{"id":4112,"date":"2026-02-07T01:59:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T01:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/?p=4112"},"modified":"2026-02-07T01:59:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T01:59:17","slug":"working-in-america-authority-try-it-meritocracy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/working-in-america-authority-try-it-meritocracy\/","title":{"rendered":"Working in America: Clear Authority, \u201cJust Try It\u201d Culture &#038; Meritocracy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- ===== Helper CSS (font & highlight only) ===== --><\/p>\n<style>\nbody{\n  font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,\"Segoe UI\",Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;\n  line-height:1.55;color:#111;\n}\n.styled_h2 {\n  font-size: 1.8em;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  margin: 1.5em 0 1em 0;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.styled_h3 {\n  font-size: 1.4em;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  margin: 1.3em 0 0.8em 0;\n  color: #444;\n}\n.styled_h4 {\n  font-size: 1.2em;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  margin: 1.2em 0 0.6em 0;\n  color: #555;\n}\n.q_underline1 {\n  background: #ffeb3b;\n  padding: 0 4px;\n  border-bottom: 3px solid #ffe900;\n}\n.q_underline2 {\n  background: #99f9ff;\n  padding: 0 4px;\n  border-bottom: 3px solid #99f9ff;\n}\n.q_underline3 {\n  background: #ffcccb;\n  padding: 0 4px;\n  border-bottom: 3px solid #ff99b8;\n}\n.video-container-long {\n  position: relative;\n  width: 100%;\n  max-width: 560px;\n  margin: 0 auto;\n  aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\n}\n.video-container-long iframe {\n  position: absolute;\n  top: 0;\n  left: 0;\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 100%;\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .video-container-long {\n    max-width: 100%;\n    margin: 0;\n  }\n}\n.center{text-align:center;}\n.well2 {\n  background-color: #f8f9fa;\n  border: 1px solid #e9ecef;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  padding: 1.5em;\n  margin: 1em 0;\n}\n.q_button_wrap {\n  text-align: center;\n  margin: 2em 0;\n}\n.q_custom_button {\n  display: inline-block;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%);\n  color: white;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border-radius: 30px;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  text-align: center;\n  line-height: 60px;\n  transition: transform 0.3s ease;\n}\n.q_custom_button:hover {\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: white;\n}\n.alignnone {\n  display: block;\n  margin: 20px auto;\n}\n<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"styled_h2\">10 Great Things About America After Living Here for 20 Years (Part 2)<\/h2>\n<p>Hello, this is Suzuki from Eco Drive.<\/p>\n<p>Today, I&#8217;ll be continuing from my previous article to share &#8220;10 Great Things About America.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This is entirely my personal perspective, so there may be differing opinions, but I hope you&#8217;ll bear with me.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check out the previous article here!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/good-things-about-living-in-america-20-years-part1\">10 Best Things About Living in America After 20 Years Here (Part 1)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<div class=\"video-container-long\">\n    <iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-dvUjtv9nxQ?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1\" title=\"Cultural Differences in America: LA Walk (Malibu and More) 4K\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">7. Clear Responsibility and Authority<\/h3>\n<p><center><br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Things Move Fast in America! Here's Why (Business Edition)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dCQCxdYBeVw\" width=\"282\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><br \/>\n<\/center><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">In American companies and organizations, employees are given clear responsibility and authority.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This makes the decision-making process incredibly smooth.<\/p>\n<p>People clearly communicate whether or not they have decision-making power, so if they do, things move forward right on the spot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If they don&#8217;t have that authority, they&#8217;ll say something like, &#8220;I don&#8217;t have the authority to decide this, so please speak with this person,&#8221; and direct you to the right contact.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This system dramatically improves business efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>Not only does decision-making speed up, but accountability becomes crystal clear as well.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"styled_h4\">Differences from Japanese Culture: Job Descriptions<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Additionally, because each employee clearly understands their role and authority, they can approach their work with confidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unlike Japan&#8217;s culture of &#8220;Horenso&#8221; (reporting, contacting, and consulting with superiors for decisions), each individual in America clearly understands the scope of their own authority and responsibility.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">This is because everything is documented in detailed &#8220;job descriptions.&#8221;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Job descriptions outline the responsibilities, authority, and duties required for each position, and employees act based on these guidelines.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to this clarity, work proceeds smoothly and decisions are made quickly.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"styled_h4\">America&#8217;s Sales Tax as an Example<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ecodriveondemand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u30a2\u30a4\u30ad\u30e3\u30c3\u30c117-1.png\" alt=\"America's Sales Tax as an Example\" width=\"700\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also, when problems arise, it&#8217;s immediately clear who should handle them, enabling quick resolution.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An interesting example of this distributed authority is how sales tax is determined.<\/p>\n<p>In Japan, even a 1% increase in consumption tax causes a national uproar, but in America, sales tax changes frequently.<\/p>\n<p>This is because sales tax isn&#8217;t determined solely at the federal level\u2014states and cities also have a say.<\/p>\n<p>The federal government sets a base rate, states can add to that, and cities can add even more on top.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In other words, if a mayor wants to raise sales tax, they can make that decision independently.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This distribution of authority means decisions can be made quickly without causing major disruption.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">8. The &#8220;Just Try It&#8221; Culture<\/h3>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">America has a deeply rooted culture of &#8220;just try it first.&#8221;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is personally one of my favorite things about living here.