This time, Mr. Inamori talked about the importance of virtue (good heart) regarding the regeneration of JAL(Japan AirLine).
I would like to share the tips of JAL’s secret: pursuing profits under a fair manner with a good heart.
1 Religious spirit
2 Harmony
3 Reflection
4 Infinite abilities
5 No fear (fighting spirit)
4 Religious spirit (mind)
Inamori: Generally, it is said that the Japanese are not that much religious. But I consider we Japanese are deeply religious. The religion that the Japanese follow is so-called polytheism, this seems to be “less-religious” from the standpoint of monotheism. Therefore, non-Japanese people describe us as “less religious”. We can find this religious attitude in our works. For instance, manufacturing (by Japanese) originally had been a sacred work, in which you need to purify yourself and your soul. By integrating your purified soul into your work-creation-, you have created the products to be dedicated not only to Gods, but to others.
→Curiously, not only Japanese but also non-Japanese can understand this kind of spirituality. Foreigners have found differences in the mindsets between Western and Japanese. Some people analyze this because Japanese people have some spirituality. For instance, foreigners whom we are working with have a great understanding of the spirituality of the Japanese people and its culture.
The Japanese are often said to be indecisive; this is somehow in a negative sense. However, they, our foreign client, described this feature as “the attitude of listening to others.” Certainly, top-down management styles are not so common in Japan, but I think remaining humble and listening to others before judging have also been one of the good business practices in Japan.
2 Harmony
Inamori: A love, generosity and compassion as a human being, or a good heart as a human being expressed by the words “love, sincerity, and harmony,” have driven all the benefits to you. In other words, activities based on “virtue” explains the principle “compassion will eventually come back to you.” I believe this is not only implying Japanese contribute to the growth of other countries, but such attitudes will also bring long-term success to us, Japanese. The “Constitutions composed of 17 articles”, the first constitution in Japan enacted by Prince Shotoku in 7th century, can be interpreted as the code of ethics. Beginning with the famous article ” Creating harmony is the most valuable.” Even when we look at the nation of Japan, I think it is desirable to carry out activities based on this virtue, the code of ethics. This virtue, a gentle and compassionate value, is the “soft power” that Japan should bring to the world.
→ I read the story of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, a doctor who created wells and conducted a large scale irrigation project in the area where the famine was severe due to the drought in Afghanistan. In the area where military attacks and murders by force are rampant, Dr. Nakamura’s medical activities (civil work) eventually gained a great trust from the people. Dr. Nakamura had never got armed by themselves, dedicated their resources to create the fields to cultivate for local people.
In Buddhism, Hado, which is governed by martial arts, is called Shurado -warriors world-. Shurado is placed below “Humankind world.” Nakamura’s contribution has exactly been the proof that Japanese mindset comes from peace and harmony, war &violence come from global egoism.
3 Reflection
Inamori: Employees working at JAL should spontaneously be filled with sincere gratitude to the passengers on board and demonstrate them to the passengers. I think that is the most important for the air transportation business to maintain the fundamental value of such hospitality towards customers. Perhaps, as JAL had the pride of being Japan’s leading national flag carrier, they became very arrogant, and forgot to show their humbleness and respect towards the customers. They obviously looked down upon customers. I feel JAL, which used to be such a desperate company, humbly regretted their behaviors, and finally changed their mindset through the philosophy implementation. The front-line staff understand the philosophy that I brought. They have worked hard and conducted good business practices based on the philosophy. In the event of the Tohoku Earthquake, for example, the cabin attendant made freshly cooked rice balls and provided them to customers who got stuck in the cabin for a long time. A ground staff at the Moscow branch bought some chocolate with his pocket money and gave them to the customers who were stuck in the lounge. A captain made a heartwarming announcement to the rescue staff of the Japanese Red Cross heading to the disaster area and his words encouraged the rescue team very much. A staff handling the luggage attached memo notes to the luggage. The memo encouraged and moved the rescue staff heading to the disaster area. All those performances spontaneously come from JAL staff who fundamentally changed, learned philosophy and realized the core value of the hospitality industry.
→ I think this is a soft power that Japanese people can deliver to the world. I think those good practices delivered by Japanese staff would allow non-Japanese to like Japanese people. Those non-Japanese may be fond of Japan and commit themselves to maintain long business relationships with Japanese.
for the 4-5, I will explain them in a next Blog.
Further queries or doubts, please email to ytomizuka@abrilsjp.com
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