Out of it...

I watched the Academy Awards Monday night on TV. It was live on WOWOW Monday morning but I had to work. So no chance. I came home Monday night and found it would be on again. So I was happy to watch it. I can`t believe now how much I have missed as far as the movie scene in the US. I didn`t know any of the movies that were up for an award. It surprised me. Man!! Where have I been?? I guess Japan is really behind when it comes to a lot of movies. I think Japan pretty much gets the large blockbusters but not the average show I guess. Anyway, I was a little disappointed I didn`t know anything about the movies. So I have a lot of catching up to do when I get back to America.

I may go back to the U.S. in a couple weeks so I hope to see some. The problem is I may have to go with a Japanese colleague here. So that sucks because although I would go back to Utah and stay at my house, I would still have to baby sit him and take care of him. He is the type of guy that will just expect me to take care of him over the weekend. I have lots of family and friends and a few people I need to see during that time but I guess I will have to drag him along.... my ball and chain I guess!!

Lately I have been so frustrated at doing business here. I think now more than ever I am really understanding the different approaches Japanese and American`s take in business. It frustrates me to have to have so many long detailed discussions to solve a problem. American`s generally just do something and go from there. But here everything has to be drawn on a white board and discussed then get someone elses approval and discuss and then another persons approval and discuss before any action is taken. A 4 hour discussion would be over in 20 minutes in America. I am not saying thats wrong. I am only saying from my perspective as an American it frustrates me. Still I see a lot of merit in how business is approached here. Still it just frustrates me a little. But I guess when in Rome......