I recently returned from a trip to Japan — a country where tradition and modernity exist in a seamless, respectful balance. As I walked through centuries-old temples tucked beside neon-lit skyscrapers, it struck me how culture — whether national or organizational — is not just about what we say we value. It's about what we build into the fabric of everyday life.

In business, we often think of culture as perks, mission statements, or company-wide Slack channels. But real culture — the kind that sustains, evolves, and inspires — is rooted in something deeper. Like Japan itself, the strongest company cultures draw from a foundation of history, grassroots identity, environment, and shared purpose.

History Matters More Than We Think

Company culture isn’t born in a PowerPoint deck. It’s inherited, shaped by how a company was founded and how it’s navigated change. In Japan, the values of craftsmanship (monozukuri), hospitality (omotenashi), and respect for process show up not just in tradition, but in everyday interactions — from the bullet train conductor bowing before passengers to the precision of a barista’s pour. Similarly, the best company cultures make space to honor the origin story — the early scrappiness, the first big bet, the hard-won values forged through adversity. Culture becomes an invisible thread connecting the past to the present.

Culture Should Grow From the Ground Up

Just like a nation’s culture reflects the habits and hearts of its people, company culture should reflect the interests and identities of its employees. In Japan, you see this in community gardens, local festivals, or neighborhood businesses that carry on for generations. In the workplace, this looks like bottom-up initiatives that turn into formal programs — a grassroots mentoring circle, a Slack group that sparks a DEI campaign, or a shared interest that turns into a company-wide sustainability effort. Culture thrives when it grows organically, not when it's imposed from the top.

Look to Your Environment — Literally

In Japan, nature is never far. Even in the busiest city, there’s a pocket of calm: a shrine, a garden, a tree-lined walkway. It’s a cultural value that quietly reminds people to pause, respect the seasons, and consider balance. Companies, too, can look to their environment — physical, digital, or social — to guide their values. What does your workplace space say about collaboration? Does your tech stack promote transparency or control? Is your company tuned in to the environmental and social impact of what you create?

Authenticity Over Optics

In Japan, there’s little tolerance for superficiality. You feel it in the care behind every detail — not to impress, but to express pride. The same applies to company culture. If you preach “work-life balance” but glorify burnout, people know. If you claim inclusivity without investing in representation, people feel it. Culture isn’t what you declare — it’s what people experience.

Narrative Is Everything

In anime and manga, characters often undergo deep personal evolution — not just growth in skill, but in purpose. The journey is rarely linear. There are stumbles, sacrifices, rivalries, and quiet moments of self-reflection. Whether it’s Naruto’s longing for connection, or the perseverance of Tanjiro in Demon Slayer, the most beloved stories aren’t just about power — they’re about meaning.

Company culture thrives when employees see themselves as part of a larger narrative. What story is your team telling? Does everyone understand the arc you’re on — not just quarterly goals, but the “why” behind the work? When leaders frame the company's mission as an unfolding story — with room for heroes, side quests, mentors, and resilience — people show up with heart, not just with hands. A great culture makes everyone feel like they have a role in something bigger than themselves.

As I reflect on Japan’s quiet power, I’m reminded: strong cultures are intentional, not loud. They’re felt more than they’re seen. And they don’t chase trends — they build legacies.