Lessons from Japan: Embracing Quality Over Quantity in Business and Life

Living in the dynamic city of Dubai, my wife and I are surrounded by a world of opportunities and experiences. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, innovation, and luxury, offering an endless array of activities and sights. Yet, with the uncertain nature of our stay here, we’ve made it our mission to explore destinations that might be a little more challenging to reach from our home country, Mexico.

Our latest adventure took us to the Land of the Rising Sun—Japan. This trip was not just another stamp in our passports; it was a profound journey that changed our perspective on culture, respect, and business.

Japan is often praised for its unique culture and traditions, and rightfully so. But it’s one thing to hear about it and another to experience it. During our visit, I was struck by the palpable difference in social conduct:

1. The Culture of Respect: The Japanese way of life is steeped in respect. From the way people greet each other to the meticulous care with which they handle public spaces, there’s a sense of collective responsibility that is both admirable and contagious.
2. Adherence to Rules: Japan is a society that functions on the principle of order. Rules are not seen as constraints but as a means to ensure harmony and efficiency. This level of discipline is evident in every aspect of daily life, from the punctuality of the trains to the orderly queues at bus stops.

From a business standpoint, my observations were even more enlightening. In the West, we often equate success with size and scale. The bigger the business, the larger the menu, the more extensive the services, the better—so the thinking goes. But in Japan, I encountered a different philosophy.

I remember walking into a modest eatery in Tokyo, no larger than a studio apartment, with just enough room for ten customers. This place wasn’t known for a vast selection of dishes; instead, it specialized in making the fluffiest, most delectable pancakes I’ve ever tasted. The focus was on quality, not quantity. Despite its small size, the restaurant had a reputation that brought people flocking, willing to wait in line for the chance to savor their singular offering.

This experience was a revelation. It challenged the notion that to succeed, one must expand and diversify. The Japanese approach teaches us that there is virtue in specializing, in perfecting a craft, and in finding contentment in doing one thing exceptionally well.

The lesson here extends beyond the culinary world. It’s about the craftsmanship and pride in one’s work. It’s about creating something of value that people are willing to seek out and wait for. This philosophy can be applied to various aspects of life and business. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, a software developer, or a business owner, the Japanese emphasis on quality over quantity can be a guiding principle.

In a world that often celebrates the big and the busy, there’s something deeply refreshing about Japan’s celebration of the small and the excellent. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more. That sometimes, by choosing to focus on what we can do best, we can achieve a level of success and satisfaction that is lost in the race to do it all.

As we continue our travels and return to our lives in Dubai, we carry with us the lessons from Japan. We’ve learned that in business, as in life, it’s not about how much we can do, but how well we can do it. We’ve learned the power of focus, the dignity of discipline, and the grace of respect—values that we’ll strive to incorporate into our daily lives and work.

Japan has left an indelible mark on us, not just through its sights and sounds, but through the profound insights it has offered into a different way of thinking and being. And while our time in Dubai is finite, the lessons we’ve learned from Japan are timeless, guiding us no matter where our journey takes us next.

P.S. Here’s an amazing photo of those fluffy pancakes I mentioned.