, I'm not interested. Changing a logistics process would be a significant administrative burden.
-In the short time, maybe yes, but considering the long-term perspective, it would ultimately simplify your workflow. By observing our operations, you'll understand the benefits of working with us and in turn, we'll have a better understanding of your needs.
---
ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（61）
1月27日(月)
7月22日(月)
Mr. Naka and a Rune from the Bangkok office are visiting the Thai local subsidiary of the Taiwanese company and having a meeting with Malai the person in charge. After Naka's presentation, they delve into specific discussions.
---
Where does a major portion of the parts at Malai's company come from?
-A major portion comes from China.
---
Thank you for the overview of your company. I'm impressed by your customer-centric logistics services.
-Thank you. Our customer satisfaction rate is indeed very high. Now, we'd love to explore potential ways we can streamline your operations. Could you tell us about your logistics need?
-Sure. Here in Thailand, we manufacture PCBs, printed circuit boards and laptop computers at three locations. We import parts from various countries in Asia with a major portion coming from China.
-What does the logistics process look like for importing from China?
-We are using two Chinese firms and one Thai logistics firm. They collect parts from different companies and transport them to different warehouses in places like Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The parts are then shipped directly from these warehouses to our production site in Thailand.
---
customer-centric -> customer oriented / customer driven
streamline
PCB : printed circuit board
laptop computer -> laptop <> desktop computer
Guangzhou
Shenzhen
---
be impressed by...
- I'm impressed by your customer-centric logistics services.
- I was impressed by the level of creativity in the artwork.
- We were impressed by the quality of service at the restaurant.
Your customer-driven logistics services are remarkable.
Your customer focused logistics services have caught my attention.
----
- I'm impressed by your customer-centric logistics services.
Your customer-centric logistics services seem promising, but I was hoping for something more innovative or tailored to our specific needs.
-Thank you for sharing that. It's great to hear your thoughts. We're always looking for ways to optimize processes and enhance efficiency. Are there any pain points or areas where you feel there's room for improvement?
*tailored to ..
*pain points where you fees there's room for improvement
「困りごと」「不満」「課題」
ラジオビジネス英語 Interview（2-7）
1月24日(金)
7月19日(金)
Kailene Falls
---
What is Kailene's second piece of advice?
-It is to throw out your embarrassment.
---
My final question is about languages.
-Yeah..
And what advice would you offer to our listeners here if you were a presenter of this program?
-Whatever I talk to people who are studying a foreign language, there's two tips I always give. One is, if possible, your ultimate goal shouldn't be just learning the language. Because unless you are somebody that is an absolute language nerd, you are going to lose your passion for it and if you're self-studying in particular, it would be hard to stay motivated. So, I would highly recommend somebody finding their own hobbies and finding a way to combine that hobby with their language learning. Because it will give you another reason to study. Now a simple one which I think a lot of people use is international media, so whether they like, you know, foreign films and foreign movies, foreign TV dramas. That's a very easy one. But again, things like ares, things like cooking, there is a lot of information online specifically in English that you cannot get in Japanese. And so, having a goal to better yourself in your hobby and your interests in addition to learning the language gives you another motivation to study because motivation I think is a really difficult aspect of language study. My second one is to throw out your embarrassment. I think that's very difficult for Japanese people and it was difficult for me at first. Because I kind of consider myself somebody that probably has a little bit too much pride and I did not want to look like I was making mistakes in front of my office mate. So, the first year or so I was in Japan, I was a very quieter person because I didn't want to make any mistakes and yet somewhere along the line, I realized it's less important to be perfect than it is to communicate your idea. And once you're able to make that realization in your head, your language abilities will grow much more rapidly because you need to use it to get better. And so, if you're too focused on the perfection aspect of it, you won't be using it. So, find a way to get rid of your embarrassment.
-Great piece of advice. Well, Kailene Falls, thank you for joining our program. I'm very much look forward to how your career as a bilingualist will unfold in the future.
- I am too, I'm very excited I've lived 10 years in Japan now, and I'm looking forward to the next 10 as well.
--
Embarrass
Embarrassed
--
nerd
The word, nerd on its own describes someone who is highly intellectual but it has a negative connotation. Attaching nerd to an interest or a school subject such as a language nerd, simply means that the person is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about languages. Other examples are computer nerds, math nerds, book nerds, theater nerds, and so on. There is also a hint of social awkwardness implied in these cases, but it's generally considered cute or endearing.
- combine with
better oneself 自分を磨く
To improve. To try to be the best that you can be. To learn and grow. To work to be more successful. To sharpen your skills. Kailene suggested using language to better yourself or improve yourself when it comes to hobbies and interests.
- throw out
- embarrassment
somewhere along the line
At some point. Something that happened or changed at a particular moment during a process, but we don't know exactly when. Here's an example. He worked as a software engineer for 10 years, but somewhere along the line he decided he wanted to become a designer. This means that at some point during those 10 years, he decided he wanted to become a designer.
Get rid of
Discard. Throw something in the garbage. Similar to throw out. To not use or keep something because it's unhelpful. To remove something that doesn't suit you or something that causes trouble. Kailene's advice for language learning is to get rid of your embarrassment. This means remove embarrassment because the learner is better without it. Another example would be, I got rid of all my old books from university that I wasn't using. I have so much more space now.
---
benchmark
To maintain consistency in my study routine, I listen to NHK radio programs every day as a benchmark.
in real life situations
I joined online communities to compensate for limited opportunities to use English in real life situations.
game changer
Incorporating my hobby of traveling with language learning has been a game changer for me.
---
By watching Japanese films with English subtitles, I've become able to express my thoughts more quickly in English.
---
I would highly recommend somebody finding their own hobbies and finding a way to combine that hobby with their language learning.
---
Kill two birds with one stone.