Culture Report Japan

8/13/2019 Culture Report Japan

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Culture ReportTarget Culture: Japan

1. Demographic and International Business Report1.1. Country:

1.1.1. Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Koreaand Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.

1.2. Climate:1.2.1. In general, Japans climate is characterized as monsoonal (i.e., governed by wet and dry seasonal winds). The main influences are the

countrys latitudinal extent, the surrounding oceans, and its proximity to the neighboring Asian landmass.

1.3. Geography & Neighboring Countr ies/Cultu res:1.3.1. Japan is bounded to the west by the Sea of Japan (East Sea), which separates it from the eastern shores of South and North Korea and

southeastern Siberia (Russia); to the north by La Perouse (Sya) Strait, separating it from Russian-held Sakhalin Island, and by the Sea of

Okhotsk; to the northeast by the southern Kuril Islands (since World War II under Soviet and then Russian administration); to the east and


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south by the Pacific; and to the southwest by the East China Sea, which separates it from China. The island of Tsushima lies between

northwestern Kyushu and southeastern South Korea and defines the Korea Strait on the Korean side and the Tsushima Strait on the Japanese

side.

1.3.2. Coordinates: 35.4112 N, 135.8337 E1.3.3. Area:

Total: 377,835 km (234,776 mi )

Land: 374,744 km2 (232,855 mi2)

Water: 3,091 km (1921 mi )

Coastline: 34,751 km (21,593 mi)

1.4. Population:1.4.1. 127,253,075 (July 2013 estimate)1.4.2. This ranked tenth in the world and made up 1.8 percent of the world's total. Japan's population density measured 343 persons per square

kilometer in 2010, ranking seventh among countries with a population of 10 million or more.

1.5. Gender D istributi onAt birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.08 male(s)/female




> 65 Years: 0.76 male(s)/female

Total : 0.95 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

1.6. Age Distribution:0-14 years: 13.4% (male 8,808,568/female 8,204,514)

15-24 years: 9.7% (male 6,394,809/female 5,958,408)


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> 65 years: 24.8% (male 13,656,792/female 17,919,580)

1.7. Bir th Rates:1.7.1. Population growth in Japan had primarily been driven by natural increase, while social increase played only a minor part. In 2005, however,

the natural change rate (per 1,000 population) turned negative for the first time since 1899; the figure was -1.6 in 2011.

1.7.2. During the second baby boom, the birth rate was at a level of 19 (per 1,000 population) between 1971 and 1973. Since the late 1970s,however, it continued to drop.

1.7.3. The rate for 2011 was 8.3.1.8. Migrati on Patterns:

1.8.1. 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 estimate)1.8.2. Country comparison to the world: 90th

1.9. Ethnicities:1.9.1. Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6%1.9.2. Up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil

1.10. Religions:1.10.1.Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%1.10.2.Total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism.

1.11. Languages:1.11.1.Japanese

1.12. Literacy:1.12.1.Definition: age 15 and over can read and write1.12.2.Total population: 99%

1.12.2.1. Male: 99%1.12.2.2. Female: 99%

1.13. Government Type:


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1.13.1.A parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy1.13.1.1. Capital: Tokyo1.13.1.2. Chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)1.13.1.3. Head of government: Prime Minister Shinzo ABE; Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)

1.13.1.3.1. Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister1.13.1.4. Elections: Diet, the bicameral legislature, designates the prime minister; constitution requires that the prime minister commands

parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of

Representatives usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary

1.14. Education System:1.14.1.Education Expenditures:

1.14.1.1. 3.8% of GDP1.14.1.2. 121stin the world for education spending

1.14.2.School Life Length: 15 Years1.14.2.1. The Japanese educational system was reformed after World War II. The old 6-5-3-3 system was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system (6

years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University) with reference to

the American system. Thegimukyoiku(compulsory education) time period is 9 years, 6 inshougakkou(elementary school) and 3 in

chuugakkou(junior high school).

1.14.2.2. Japan has one of the world's best-educated populations, with 100% enrollment in compulsory grades and zero illiteracy. While notcompulsory, high school (koukou) enrollment is over 96% nationwide and nearly 100% in the cities. The high school dropout rate is

about 2% and has been increasing. About 46% of all high school graduates go on to university or junior college.

1.14.2.3. The Ministry of Education closely supervises curriculum, textbooks, and classes and maintains a uniform level of educationthroughout the country. As a result, a high standard of education is possible.

1.15. Unemployment Situati on: Rate:1.15.1.4.4% - (2012 estimate)1.15.2.38thin the world1.15.3.4.6% - (2011 estimate)


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1.16. Importan t Histori cal Facts with Consequences for the Present:1.16.1. In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawashogunate(a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative

political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its

indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize

and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both

China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937

it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soonoccupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and an ally of

the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decision-making power.

Following three decades of unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s, but the country

remains a major economic power. In March 2011, Japan's strongest-ever earthquake, and an accompanying tsunami, devastated the

northeast part of Honshu island, killing thousands and damaging several nuclear power plants. The catastrophe hobbled the country's

economy and its energy infrastructure, and tested its ability to deal with humanitarian disasters.

1.17. Major I ndustries (incl. Agri cultur e + I conic Companies):1.17.1.

GDP Composition

1.17.1.1. Agriculture: 1.2%1.17.1.2. Industry: 27.5%1.17.1.3. Services: 71.4%

1.17.2.Iconic Companies1.17.2.1. Mitsui - Shipping, chemicals, banking, and more.1.17.2.2. Mitsubishi - Vehicles, chemicals, electronics, banking, aerospace, and more.1.17.2.3. Itochu - Energy, electronics, finance, and more.1.17.2.4. Marubeni - Banking, insurance, investment and more.1.17.2.5. Sumitomo - Banking, finance, vehicles, chemicals, resource development, and more.1.17.2.6. Toyota - Vehicles, robotics, finance, and more.1.17.2.7. Sony - Electronics, media, and more.1.17.2.8. Honda - Vehicles, robotics, and more.1.17.2.9. Panasonic - Electronics, appliances, and more.1.17.2.10.Nintendo, a big electronics company, specializing in video gaming consoles such as the Wii.


