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    "date": "2026-06-30T07:51:38",
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    "slug": "summer-greetings-from-kyoto",
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        "rendered": "Summer Greetings from Kyoto"
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        "rendered": "<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>International mobility is a key part of developing expertise at Murata and offers unique opportunities to gain experience in different cultures and work environments. In this article, I\u2019ll share some of my first experiences during my work assignment in Kyoto, Japan.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I began my three-year assignment in September 2025 at Murata\u2019s headquarters in Nagaokakyo, where I work in the Product Planning team within the Functional Devices division. I had been interested in pursuing an international assignment for several years, and when this opportunity became a reality, it naturally brought excitement, new things to learn, and challenges to overcome. Fortunately, I received plenty of practical advice from both Japanese colleagues and Finnish colleagues who had previously worked in Japan, as well as from Murata\u2019s HR department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 34%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Settling into Kyoto<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">What I remember most vividly from my arrival in Kyoto\u2014besides the excitement\u2014was the sweltering heat typical of a Japanese summer. Carrying 80 kilograms of luggage, I took a bus from Kansai Airport to Kyoto, then a taxi to the headquarters to pick up my house keys\u2014and finally to my apartment, which was initially furnished with little more than a futon mattress. Fortunately, the air-source heat pumps were working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first few days were largely spent taking care of practical matters: opening a bank account, setting up utilities, getting a commuter pass, and arranging my work tools. One of the more amusing details was getting my own personal stamp (hanko) that says \u201cMarkus.\u201d In Japan, it\u2019s used to sign various contracts and documents\u2014just stamp it on the paper!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I live with my wife and our two young daughters in central Kyoto in an area where everyday life is a blend of local culture and city life. Just around the corner you\u2019ll find both a small temple and a 24\/7 konbini (convenience store), and on the street you might pass people in business suits as well as kindergarten groups in their yellow hats. The commute to Murata\u2019s office takes just over half an hour by a combination of bus and train.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/muratafinland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Cherry-Blossoms-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1291 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:27% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/muratafinland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Murata-Japan-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1290 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>First impressions of working life in Japan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Currently, my work focuses on selected new Murata products, assessing their business potential and planning their commercialization. The role is global and involves close coordination across different functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relocating to Japan has naturally been a major change. So far, the biggest lessons have been related to how to move things forward with various local stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Communication is often more indirect than what I\u2019m used to in Finland, which has encouraged me to pay closer attention to what is left unsaid. In Japan, getting things done often relies on building a shared understanding even before formal decisions are made. While the content itself is naturally important in decision-making, timing, preparation, and aligning different perspectives are just as crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 29%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Everyday observations from Kyoto<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>There are surprisingly many saunas in Kyoto\u2014something I definitely appreciate as a Finn! <\/strong>Within walking distance of our home, there are several saunas attached to local <em>sento<\/em> (public bathhouses). You\u2019re not allowed to throw water on the stones yourself, but at one sauna, the staff even organized a traditional <em>l\u00f6yly<\/em>-style session. Many sento also feature an \u201celectric bath\u201d\u2014a bath with a mild electric current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Everyday life is remarkably quiet.<\/strong> On public transport and even in apartment buildings, the atmosphere is often very peaceful. Sometimes it feels like we\u2019re easily the loudest group\u2014especially with the kids!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>People are very warm toward children.<\/strong> Locals often come over to chat with us when we\u2019re out with the kids, and it\u2019s common for someone to offer help carrying a stroller\u2014for example up the stairs at a train station\u2014if my wife is out alone with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The language barrier can still be challenging.<\/strong> In many practical situations, speaking Japanese is almost essential. And when I try myself, things don\u2019t always go exactly as planned despite my basic language skills. Once, we accidentally ordered 36 gyoza dumplings as a side dish when we meant to order six\u2014they were sold in sets of six, so we should have ordered just one!<br><br><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/muratafinland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kyoto-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1292 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All in all, my assignment in Japan has gotten off to a great start. I encourage everyone to spread their wings, actively pursue their career aspirations, and seize the opportunity if a chance for an international assignment comes your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Have a great summer!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Markus Rytk\u00f6l\u00e4<\/strong><br>Business Planning Manager<\/p>",
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        "rendered": "<p>What is it like to live and work in Kyoto, Japan? In this article, I share some first experiences from my assignment there.<\/p>",
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