Filippo Olivetti originally came to Japan to work with a foreign investment bank in 2008. Initially planning on staying for 3 months, he would have found it hard to imagine that he would still be here 8 years later.
He has found Japan such a culturally unique country, where he loves the food and many beautiful scenes, but for him the most important aspect has been the general politeness and respectfulness of the Japanese people that he has met.
He says that he has always found Japanese people warm, kind and welcoming wherever he has traveled around the country, either with his bike or skiing in the winter season.
We also asked Filippo about his opinions on Japanese levels of politeness and respectfulness when it comes to the Business world. He advises that naturally when it comes to Business it’s very important to be polite and respectful in all cultures. However, in a Business sense where rapid decision making is needed, especially with constant change & developments, sometimes the high level of Japanese politeness & respectfulness can cause a delay in dealing with customers, colleagues and superiors. In Japan it can be considered rude when junior members of staff express their opinions clearly to their managers, Japanese managers should realise that this isn’t rude and recognise the benefits that it can bring to their company.
At the moment he is working on several investments in Japan, one of these is managing ‘Nozawa Dream’, a bed & breakfast style Minshuku in Nozawa Onsen (Nagano Prefecture) with his Japanese business partner.
Although only opened last season, it’s already taking many bookings for this winter. Commenting on the prospects of his business he said that it’s already popular with overseas skiers, as their staff are able to offer a great Japanese level of hospitality with good English ability as well.
Nozawa is a small charming Onsen town, with many free hot-spring baths, and as a Ski resort the powder snow can be superb. At the moment they are only open in the winter months, but as there are many enjoyable all year activities in the area such as hiking, rafting, and even water yoga in the summer, he would like to run a full year service at some point in the future.