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1.18. Major Natural Resources:1.18.1.Negligible mineral resources, fish1.18.2.With virtually no energy natural resources, Japan is the world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second

largest importer of oil.

1.19. Membership in wh ich I nternational Business Treaties (Since):1.19.1.Treaty of Amity and Commerce

1.19.1.1. Also called the Harris Treaty, was signed on the deck of the U.S.S. Powhatan in Edo (now Tokyo) Bay on July 29, 1858. It openedthe ports of Kanagawa and four other Japanese cities to American trade and granted extraterritoriality to foreigners, among a number

of trading stipulations. It was signed at Washington on 21 February 1911.

1.19.2.Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan1.19.2.1. Signed in Washington, D.C. on January 19, 1960. The treaty established that any attack against Japan or the United States

perpetrated within Japanese territorial administration would be dangerous to the respective countries' own peace and safety. It

requires both countries to act to meet the common danger. To support this requirement, it provided for the continued presence of

U.S. military bases in Japan. The treaty also included general provisions on the further development of international cooperation and

on improved future economic cooperation

1.20. Major Trading Partners:


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1.21. Status of Corporate Social Responsibil ity/Business Eth ics:1.21.1.Although "fairness" and "social responsibilities" form part of the business ethics agenda of Japanese corporations, the meaning of these

terms must be understood in the context of the distinctive Japanese approach to ethics. In Japan, ethics is inextricably bound up with

religious dimension (two normative environments) and social dimension (frame-work of concentric circles) The normative environments,

influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and other traditional and modern Japanese religions, emphasize that not only individuals but also

groups have their own spirit (numen) which is connected to the ultimate reality. The frame-work of concentric circles lets moral agents

apply different ethical rules to the respective circles. The dynamics of these religious and social dimensions lead to a different view of both

individuals and corporations from that dominant in the West.

1.21.2.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an indispensable element of Japanese corporate management. Many Japanese companiesare baffled by the heated level of discussions in European and US business associations over CSR. Unlike corporations in the US and

Europe that tend to place importance on short-terms profits for the shareholders, Japanese corporations have long taken a balanced approach

to managing their companies, with an eye to the overall stakeholders, including employees, customers, and local citizens, as well as to

shareholders. A significant number of Japanese corporations have established CSR-related departments, disseminate information through the

publication of reports, and pay attention to relationships with stakeholders. If CSR is at the heart of a corporation's comprehensive activities

aimed at maintaining harmony between the corporation, society, and the environment, all the while sustaining development, Japanese

companies are certainly at least on par with the West. Moreover, by turning its resource-poor handicap to its advantage, Japan has targeted

cutting-edge technology and knowhow toward energy conservation, resource conservation, and environmental protection -- to the good of

the rest of the world.

1.22. Envir onmental Impact of Business (Damage/Damage Control):1.22.1.Air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain

1.22.1.1. Acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life1.22.2.Japan is one of the largest consumers of fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere.1.22.3.Carbon Dioxide Emissions


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1.22.4.The state of waste management in Japan had remained grave due to the shrinking remaining capacity of final disposal sites and increasedillegal dumping. This led to the Basic Act on Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society (brought into force in January 2001), which

defines basic principles for the creation of a sound material-cycle society. This law has established a legal framework to address issues such

as waste disposal and automobile and electrical appliance recycling. Other ongoing efforts include promotion of the "3Rs" (reduce, reuse

and recycle) in waste management, and research and development for the use of waste as a source of energy, with a view to generating a

synergy between efforts to manage waste and tackle global warming.

1.22.5.Of various types of waste generated as a result of business activities, 20 of them, including sludge, waste oil, and soot and dusts, aredesignated as "industrial waste." The fiscal 2009 nationwide industrial waste generation totaled 389.75 million tons. Sludge, animal waste

and debris, which account for approximately 80 percent of the total industrial waste, are now increasingly recycled into construction

materials, organic fertilizers, and other materials. Thanks to this development, the volume of final disposal (to be put into landfills) fell from

89.73 million tons in fiscal 1990 to 13.59 million tons in fiscal 2009.

1.22.6.Meanwhile, a total of 46.25 million tons of "nonindustrial waste" (household waste and also shop, office and restaurant waste) wasgenerated in fiscal 2009. This translates to 994 grams per person per day. In terms of nonindustrial waste disposal in fiscal 2009, the total

volume processed was 43.63 million tons. The total volume of recycled waste was 9.50 million tons, with the recycling rate at 20.5 percent.


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1.23. I nnovativeness of Businesses/Entr epreneurship/I ntell ectual Property Rights:1.23.1.To thrive away from home, Japanese companies will instead have to innovate. On the face of it, they look capable of meeting that challenge.

After all, they have pioneered and perfected many of the most advanced manufacturing and industrial technologies. Japan and its companies

no longer have a reputation as world-beating innovators. This, say the country's detractors, reflects an outdated way of doing thingsa

lack of creativity, flexibility and risk-taking. As a result, Japanese firms are no longer able to stay at the forefront of the most important and

profitable new industries. Japan's lack of success is not for want of trying. The country continues to lead the world in research anddevelopment, investing 3.2% of its GDP in R&D, compared with 2.6% in America and 2% in the European Union.

