Pros
* They offer funding for professional development; you can take classes outside of work. * You are able to meet / interact with a lot of different people interested in Japan related issues- many high level intellectuals. * Not a lot of work sometimes so you can do other things during the day- read up on Japan issues, or pursue personal development.
Cons
* The Directors treat their subordinates really poorly and for the most part don't respect them. * Management is very slow to act and / or modernize operations. * Decision-making is not transparent or collaborative. * During the interview process, they make the job sound much more intellectual and program management oriented. In actuality, you are nothing but a glorified secretary making photocopies in triplicate, returning emails, and filing ad infinitum. They want people with a Masters degree but the responsibilities are more suited to those with no more than a Bachelors and fresh out of school. * There is a workplace bully, which has resulted in high turnover in the program which they are a part of. They control information access and have no interest in making improvements if the ideas don't originate with them. * The turnover rate is very high. * Teamwork is not encouraged.