One of the things that really fascinated me when I started working with teams in Japan was how differently global tools are used here. It’s not just about the language — it’s about adapting to a whole different rhythm, mindset, and workflow style. Whether it’s WordPress, Slack, Notion, or even Google Docs, I’ve watched local teams shape these tools to fit Japan’s unique work culture — and it’s taught me a lot.
So today I want to share a few real-world examples of how Japanese teams take these international tools and bend them to fit local expectations.
Communication Tools: Formality Still Matters
Let’s start with Slack. While most Western teams treat Slack like casual watercooler chat, in Japan it’s surprisingly formal. Many teams I’ve worked with write Slack messages almost like emails — full sentences, polite grammar, and even greetings like “お疲れ様です” (otsukaresama desu, a standard work greeting).
I remember being surprised the first time I saw someone use Slack threads to apologize for a late reply. It made me realize how deep-rooted respect and formality are, even in fast-paced tech environments.
Emoji reactions are used here too — but more sparingly, and often to show acknowledgment rather than emotion. For example, a 👍 might mean “received and understood,” not “cool!” Nuance matters.
Documentation: Notion, with Structure on Steroids
Then there’s Notion. I love this tool for how flexible and creative it can be, but Japanese teams take a very different approach. The Notion pages I’ve seen from local companies are often highly structured — with strict templates, indexes, and a chain of command for edits.
One team I worked with had a master directory for everything, color-coded by department, with permissions mapped down to the page level. There were even etiquette rules for editing: always add a comment, never delete someone else’s section, and keep backups of everything.
It’s not that teams here don’t embrace modern tools — they absolutely do. But the tools must support the hierarchical and harmonious nature of Japanese business. You’ll rarely see “move fast and break things” here. It’s more like “move with care and consensus.”
WordPress: Localization Goes Beyond Translation
As someone who works a lot with WordPress, I’ve seen how Japanese developers often prioritize structure and stability over flashy animations or cutting-edge design. Themes are chosen based on readability, mobile optimization, and how well they support Japanese typography.
Plugins are often evaluated for whether they support Japanese character sets, proper postal address formats, and vertical writing modes (yep, that’s a thing).
I’ve also seen entire dev teams using WordPress in English, even if the content is in Japanese — because the documentation is more robust. Then they’ll write custom admin labels or train their non-technical team members with detailed step-by-step manuals (usually in PDF).
Final Thoughts
What I’ve learned is this: adapting global tools to Japanese work culture isn’t about limitation — it’s about alignment. Teams here value respect, clarity, and predictability. The tools they use have to reflect that.
It’s made me slow down, be more intentional with communication, and think twice before assuming my way is the default. And in return, I’ve seen how beautiful, thoughtful, and collaborative Japanese workflows can be — when the tools are adapted with care.
Whether you’re a freelancer joining a Japanese team or a founder expanding into Japan, the magic isn’t just in using the tools — it’s in understanding how people use them.