1.23.2.In Japan, the relative dearth of opportunity-driven entrepreneurship has contributed to the nation's economic malaise over the past twodecades -- since the asset price bubble burst in 1991. During Japan's two lost decades, foreign-run enterprises, small businesses and

entrepreneurs accounted for nearly all job creation. The younger generation, having grown up amid deflation and economic stagnation, is

loath to take career risks. The World Bank has shown that, among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

countries, Japan ranks dead last in the average annual entry rate of new enterprises. This rate recently slumped to less than a third of that in

the U.S.

1.23.2.1. Cultural Factors: The impact of culture cannot be underestimated, as it directly informs behavioral norms. Tomoko Inaba, a formerAIG Director and current entrepreneur in Japan, commented that, in general, the Japanese culture is "not one that encourages risk-

taking behaviors or the pursuit of unexploited opportunities." It tends to be more cognizant of rules, tradition and customs, and it

encourages highly conscientious and detail-oriented behaviors. It emphasizes conventionality, consistency, community and relative

risk aversion.

1.23.2.2. Societal Factors: Toshiko Oka, the CEO and founder of Abeam M&A Consulting Ltd., noted that the status of entrepreneurs in Japanis not high, particularly relative to their counterparts in the U.S. Inaba agreed, commenting that society's perception of entrepreneurs

is neutral at best. She added that the "typical Japanese parent often does not support his or her child's aspiration of becoming an

entrepreneur." These parents tend to want their children to go to an elite public university and join the bureaucracy or a major

conglomerate (keiretsu), such as Mitsubishi or Mitsui. A well-known publicly traded firm, such as Toyota or Hitachi, also suffices.

Due to historical patterns of lifetime employment (shushin koyo), the vast majority of parents still believe these paths present the

most stable careers, the highest cumulative pay and the most prestige.

1.23.3.Japan has generally strong levels of intellectual property protection. However, American trade officials are on the record seeking specificchanges to the Japanese intellectual property system. The U.S. Government also has urged Japan to continue to reduce piracy rates,


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including adopting methods to protect against piracy in the digital environment. Although Japan provides a 70 year term of protection for

cinematographic works, it only provides a 50 year term for all other works protected by copyright and related rights. The U.S. Government

continues to urge Japan to extend the term of protection for all subject matter of copyright and related rights in line with emerging

international trends.

1.24. National Business Strategies (Di versif ication, Special ization, Globalization, etc.):1.24.1.The Government and the Bank of Japan decided to release the attached statement jointly. They will strengthen their policy coordination in

order to overcome deflation and achieve sustainable economic growth.

1.24.1.1. The Bank of Japan conducts monetary policy based on the principle that the policy shall be aimed at achieving price stability,thereby contributing to the sound development of the national economy, and is responsible for maintaining financial system stability.

1.24.1.2. The Government will, in order to revitalize Japan's economy, not only flexibly manage macroeconomic policy but also formulatemeasures for strengthening competitiveness and growth potential of Japan's economy, and promote them strongly under the

leadership of the Headquarters for Japan's Economic Revitalization.

1.24.1.3. The Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy will regularly review the progress in the conduct of macroeconomic policies includingmonetary policy, the current condition and future prospects of prices in the context of the price stability target under those policies,

economic and fiscal situation including employment conditions, and progress in economic structural reform.

2. Intercultural Communication Competence ReportForeign Language Competence (needed in the TARGET culture language)

PRIVATE

(in the grocery store or at markets, at parties, with neighbors or friends)

BUSINESS

(office environment, official events, among colleagues)

Knowledge(i.e., vocabulary & grammar)

Japanese use many Japanglish (Japanized English) words in private andinformal conversations. You will need to know not only proper Japanese,but also informal and Japanglish words to fully understand and be acompetent communicator.

Skills(i.e., pronunciation & fluency)

Japanese people usually do not have as much patience as Americans do inorder to understand a foreign accent due to lack of exposure. It is important

Knowledge(i.e., vocabulary & grammar)

Knowing not only formal, but humble and respectful, forms of speech isextremely important in business. If you are not familiar with these aspects,you will not be able to communicate with Japanese natives in theprofessional world.

Skills(i.e., pronunciation & fluency)

Pronunciation is not overly difficult, but totally different from that ofEnglish, so you will need enough time to practice and get used to it. The


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to have clear and fluent Japanese language skills. The language is verydifferent from English, so be ready and study hard.

Motivation(to use knowledge and skills)

Often, Japanese people do not speak English well and as such, manyJapanese are afraid of speaking English publicly. Therefore, if you reallywant to be a part of Japanese culture in private, learning Japanese is

necessary. You may be able to survive in the grocery markets orsightseeing, where basic English skills are needed, but you will most likelybe frustrated if you need and desire higher context conversations.

Language Appropriateness(i.e., not offending native speakers)

In Japan, certain distance should be kept even between close friends. It ishard to figure out the exact invisible distance, whether you are safe to saymean jokes to your Japanese friends or not, so your best bet is to be politeall the time. You should call Japanese friends by their last lame first until

they allow you to use their first name.

Language Effectiveness (i.e., getting the information asked for orexpected results)

Use respectful ways of speaking while expressing clearly what you want.

Some English words, such as okay, are used very often; therefore, it isacceptable to use simple English words, such as thank you and noproblem. Yes does not necessarily mean yes while no does not

necessarily mean no, so do not quickly assume that you understood whata native Japanese speaker said. In general, Japanese people put what theyreally mean behind the words they speak - especially when they have torefuse or speak negatively.

more fluent you are in Japanese, the more Japanese clients and potentialbusiness you will be able to attract.

Motivation(to use knowledge and skills)

English is a global language, so you may be able to do business in Japanwithout speaking Japanese, but if you truly want to understand Japaneseculture, learning the language will be your best strategy. Your highest

motivation should come from knowing that being fluent in Japanese providesa competitive business advantage over your competition.

