[Dramatic Changes in the Japanese-English Bilingual Labor Market in the US] 10. New York

For many in Japan, the United States is often associated with two iconic cities: New York and Los Angeles. Renowned as global cultural and economic hubs, these cities hold a unique appeal and influence. Similarly, Tokyo serves as an unparalleled megacity, embodying Japan’s identity and international prominence. Among many Japanese individuals, New York is regarded with comparable admiration. This raises an intriguing question: how do these two globally significant cities truly compare?

Since founding a staffing and recruiting firm in Manhattan in 1996 and collaborating with Japanese companies across the U.S. for nearly 30 years, I’ve witnessed a notable evolution in how cities like New York are viewed and utilized.

In 2001, the U.S. experienced the bursting of the internet bubble. Despite the downturn, internet-based communication continued to grow, enabling rapid, large-scale data transmission even to remote locations. Today, many industries no longer require employees to be concentrated in a single geographic area. Instead, decentralization has become the norm, as both companies and individuals seek to align their goals with the flexibility offered by technological advancements and evolving personal lifestyles. This shift feels both logical and inevitable—a fact-driven way of thinking.

In contrast, Japan remains heavily focused on urban centralization, with Tokyo’s dominance only growing. This comes at the expense of technological progress and quality of life, a decision seemingly driven by factors beyond pure logic—a humanities-driven perspective where tradition or other considerations take precedence.

In the United States, cities have increasingly evolved into specialized hubs for specific industries. New York City, once a manufacturing powerhouse, has seen many of those businesses relocate to other states over the years. Today, the city thrives as a national center for finance, commerce, and media, while local industries like real estate and dining continue to play a supporting role. In contrast, states like Texas are drawing diverse businesses—including Japanese companies in restaurant industries—thanks to their business-friendly policies and higher profitability potential. Manhattan, in particular, is often regarded as a challenging environment for achieving sustainable long-term profits, prompting many companies to explore opportunities elsewhere.

This distinction is key: New York is not a universal megacity like Tokyo. Instead, it is a highly specialized city within a decentralized system. In the U.S., cities are tailored to support specific industries, requiring businesses to carefully select a location that aligns with their goals and strengths.

For companies looking to expand into the U.S., mistaking New York for a one-size-fits-all hub like Tokyo can be a costly error. Instead, success lies in choosing a city that best complements your business objectives.

What are your thoughts on this perspective?

Written by Masato Fujihara, President
Interesse International Group
Came to New York as an expatriate for an HR company in January 1994.  Became independent in 1996 and started own business in defiance of return-to-Japan order by the company.  Currently, Interesse International Group has 11 locations in the United States and established a Japanese subsidiary in 2022. With 30 years of knowledge and experience in the HR industry, Interesse International Group delivers practical information to clients.