WRITING FROM OSAKA

Arrived in Osaka on Monday morning.  The red-eyed flight was torturing, managed to catch only about two hours of sleep.  Weather here is hot, was expecting it to be cold as it is supposed to be autumn now, but it’s more like end summer.  The japs are environmentally friendly, so their office is airconed but set at high temperature.  We were told it is about 27 deg celsius in office building.  The study group members from Singapore were fanning themselves mad as we were in our business suit.  Each time after the high ranking officer of the hosting company finished with his speech and took leave, most of us would quickly remove our jacket.  Only today we managed to have some cool comfort in Daikin’s Call Service Centre.  Of course, Daikin is dealing in aircon, so must keep their office cool…

My last visit to Japan was in 2004.  Till now, their service standard maintains.  The hospitality of the hosting companies was overwhelming.  See, our coach was parked one street away from two of the hosting companies’ offices and they actually sent us off, all the way to the coach, stay in line and bow as the bus started to move off.  The superb service culture was also seen in the retail.  

Visited four companies in these two days.  In fact most of their system is already being practised in Singapore’s companies.  I guess they are more successful in their results probably due to their culture and pride in their job and nation.  It will probably take a long time for Singapore to emulate the service standard.   

Have been feeding on bento sets.  They are nice to look at and for me, it’s nice in taste too, but some members just could not get use to the cold food.  Bought some old-fashioned chewing gums for the kids and office staff too.   The shopping centres close at 8 or 9pm and most shops are already closed by 8pm, so each day after our programme, we would start our shopping spree and catch a bite on the way.   Stress man….