Language Appropriateness(i.e., not offending native speakers)

It is crucial to not make simple jokes or have too much small talk in theJapanese business world. Business is considered very serious. Joking andsmall talk can give the perception that you do not take business seriously,which can have short and long-term negative consequences. Remember to be

extremely respectful to older people, and anyone in a higher position thanyou. Be careful to reply with negative opinions or results very indirectly soas to not offend. It is always better to be too formal, rather than not formalenough. Avoid addressing Japanese business contacts by either their first orlast name, and use their titles: manager, CEO, team lead, etc.

LanguageEffectiveness(i.e., getting the information asked for or expectedresults)

Be clear and very respectful while indirect if needed. If you are too direct,

like many western people, you will offend many Japanese. Even when youneed more information or have questions about what was said, you should

add something, such as (I am sorry but)or(My Japanese is not good so), in order to showthat you are sorry not to understand fully, or correctly, beforeasking. Furthermore, you need to learn how to determine if spokenwords connote disapproval.


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Non-Verbal Communication Competence (needed in the TARGET culture)

PRIVATE(in the grocery store or at markets, at parties, with neighbors or friends)

BUSINESS(office environment, official events, among colleagues)

Knowledge of Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

Knowledge of non-verbal communication skills will be necessary because

Japanese people generally do not say what they really mean. However, beaware that they do not use hand gestures as much as Americans do. Rather,using too much body language will possibly offend people who are older orin higher positions than you are. Many gestures used in Japan are differentfrom those in the United States so use caution. Physical contact is notgenerally allowed.

Skills to perform Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

Although Japanese people do not use as many hand gestures, there aresome differences you should be aware of. First, do not motion for someoneto come in the typical American way, that gesture is used to call pets andwill offend the person, especially when he or she is not close, older, or in ahigher status. Moreover, when talking about yourself, point to your nose

instead of your chest. The okay hand sign in America means money inJapan.

Motivation to use Knowledge & Skills:

Knowing Japanese non-verbal communications and understanding thedifference between Japanese and American is important in order to interactwith native Japanese without rudeness. This knowledge and skill will alsoreduce confusion and anxiety in private situations.

Appropriateness of Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

Be aware of Japanese non-verbal signals and behaviors. Many of these

Knowledge of Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

Less is more in this regard. Although Japanese people do not use hand

gestures as much, especially in the business world, you still have to befamiliar with as many possible because you do not want to offend. Also, youwill be able to determine if your business contacts like your ideas by tone ofvoice, facial expressions, posture, and "non-word sounds" such as the hissingsound that Japanese often make when encounter unfavorable situations.While bowing is appropriate, shaking hands is becoming more common inJapanese business situations. Appearance is considered very important andhow you look can mean how much you care about your business partner(s).If you are too casual, Japanese business partners will think you are notserious about your business.

Skills to perform Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

Do not use any informal non-verbal signals in business situations. Not usingany of them would have a higher probability of success than attempting andfailing. You might assume that the okay hand signal would be fine, but itmight be misunderstood and cause undue confusion.

Motivation to use Knowledge & Skills:

Understanding different meanings is required because you will have achance to see any non-verbal signal and you want to respond correctly. Beprepared with follow-up questions to clarify and confirm anything that isunclear. Knowing these skills will convey to your business contacts that youare serious about doing business, and will provide a competitive advantageover your competition.

Appropriateness of Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

As mentioned previously, try not to use too many non-verbal signals. Hand


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signals are the same gestures with a different meaning, or, gestures thatAmericans do not use. When you eat with other people, you should neveruse chopsticks as any of non-verbal signals. Furthermore, although you arein a relationship, public display of affection, besides holding hands, such askissing or hugging is never unacceptable.

Effectiveness of Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

In Japan, hanging out with the opposite sex is not common. Therefore, if aguy is with a girl, and vice versa, people are more likely to think they are ina relationshipor at least dating. These signals must be understood toavoid awkward situations, and to be a truly effective communicator.

gestures or body language are generally not necessary and do not provide asignal of interest in a conversation to a business contact. Moreover, wearformal clothing like a traditional business suit. This will convey that yourespect the business that you are trying to do.

Effectiveness of Non-Verbal Signals/Behaviors:

Wear a formal suit when you meet anyone because of business-relatedissues. Japanese people often express their mind by making non-word soundsespecially when they want to show their anger or uneasiness.

Perception of Cultural Distance (BETWEEN your home and target culture)



Daily Customs That Must Be Followed

Japan has many formal and daily customs that must be followed. Bathing isan important part of the daily routine in Japan. Baths are for relaxing, andthe body must be cleaned and scrubbed before entering the bathtub or furo.Bowing is considered extremely important in Japan, so much so that,although children normally begin learning how to bow from a very youngage, companies commonly provide training to their employees in how toexecute bows correctly. It is common for Japanese businesses to set out asmall tray near a cash register so that customers can place their money onthe tray rather than handing it directly to the cashier. Meals in Japan

traditionally begin with the phrase itadakimasu (literally, "I humblyreceive"). Soup and rice bowls can be lifted to the mouth to preventspilling, and slurping of noodles is common. It is uncommon for Japanesepeople to eat while walking around. In Japanese restaurants, customers aregiven a rolled hand towel called oshibori. It is considered rude to use thetowel to wipe the face or neck, but should be used to wash the hands beforea meal. When using toothpicks, it is good etiquette to cover one's mouthwith the other hand. Blowing one's nose in public is considered rude,especially at a restaurant; cloth handkerchiefs should never be used for thispurpose. Conversely, sniffling is considered acceptable, as an alternative to

nose-blowing.

