Nobashi

Mr. Nobashi was a stereotypical Japanese salaryman. He headed the American division of a Japanese ramen noodle manufacturer supervising importing and distribution of noodles across the U.S. He hired Louise Ferguson as his assistant and when she doubtfully said she would try to work the spreadsheets he gave her, he told her "You no try! You do!"

Nobashi's temperament was as explosive as the initial impression he made. He was constantly on the phone to the home office in Hiroshima speaking in impassioned Japanese with the occasional "Ohh, Jeesus Kerrist!" or the like interspersed. When not on the phone, he was constantly shouting for Louise to bring him coffee and sweet rolls or tea and rice or sashimi or anything else he need to keep going. He left the impression that he lived in his office 24/7.

One thing Nobashi wasn't was a lech. His immediate predecessor had tried to treat the women in the office as though he were still were in Japan. One woman sued the company for sexual harassment and won a large settlement. Nobashi was sent as a replacement and kept his hands to himself.