Japan Trip 2026 - More Than Just A Business Trip
Introduction
In May 2026, our team had a wonderful opportunity to take a 2-week business trip to Japan. The main goals of this trip were to kick off a new project with the Japan team, build stronger team bonding, understand our current project deeply, and learn about real user experience. As this was my very first time visiting Japan, everything felt fresh and exciting. Moreover, the weather in May was very nice and comfortable—much cooler than the hot summer days in Vietnam!
The Power of Face-to-Face Working
Before this trip, our teams only worked remotely through computer screens. Because we never met in person, we sometimes faced difficulties in communication. It was not just about the language barrier, but also the differences in thinking styles, habits, and cultures.
However, working face-to-face changed everything. We could easily see each other's expressions, gestures, and daily working habits—things that remote work can never show us. All the old barriers suddenly disappeared when we drew ideas together on the whiteboard or laughed out loud in the meeting room. We talked more openly and realized our differences in a positive way. We now feel like a real team. I strongly believe that even when we return to remote work, our teamwork will be much better because we truly understand and trust each other now.
Seeing Real User Experience (UX)
Another invaluable part of the trip was experiencing real User Experience (UX). The Vietnam team has worked on this project for over a year, but it was always hard for us to imagine the real context in Japan. Even though we tried our best, this gap sometimes limited our product ideas. This trip finally gave us a great chance to see how our application operates in real life. We saw its benefits and also found points that need improvement.
As an engineer, I have worked on many different projects, but this is the first time I actually saw end-users using the application I wrote. It completely changed my mindset. I stopped thinking just about "how to make the code work" and started thinking about "how to serve our users best." It gave me a strong motivation to improve the product further.
Meeting New Friends & "Nomikai" Culture
Our project is quite big with many members and small teams. Usually, we only talked during short weekly meetings or quick morning chats. In Japan, I finally met everyone in person. We enjoyed lunches together and especially participated in Nomikai (Japanese drinking parties). On the office floor, our Japanese colleagues are extremely serious and professional. But at the Nomikai, they became super fun, warm, and open. They shared with me many new perspectives, not only about the project but also about engineering knowledge and daily life.
Experiencing Japanese Culture
Staying in Japan for 2 weeks also helped me experience the local culture deeply. I learned a lot from their habits of walking fast, waiting patiently for elevators, and using public transportation. This experience helped me grow and understand Japanese people much more. I was also lucky enough to visit famous places like Mount Fuji, Osaka, and Tokyo, enjoying the unique culture of each region.
Conclusion
Finally, I want to say a big thank you to everyone—both the Vietnam and Japan teams—who supported me and traveled with me. Thank you for making this trip successful and for giving me unforgettable memories!