Daily Business Customs That Must Be Followed

An understanding of Japanese business and social practices is useful, if notrequired, in establishing and maintaining successful relationships for doingbusiness in Japan. Indifference to local business practices can indicate a lackof commitment on the part of the foreigner, and may lead tomisunderstandings and bad feelings, which could result in the loss ofbusiness opportunities. Gift giving is expected on many business occasionsin Japan. Regional U.S. gifts or company-logo gifts are appropriate. Qualityis important, but the gift does not have to be expensive. Business cards areexchanged to formalize the introduction process and establish the status of

the parties relative to each other. Japanese bow when greeting each other butwill expect to shake hands with foreign executives. A slight bow inacknowledgment of a Japanese bow is appreciated. Business travelersvisiting a Japanese firm for the first time should be accompanied by aninterpreter or bilingual assistant. Casual American-style attire is stilluncommon in the Japanese business place. You should dress appropriatelyfor the occasion when meeting your counterparts on business. When sittingdown to a business meeting with your Asian counterparts, the seatingarrangement will be determined by the status of the participants. Do not justsit anywhere; as the guest, you will be directed to the appropriate seat.


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General Living Conditions

Japanese generally enjoy good health and have the greatest life expectancyin the world. Housing is a major problem in Japan's crowded cities. WhileJapanese prefer single-family houses, the enormous cost of land preventsthem from having a real yard; as many as forty houses may be built on oneacre. Small apartments are very common. Traditionally, houses were

furnished with wall-to-wall straw mats (tatami); recent trends are towardcarpet or wooden floors and Western-style furniture. The Japanese standardof living is very high. Material possessions are comparable to those in theUnited States, and the general safety of Japanese city streets adds a senseof well-being. The major problems are restricted living space and thelimited personal time left by demanding work and study hours.

Use of Health Care Facilities

Medical care is generally good and includes both modern scientific andtraditional Chinese-style herbal medicines. Japan's health care system ischaracterized by universal coverage, free choice of health care providers bypatients, a multi-payer, employment-based system of financing, and apredominant role for private hospitals and fee-for-service practice.Virtually all residents of Japan are covered without regard to any medicalproblems they may have (so-called predisposing conditions) or to theiractuarial risk of succumbing to illness. Premiums are based on income and

ability to pay. Although there is strong government regulation of healthcare financing and the operation of health insurance, control of the deliveryof care is left largely to medical professionals and there appears to be no

General Living Conditions

While many American companies are quite multi-cultural, Japanesecompanies are mostly Japanese. Face to face meetings are common andconsidered very valuable. Most Japanese companies work regular officehours and they dont permit working at home. The work environment is setlike a school class where the head of the department is at the top of a row of

desks. There are group oriented- no walls, no cubicles and closeness.Japanese are encouraged to stay in one company by the monetary rewards.These are company sponsored payments independent of the persons salary.The longer they stay the higher the company sponsored payout is to them. InJapan, priority is on the work life. It is a given that work is the center of life.Most Japanese offices are "open plan" and based on the concept of groupwork and consensus building as well as on the hierarchical structure of thecompany. Desks are uniformly alike and arranged by teams, with memberssitting in order of authority and responsibility, with the highest-rankingmember seated furthest away from the door and closest to the section chief's

desk. The section chief is likely to have a desk at the front of the officefacing his subordinates, surveying all before him. With only the very seniormanagers likely to have their own office, the lack of privacy produces a veryreal sense of belonging, with a great deal of communication taking placebetween members of a team, usually without the hindrance of dividers orcubicles. Managers can easily walk around and communicate with all thegroups and individuals within the operation and therefore can ensureeveryone, including themselves, are fully aware of all aspects of the work atall times.

Use of Health Care Facilities

There is Employees Health care Insurance, as well as National HealthInsurance. National Health Insurance is generally reserved for self-employedpeople and students, whereas social insurance is normally for corporateemployees. The government pays 70% of health care costs while theindividual is required to pay the remaining 30%.


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public concern about health care rationing.

Transportation Systems Used

Various modes of domestic transport are used in Japan; almost allpassenger transport is by railway, while nearly all freight transport is bymotor vehicle and cargo ship.

General Living Costs

Living costs in Japan and especially in Tokyo are famous to be among theworld's highest. However, if you live outside of central Tokyo, adjust to aJapanese lifestyle and do not depend too heavily on food and products fromyour home country, you may be surprised how inexpensive Japan can be.Some of the world's most expensive land can be found in central Tokyo.Consequently, even tiny apartments in the city center are very expensive.

However, housing costs are distinctly lower in Tokyo's suburbs,surrounding prefectures and in other regions and cities of Japan. Utilitiessuch as gas, water and especially electricity are expensive, and phone ratesare high. Local supermarkets are relatively inexpensive if you stick toJapanese food such as seasonal vegetables, seafood, soya bean productsand rice.

Available Quality & Types of Food

The availability and variety of food available in Japan is vast. Some of the

more commonly eaten items are: Ramen A college student staple,Donburi - the Japanese name for a rice bowl, Sushi - consists of thin slicesof raw fish served with rice mixed with vinegar, Onigiri - consists of a ballof rice with a small bit of fish or plum in the center and the whole thing isthen wrapped in seaweed, Nabe - consists of a large pot of meat andvegetables boiled in a broth, Chahan - fried rice and comes with manydifferent ingredients, Curry Rice - vegetables and meats soaked in a thickcurry sauce, which is then served over rice, Tempura - vegetables andseafoods dipped into a batter and then fried, and Udon - a thick, flour-basednoodle served in a fish broth along with seaweed, other vegetables and fish

cake.

Transportation Systems Used

Mass transit and trains are the main systems used for business. Somebusinesses cover all or part of commuting costs for employees. Housingcosts are so much less in suburban areas than the busy urban areas that evenwith commuting costs it is much cheaper to live away from the city and

commute into work.

