I visit Japan every year, but this year, I have had a renewed appreciation of its people and principles.

The impetus might have been activated in me when I watched a Japanese show about a boy band recruiting new members. When interviewed, one of the members mentioned that the 协调性 (kyochosei; ability to coordinate with others) of the new member would be a prime factor because he would have to gel with the existing members.

This got me thinking. As someone who has taught in Japanese schools before, I recognise the many processes aimed to induce socialisation and cooperation among the young. Daily cleaning. Homeroom lunch. Inter-class competitions. Co-curricular activities and so on and so forth.

A Japanese teacher told me once that unlike in other countries, Japanese kids are not banded by academic ability. They have other priorities to deal with, such as the individuals who can play the piano well or conduct the class during the chorale competition. They try to evenly match the classes in myriad aspects as much as possible.

When impressionable children and teenagers are trained (or have been conditioned, if you put in a cynical way) for team work from young, they go into the workforce, seeking collaborations with others. Just look at the various partnerships between brands.

Baby Star ramen working with CoCo Curry and Tenkaippin to introduce new flavours.

Tokyo Banana working with Doraemon and Kit Kat to extend its reach.

B Side Label introducing Pokemon-themed stickers.

I guess when I see these brands’ collaborations, it makes me see the layers of Japanese society - how every company is intertwined and aims for synergistic partnerships.

It may be a double-edged sword since Japanese companies may work in silos when we zoom out and take into account globalisation. They mayn’t be keen to work with foreign companies as a way of injecting financial stimulus into their operations. Will the Japanese welcome such deviation from what they have been used to all this while?

Your guess is as good as mine.