先日、約80名が参加する国際交流会に参加してきました。　参加者の半数は海外とビジネスをしている日本人、もう半数は日本で活躍する外国人ビジネスパーソン。
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業界も職種もさまざま。　まさに「国際異業種交流会」と呼ぶにふさわしい場でした。
会場では、日本語と英語が飛び交い、お酒も入り、終始リラックスした雰囲気。
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私が特に印象的だったのは、普段あまり英語を使う機会のない日本人の方々が、外国人参加者と自然に会話を楽しんでいたことです。
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最初は少し緊張した表情だった方も、気づけば笑顔で身振り手振りを交えながら話している。　その光景を見て、改めて感じました。
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多くの日本人に必要なのは、完璧な英語力ではなく、「外国人と話しても大丈夫」という成功体験なのではないかと。
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私は長年、ビジネス英語とコミュニケーションの指導を行っていますが、実際に海外ビジネスの現場で成果を出す人は、必ずしも英語が完璧な人ばかりではありません。
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「相手に興味を持つ」　「伝えようとする」　「違いを楽しむ」
そうした姿勢を持つ人ほど、国籍を超えて信頼関係を築いていきます。
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日本は少子高齢化が進み、海外とのビジネス拡大や外国人材との協働は、今後ますます重要になっていくでしょう。
だからこそ、日本人と外国人が自然に交流できる場には大きな価値があると感じています。
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実は私も多くの方と語り合い、「海外と対等に活躍できる日本人を増やしたいという熱い想いが伝わってきました」という言葉をいただき嬉しく思いました。
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私は、日本人が英語や外国人に対して身構えることなく、自信を持って世界と繋がれる社会を作りたいと思っています。　今回の交流会では、その未来を見ることが出来た気がします。
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皆さんの職場では、外国人社員や海外の取引先とのコミュニケーションにどのような課題がありますか？　ぜひコメントでお聞かせください。
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​🌏 Perhaps What Japanese Need Before English Skills Is to Remove the Psychological Barrier to Talking with Foreigners
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Recently, I attended an international networking event with approximately 80 participants.
About half were Japanese professionals engaged in global business, while the other half were international business professionals working in Japan.
The participants came from a wide range of industries and professions, making it a truly international cross-industry networking event.
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Throughout the evening, Japanese and English conversations flowed naturally. ​ With a relaxed atmosphere and a few drinks, people were openly connecting and exchanging ideas.
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What impressed me most was seeing Japanese participants who don’t usually use English in their daily work enjoying conversations with international attendants.
Some looked a little nervous at first. ​ But before long, they were smiling, using gestures, and actively engaging in conversations.
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Watching this, I was reminded of something important.
Perhaps what many Japanese people need is not perfect English, but rather the sense of accomplishment that comes from realizing:
“It’s okay to talk with people from different countries.”
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For many years, I have coached business professionals in Business English and
communication skills.
One thing I have learned is that the people who succeed in global business aren’t always those with perfect English.
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They are the people who: ・Show genuine interest in others　・Make an effort to communicate
・Embrace cultural differences
These are the people who build trust across cultures and nationalities.
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As Japan faces a declining and aging population, international business and collaboration with global talent will become increasingly important.
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That is why I believe opportunities for Japanese and international professionals to interact naturally have tremendous value.
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During the event, I had the opportunity to speak with many participants. One comment particularly stayed with me:
“I can really feel your passion for helping more Japanese professionals compete and succeed on an equal footing in the global arena.”
I was deeply encouraged by those words.
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My goal is to help create a society where Japanese professionals can connect confidently with the world without feeling intimidated by English or by cultural differences.
At this event, I felt I caught a glimpse of that future.
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What communication challenges does your organization face when working with international employees or overseas business partners?
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I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

#GlobalTalentDevelopment ​ #CrossCulturalCommunication ​ #InternationalEmployees　#BusinessEnglish ​ #GlobalBusiness ​ #LeadershipDevelopment ​ #DiversityAndInclusion　#InternationalNetworking ​ #CorporateTraining ​ #CommunicationSkills ​ #GlobalTalent

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