General Living Costs

General business living costs are very similar to private costs depending onwhich part of the country you are conducting business. The corporate tax ratein Japan for 2013 is 38.01%. Food and entertaining are a large part ofJapanese business, so be prepared to spend more in these areas than you areused to. Business-related entertainment expenses are mostly tax deductible.Office space costs in Tokyo generally range from $4 to $12 per square foot.

http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c13cont.htm

Available Quality & Types of Food

Business lunches are very common in many countries and cultures. Food

itself is one of the most visible manifestations of a culture and is somethingpeople are proud of and like to share with guests to their country. Lunch isthe main meal of the day in Japan so when doing business in the country bearin mind this is when people like to eat. Lunch in Japan can therefore consistof several courses. While the majority of restaurants in Japan are equippedexclusively with Western style tables and chairs, restaurants with lowtraditional tables and the customers sitting on cushions on the floor are alsocommon. Chopsticks have their own etiquette rules associated with themincluding: When you are not using your chopsticks and when you arefinished eating, lay them down in front of you with the tip to left, do not

stick chopsticks into your food and do not pass food with your chopsticksdirectly to somebody else's chopsticks. When drinking alcohol it is thecorrect etiquette to serve each other, rather than pouring the beverage into
http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c13cont.htmhttp://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c13cont.htmhttp://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c13cont.htm


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Dominant Climate (i .e., weather condi ti ons and seasons

how does thataffect private lif e)

The Japanese archipelago has a temperate marine climate, with fourdistinct seasons, an annual average temperature of between 10 to 20degrees centigrade, and annual precipitation of 1,000 to 2,500 millimeters.Japan typically experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters.There are two rainy seasons, one in early summer when southeast monsoonbegins to blow, and the other in autumn when the winds cease. Fromsummer to autumn, tropical cyclones generated in the tropical seas develop

into typhoons and hit Japan, sometimes causing storm and flood damage.

one's own glass. Japanese are unlikely to invite you into their homes. It isnormal for dinner meetings to be held in restaurants. Japanese love to drinkalcohol with and after dinner. If you don't drink... well, that's a strike againstyou. You should try to drink. DO NOT drink from the bottle. You shouldpour the beverage into a cup or glass provided and then drink. Tipping is notcustomary in Japan and you don't have to do it.

Dominant Climate (i .e., weather condi tions and seasons

how does thataff ect business lif e)

Most Japanese office environments are similar in accommodations to awestern office building. The four distinct seasons in Japan can causebusiness issues, but they are mostly resolved through the use of modernheating and cooling technology similar to the U.S. The recent earthquake,tsunami, and nuclear disaster all created enormous business problems thatseverely hurt business operations and revenues.

Intercultural Self-Awareness (about your HOMEculture)



Reputation Awareness (what reputation do your people have in the target

culture?):

In Japan, foreigners are called Gaijin meaning "non-Japanese" or "alien"and for the most part are perceived well by locals. There is somediscrimination, and some expats have described that some Japanese peopleact frightened by westerners. Often Japanese people approach Gaijin andwish to practice their English with them.

Home Culture Awareness:

Traditions: Family is the basis for most traditions and activities. There

are typical holidays like Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, Easter,etc. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated. Most expats should befamiliar with typical traditions that they follow whether they are based

Reputation Awareness (what reputation do your people have in the target

culture?):

Americans can often be seen as rude, clumsy, and uninformed if they do notfollow Japanese culture and traditions properly. Unfortunately, news storiesof problematic foreigners are often highlighted in the press, which paints anunflattering picture for all foreigners.

Home Culture Awareness:

Traditions: Business traditions follow many of the traditions of private

American life. Most people receive major holidays off work. Work/lifebalance is very important and many employers realize that satisfiedemployees are more productive. Traditionally many employers offer


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in history, religion, or family.

Values: American values are constantly changing, but they aretypically conservative with an emphasis in freedom, liberty, and justice.Americans value a good work/life balance, and traditional Familyvalues are very commonplace. Entrepreneurship and the pursuit of

wealth are common values, as well as representative government. Timeis valued and most people value being On time.

Social Rules: Social rules are a changing and dynamic idea, but ingeneral rules govern independence and abiding by social mores. Whowe are depends greatly on our family, but also our social interactions.Americans quickly learn that its not always what you know, but whoyou know. Getting in with the right groups can make or break socialinteractions. Some see this as unfortunate, but often it is goodpreparation for the realities of the U.S. workplace.

Ethnic Background: Many areas of the world consider the UnitedStates to be a land of opportunity, and as such the ethnic mix in theU.S. is varied. While most immigrants came to the U.S. by choice, thevast majority of the African American community was brought to theU.S. during the slave trade. The majority of the U.S. population iswhite/Caucasian of European decent, but Hispanic/Latino(a) is quicklyincreasing in numbers, as well as many other growing populations ofminorities. It bodes well for an expat to understand the diversity of theirhome culture, and to be able to explain it to others.

Religious Background: The free exercise of religion in the U.S.constitution has led to numerous and varied religions in the country.Protestant of some represents 51.3%, Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%and Other Religions 4.7%, while Unaffiliated constituted 16.1%.

An expat should be prepared to answer some questions regarding theirreligious beliefs and affiliations.Food Habits: Traditional American eating norms would be 3 meals perday (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with dinner being the main meal

eaten with the family. Family dinner is becoming more infrequent asthe pace of life increases. Fast food and eating out is quite commonwith drive through service readily available. Concerns over

some type of retirement program, paid vacation, and sick days. Whileconstantly changing employee benefits are seen as an essential part ofany job.

