Abstract

This report reviews the BizCom SIG seminar, "5 Problems and Solutions: How to Improve Meeting Outcomes Between Japanese Businesses and Silicon Valley Startups," presented by Naotake Murayama. Drawing on his extensive experience in cross-cultural business between Japan and the United States, Murayama outlined key communication challenges faced by Japanese companies in meetings with U.S. startups. He highlighted issues such as inadequate preparation, ceremonial meeting structures, lack of decision-making personnel, unclear follow-up intentions, and hesitancy in asking questions. Murayama proposed strategic solutions to foster clearer, goal-oriented exchanges and improve partnership potentials. The seminar attracted feedback from diverse attendees, many of whom found the insights relevant and applicable to their own contexts, reflecting a growing interest in intercultural business communication challenges and solutions.

Glen Hill has extensive experience in Japan's academic world and is an experienced editor of academic publications. He had long been an editor for academic journals published by JALT College and University Educators SIG. He recently co-edited STEM English: Japan. Education, Innovation, and Motivation (2022; Springer). He coauthored a chapter for Mindsets in Language Education (2025, Multilingual Matters). He also runs UpHill Proofreading, an editing service for scientific academic papers, as well as Engagin' Scientia, a science news blog. He now serves as an adjunct faculty member at two universities in Sapporo, Hokkaido, after retiring from the National Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in 2022. glenahill@gmail.com