Welcome back to our series on Japanese Business Philosophies. In our last article, we focused on wa - the idea of harmony that incorporates humility and unity to go beyond mere agreement or compromise, seeking to truly create a sense of oneness among all the members of the group. We looked at how Nipro is able to continue to give the best service to society and to work together as ONE NIPRO globally, believing in and sharing a united message of strength, resilience, hope, and quality that puts patients at the heart of all that we do.
This month, we look at the Japanese concept of on. As with many Japanese terms that are an important aspect of Japanese culture, there is no direct English translation for on. It is a Japanese concept that refers to a sense of gratitude, obligation, or indebtedness. It is often described as the idea that individuals should be aware of the kindness and generosity of others, and should respond to it with appreciation and a sense of duty.
On can be shown in many ways - from showing respect and gratitude to one's elders to repaying a debt of kindness or generosity. In a business context, on is often translated as "indebtedness" to the company. It is the idea that employees should be loyal and dedicated to the company in return for the opportunities and benefits provided to them.
While this manner of gratitude and thankfulness towards one’s employer may be a foreign concept to many Western corporations and employees, on is often mentioned as one of the reasons why Japanese companies are able to achieve a high level of loyalty and commitment among employees.
Kunio Takamido, General Manager, Nipro Brand Sales, Global Business Division explains why he feels on for the company:
“One of the biggest reasons that I have on for the company is that I was given an irreplaceable opportunity and experience from the company by being stationed in an overseas sales office for more than 10 years – expatriates cost the company a lot of money. But beyond this, during my stay overseas, Nipro allowed me to challenge many things to grow the business together with the overseas team. In addition, I could receive inspired advice and guidance from the people around me. These learnings are the ones for which I feel most thankful to Nipro."
Echoing this sentiment is Masaki Tanabe, Supply Chain Specialist, Operation Headquarters, Global Business Division:
“I feel a sense of on for the company as I have been given a great environment to learn and improve myself – especially the chance to work overseas shortly after joining the company. Since I joined the company, I have received a lot of guidance from my senpais (mentors). Even when I was admonished, they made sure I was encouraged and knew what I had to improve.”
Indeed, as a key element of Japanese management style, on emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relationships with customers and suppliers. But beyond this, it is also about actively cultivating on between the different generations of employees, via the senpai-kohai relationship. (To know more about this: https://www.nipro-group.com/en/inspire/mutually-beneficial-work-relationship-helps-one-blossom)
Kunio Takamido agrees that the system of senpais (mentors) and kohais (mentees) plays a role in cultivating on:
“At a young age, I was able to gain experience by participating in important meetings with customers, as well as other Nipro divisions and suppliers, and was guided by my senpais. I learned a lot about doing business from them and how to interact with people in business situations.
And now I guide the younger generation. I believe that for them to feel on for the company or me, trust is the most important thing. I need to be a trusted boss to them – I would like to be well aware of their situations, to know what they need, and to help them achieve it. I would like to pass on the culture of on by making our division a place where our kohais can build a career and work with hope.”
Cultivating on among colleagues and employees is one thing, but how does one show on? In the words of Masaki Tanabe:
“I would like to return the on to the company by sharing the insights I’ve gained from my experience working abroad with my team members. I believe this will help improve our operations. I would also like to make our working environment more enjoyable and challenging so my kohais can be proud of what they do.”
And the simplest, most basic, and yet one of the most valuable ways to show on to one’s company is summed up by Kunio Takamido:
“As I am in business, I have only one way to show on to the company - through achievements and results.”
Indeed, this surely is a sentiment which can be understood and appreciated by all globally.
Want to experience working at Nipro?
Explore our current job openings here!