Values: The American work week is generally 40/week with Saturdayand Sunday off. American society often values the accomplishments ofthe individual over the team, but often that can change depending on thecompany. Americans value equality, hard work, and personal

responsibility.

Social Rules: Similar to private social rules. An American company canretain all of the macro level social rules, in a micro level inside theorganization. There are always cliques and groups in any organization,and often it is not what you know but who you know. Each company hasa culture of its own, and often person/company fit is just as importantas person/job fit.

Ethnic Background: Hiring discrimination laws require that employeeethnicity should mirror the surrounding ethnic population. The 4/5s

Rule attempts to make sure that employee ethnicity is a relatively goodsample of the overall labor pool. Discrimination laws also make it illegalto discriminate in hiring based on race or ethnic background. Affirmativeaction laws attempt to balance the scales in this regard but have provencontroversial.

Religious Background: Hiring based on religion is illegal in the UnitedStates (unless the company is a religious organization). While religiousbeliefs shouldnt be discussed at the workplace, the employees shouldrepresent a good sample of the general labor population regardingreligious background.

Food Habits: Some type of meal break is generally given in Americanbusinesses. Some employees take a meal break on the clock, while

other companies require employees to clock out during these breaks.While not required by law, companies often allow shorter breaks everyfew hours. The Business lunch is a very common occurrence in


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preservatives, hormones, and pesticides have led to an increase inpopularity of organic foods, but availability and price make this optionunavailable to some families.

Time Management: Time is general seen as valuable but possibly lessso in informal situations. Americans typically have some understandingon being early or late for scheduled events (within reason). Very often

the anxiety produced by worrying about the reason why someone is lateis the root cause of the time importance, but it can also be seen as rudeto waste someones time. Americans being for the most partindividualistic can be found exhibiting all manner of punctuality, orlack thereof. I think we all know someone that is just always late oralways on time, and it seems to have less to do with nationality, andmore to do with the individual.

Interpersonal Space: Most Americans feel most comfortable whenpeople keep an arms-length away during conversations. Personaldistance, which is the space between colleagues during a normalconversation, is usually about 20 to 36 inches. If the person is not wellknown to us, we will stand from 2 to 4 feet away during a conversation.

American business settings, and is often used for meetings. Drinkingalcohol during work hours was fairly common throughout the history ofAmerican business, but this has largely ended and would be perceived asinappropriate in most modern business situations.

Time Management Customs: Just like many other cultures arepreoccupied with relationship-building, Americans are preoccupied withtime. For them time is almost a tangible asset, which can be saved, spent,

lost, found, invested, and wasted. Their central tenet is that time ismoney and wasting time is just as bad as wasting money. Thuspunctuality is an essential part of US business etiquette and lateness isconsidered disrespectful and rude. Meetings start on the dot and areexpected to proceed uninterrupted. Schedules are important anddeadlines are strictly adhered to. In meetings and negotiations greatemphasis is put on getting the best results in the quickest possible time.Although this may appear hasty to others, it is in line with the time-conscious behavior of Americans. If you really want to annoy yourAmerican business partner, either be late for a meeting without calling in,

or sit down and talk as if you have nothing else to do for the rest of theday.

Interpersonal Space: Similar to private for face to face conversations.Speaking too close to someone could be construed as aggressive, whilestanding too far could be interpreted as aloof from the group. Mostpeople are familiar with the typical American company lined wall-to-wall with cubicles. While these cubicles offer just enough privacy thatAmericans typically desire. Often cubicles are decorated to expressindividual tastes and preferences.

Intercultural Communication Knowledge (about your TARGET culture)



Traditions:

Gender roles are significant and clear. For example, between a husband anda wife, the husband usually makes big decisions and the wife follows

along. Her opinion can be considered, but is generally not overlyinfluential. Men generally have more power than women in mostsituations. Age difference also affects relationships. Physical contact, even

Traditions:

Go to work early and get off work irregularly. If there are tasks left, Japanesepeople typically work until late at night whether or not they are forced to.

However, there is a golden week in which several Japanese holidays occurduring the same week. Japanese people are free during this time and travel alot so almost all public locations are crowded and chaotic. If you work at a


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a simple hug, is not appropriate unless you are dating that person. Partiesare usually family-focused and many holidays exist to serve their ancestorsor God.

Values:

In-group relationships Collectivism Politeness

Japanese people care deeply about their in-group relationships, such asfamily and close friends. Japanese people will often just go along with thegroup rather than be different. They seem very kind and nice to strangers,not because the Japanese really care about them, but because always beingpolite and respectful is a critical aspect of Japanese manners.

Social Rules:

Age difference affects most social rules. Younger people are supposed to

respect older people; for example, younger people wait until at least oneolder person starts eating, younger people bow as saying hello while theolder people would just wave their hand, and younger people have tochoose more respectful and humble forms of speaking. Yet, if you arebecoming really close to someone, you can be friends much like awestern way. Japanese people look happy and willing to help, but they arenot all as kind and helpful as one might assume. Therefore, do not assumeanything by their facial expression. Divorce is considered bad. While this isvery personal, people would still presume you have a problem(s) thatmakes you get divorced. Parents sacrifice many things for their children.

They usually do anything for their childrens education, marriage, or jobs.Japanese people usually get married around the age of 30.

Ethnic Background:

Asian

Religious Background:

Buddhism and , Japanese traditional religion, are the two largest

religions in Japan. Other religions including Christianity comprise verysmall parts.

Japanese company, you must prepare gifts for your colleagues and bosseswhen you go on a business trip. Giving a gift of the specialty of the regionyour visiting is common and preferred as the gifts and giving them showshow much you care about your co-workers.

Values:

Working hard Being punctual Being polite

Traditionally, Japanese peoples priority was work over anything evenfamily. Now this phenomena is gone but still many Japanese people wouldsacrifice themselves to some degree for their companies. They are hardworkers, punctual, and polite in order not to cause any problems orinconvenience.

