How to convince foreign companies of your standards and quality

My name is Ota, and I primarily handle projects for our overseas clients.
In projects with foreign companies, we are sometimes asked questions such as, "Why does it take so long only in Japan?" or "Why is Japan so particular about this process?"
In reality, the meticulous planning and attention to quality that are taken for granted on Japanese production sites are often difficult for overseas Head Office to understand.
So, how can we explain and convince someone with a different culture and standards that "Japanese quality" is something they can appreciate?
I'd like to share the "experiences" we've gained through our daily projects.
 

Why is it difficult to explain?

One of the biggest challenges for someone working at the Japanese branch of a foreign company is explaining "Japan's unique circumstances" to their headquarters.
The difficulty in explaining lies in the differences in environment and underlying assumptions.
In Japan, urban space is limited, and the area of shops and facilities is relatively small. Furthermore, on-site construction and adjustments involve many processes, and there are many constraints such as laws, safety standards, noise, and working hours.
In contrast, overseas, it is common to have a larger space available, which allows for more efficient progress in the process.
These differences can lead to significant discrepancies in the perception of "effort" and "time" involved, even when looking at the same drawings. We first consider how to explain the plan, taking this "gap in perception" into account.
It's important to understand the assumptions the other party takes for granted and to carefully explain the specific circumstances unique to the Japanese workplace.
That's the first step in getting them to understand.
 

Visualization creates understanding

Drawings and schedules alone cannot convey "what is different."
That's why we use 3DCG and videos to "show" the process.
If you show the necessary steps for the process, or the way the light enters and the texture for the finished product, the depth of understanding is completely different.
If a still image doesn't get the point across, try a video. If something is difficult to explain in words, use pictures or samples.
Simply changing the way you explain things can reduce misunderstandings, which in turn leads to a better understanding of delivery times, costs, and the level of completion.
 

Explanations should be shared, not negotiated

When dealing with foreign companies in their home countries, it is important to have a shared attitude that convinces them rather than persuade them.
By carefully explaining why this process is necessary and why you want to maintain this level of precision, the other person will be able to understand the same objectives.
For example, in Japan, buildings have densely packed corridors, so fire safety laws and evacuation route regulations are among the strictest in the world, and in some cases processes have to be detailed in order to meet these standards.
In many environments, stores are lined up tightly together, so it is necessary to consider how they will look, such as whether they will blend into the landscape or stand out, and whether this will be understood by those around them. By showing these "restrictions and standards of appearance that are unique to Japan" using videos and samples, the person in charge in the home country will gain a deeper understanding, saying, "I see, so that's how it looks in Japan."

A convincing explanation

How can we show and convey the quality of Japan, which cannot be conveyed through numbers or specifications? It is important to think about this and "design a process for understanding."
And the design is applicable across borders.
When you find a common goal in a place with a different language and culture, you will surely feel a sense of accomplishment in your work.