<\/p>\n<p>The barriers to experimenting with new ideas and technologies are remarkably low.<\/p>\n<p>Take Tesla&#8217;s autonomous driving technology as an example.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability allow you to actually experience autonomous driving on real roads.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In Japan, putting such technology into practical use would be extremely difficult due to strict laws and regulations.<\/p>\n<p>However, in America, there&#8217;s an attitude of &#8220;What&#8217;s prohibited is prohibited, but everything else is OK at your own risk.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"styled_h4\">From &#8220;Just Try It&#8221; to Driverless Taxi Testing<\/h4>\n<p>A recent example is the approval of 24-hour driverless taxis in San Francisco.<\/p>\n<p>I haven&#8217;t personally used one yet, but according to people who have, there&#8217;s still room for improvement.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, the taxi might not arrive at the designated pickup location, or it might not stop exactly where you want to get off.<\/p>\n<p><strong>However, this is considered within the realm of personal responsibility, and the &#8220;just try it first&#8221; attitude prevails.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This culture is especially advantageous for entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>Rather than waiting for perfection before launching a product or service, you start with a test run.<\/p>\n<p>If problems arise, you improve and try again.<\/p>\n<p>By repeating this cycle, you gradually get closer to the ideal.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"styled_h4\">&#8220;Just Try It&#8221; Drives Innovation<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15083\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ecodriveondemand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u30a2\u30a4\u30ad\u30e3\u30c3\u30c19-1.png\" alt=\"'Just Try It' Drives Innovation\" width=\"700\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>This &#8220;just try it first&#8221; spirit is essential for developing cutting-edge technology.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>By actually testing new ideas in the real world, you can identify problems and areas for improvement that couldn&#8217;t be predicted in theory alone.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">Moreover, by gathering feedback from actual users, you can develop more practical products and services.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is probably why technology companies from around the world flock to America.<\/p>\n<p>In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, new ideas are constantly being born, tested, and refined.<\/p>\n<p>I believe this culture is one of the key sources of America&#8217;s strength.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">9. A True Meritocracy<\/h3>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">The ninth great thing about America is that it&#8217;s a true meritocracy.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I genuinely feel that if you have the skills, anyone can be recognized here.<\/p>\n<p>The most prominent example would be Shohei Ohtani.<\/p>\n<p>From America&#8217;s perspective, he&#8217;s a foreigner\u2014and an Asian at that.<\/p>\n<p>Yet his abilities are widely recognized, and he receives extensive media coverage.<\/p>\n<p>Before he transferred to the Dodgers, when I visited Angel Stadium, there were countless fans wearing Ohtani jerseys.<\/p>\n<p>Most of them were Americans.<\/p>\n<p>As a Japanese person, it&#8217;s a truly heartwarming sight.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"styled_h4\">Opportunities Exist for Everyone<\/h4>\n<p>Now flip it around: if an American player performed as well as Ohtani in Japan, how many Japanese fans would wear that player&#8217;s jersey to cheer them on?<\/p>\n<p>It makes you think, doesn&#8217;t it?<\/p>\n<p>In America, there&#8217;s a culture of recognizing and celebrating people with great talent and ability, regardless of race or background.<\/p>\n<p>People who take on challenges and strive to accomplish something are wholeheartedly supported by those around them.<\/p>\n<p>I believe this culture is what makes the &#8220;American Dream&#8221; possible.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">In other words, the more challenges you take on, the more likely you are to be rewarded.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is one of America&#8217;s greatest appeals in my opinion.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"styled_h3\">10. Amazing Beer Culture<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15084\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ecodriveondemand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u30a2\u30a4\u30ad\u30e3\u30c3\u30c116-1.png\" alt=\"Amazing Beer Culture\" width=\"700\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Finally, switching gears a bit from the previous topics, I&#8217;d like to talk about America&#8217;s amazing beer culture.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">There&#8217;s nothing quite like enjoying a cold beer under California&#8217;s blue sky.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The streetscapes and atmosphere of the establishments are wonderful, and there&#8217;s an abundance of food that pairs perfectly with beer.<\/p>\n<p>Burgers, fries, and so many other dishes go incredibly well with a cold brew.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, more and more places offer craft beer, allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of flavors.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"styled_h4\">Pairing Food to Match the Beer?<\/h4>\n<p>What&#8217;s interesting is that in America, people tend to choose food to complement their beer.<\/p>\n<p>I could be wrong, but in Japan, I feel it&#8217;s often the opposite\u2014people choose drinks to enhance the food.<\/p>\n<p>In Japan, the ingredients are the star and the drink plays a supporting role, but in America, it feels like the beer takes center stage and the food plays backup.<\/p>\n<p>Countless breweries have emerged across America, producing distinctive, high-quality craft beers.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"q_underline1\">You can enjoy a wide variety of styles\u2014IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and so much more.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I highly encourage everyone to try American beer, especially local craft brews.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ll be amazed by how delicious they are.<\/p>\n<p>Experiencing America&#8217;s beer culture might just open up a whole new world of enjoyment for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>10 Great Things About America After Living Here for 20 Years (Part 2) Hello, this is Suzuki from Eco Drive. Today, I&#8217;ll be continuing from my previous article to share &#8220;10 Great Things About America.&#8221; This is entirely my personal perspective, so there may be differing opinions, but I hope you&#8217;ll bear with me. Check [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4116,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-life-immigration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4112"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5056,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4112\/revisions\/5056"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecodriveautosales.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}