Social Rules:

Drinking is important to build relationships in Japan. There is a word called

get-together, meaning all the people from work have dinner or late bite anddrink together to develop camaraderie and closeness between the group.Attendance is essentially mandatory in order to avoid being an outcast.Although the get-together is after work hours, it is still considered anextension of work. Personal issues, such as marriage, divorce, pregnancy,and sexual persuasions, can seriously affect your job opportunities orpromotion possibility. Although a lot of the Japanese work environment hasbeen changed in a western way, it is still natural to work until late at night.Seniority is important but social status is more important.

Ethnic Background:

Mostly Asian

Religious Background:

Buddhism and , Japanese traditional religion, are the two largest

religions in Japan. Other religions including Christianity comprise very smallparts.


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Food Habits (what is eaten when with what under what circumstances?):

Eating two meals a day was traditional but eating three meals becamecommon after civilization19C. Eating hot meals served with rice andsoup is ideal but people cannot eat hot meals every time because ofwesternization and lack of time in modern society. Dinner is the largestmeal of a day because that is the only time you can eat together with your

family. Japanese people eat usually within 30 minutes for breakfast andlunch but dinner can take an hour or more. Breakfast is held between 6 a.m.and 8 a.m., depending on your work or school schedule, lunch is heldbetween noon and 1 p.m., and dinner is between 7p.m. and 8p.m. Japanesealso like to buy box lunches for convenience and many of them includeJapanized western food such as Tongas (a port cutlet) or croquette.

Time Management Customs (what time perceptions are dominant, islateness tolerated, how much of it?):

Japanese people are very punctual, especially compared to many otherAsian countries. Also, it is better to be there five minutes early, which isconsidered polite. If you are late, you are careless and disrespectful eventhough Japanese people will usually wait a reasonable amount of time untilyou show up. Japanese keep time not because they think time is importantbut because it is a social rule and people do not want to be an outcast byignoring the social rule.

Interpersonal Space Norms (with how much room do people feel

comfortable, what is the conversational distance?):Japanese people feel comfortable when they have some distance, unlikeother Asian countries, when around strangers; like in a public place.However, even between friends or family members, the appropriatedistance would not be much shorter.

Food Habits (what is eaten when with what under what circumstances?):

Having western meals or real Japanese traditional meals is more commonand considered formal. Otherwise, people eat simply during the work.

Time Management Customs (what time perceptions are dominant, islateness tolerated, how much of it?):

Being punctual is really important. If you are not punctual, you will notmake a good impression. 5 minutes early is common, while you have toarrive up to 15 minutes before if you want to meet important people oranyone in a higher position. This shows how much you care about them.

Interpersonal Space Norms (with how much room do people feel

comfortable, what is the conversational distance?):Keep some distance. Appropriate distance in America will also work inJapan. Hand shaking is acceptable, but certainly not hugging or anythingmore than that.


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Intercultural Communication Skills (needed in the TARGET culture)



Conversation Management Skills (conversational pauses, eye contact,turn-taking, gender roles, level of interdependence between

communicators, expressiveness, level of ambiguity in conversations):

Be a good listener rather than a good speaker. Japanese people believepeople who talk too much are not trustworthy because Japanese think thosepeople who talk a lot in front of you will talk about you behind your back.Avoid eye contact when you talk to anyone older or in a higher positionthan you, because this can be considered rude. Generally men get morechances to talk than women.

Empathy (attempt to understand their way of thinking, feeling, behaving,

expressing themselves):

Always be polite and considerate. Japanese people unconsciously considerhow their decisions will affect other the other person, which in turn makesthem very sympathetic and empathetic to other people.

Relational Altercentrism (openness towards information about the target

culture and towards feedback about your own behavior + communicationprocess vs. outcome orientation):

Process orientation in general. Your conversation partners personal issuesshould not come up as topics of conversation unless you are really close tothem.

Conversation Management Skills (conversational pauses, eye contact,turn-taking, gender roles, level of interdependence between communicators,

expressiveness, level of ambiguity in conversations):

Listen much more than speak. You need to make sure other people havefinished talking before you say something. If everybody agrees withsomething, showing disagreement would lead to a very awkward situation-just pretend to agree or do not say anything. Eye contact is acceptable whenyou want to show strong confidence in a topic.

Empathy (attempt to understand their way of thinking, feeling, behaving,

expressing themselves):

Always be polite and considerate. Japanese people like to keep their proudtraditional culture, so it is very important to not only be familiar withJapanese modern culture but know the traditional culture as well. If you donot, it is highly recommended that you learn to increase cultural awarenessand also provide a competitive advantage in business situations.

Relational Altercentrism (openness towards information about the target

culture and towards feedback about your own behavior + communicationprocess vs. outcome orientation):

It is an outcome orientation in general, while communication process affectsthe outcome. Be formal and respectful at all times.


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Intercultural Communication Motivation (needed in the TARGET culture)



Anxiety (what might cause anxiety, fear, irritation, impatience, suspicion,awkwardness, defensiveness):

People who are not familiar to Asian cultures will be anxious or annoyeddue to the typical Asian way of speaking. Asian speech is mostly indirectand often contains subtext below the literal meaning of the words. In a verycasual conversation, it might be okay to be direct or ask to be more directin conversation.

Trust (how do you gain their trust, how do you show them your trust) :

The better your Japanese language skills, the more trust you will receive

from native Japanese. Your language skills will show you understand andrespect their language and culture. Also, it is extremely important to keepsome distance while you are still getting to know someone. If you are tooopen, Japanese people will assume you cannot keep a secret.

Self-Efficacy (yourexpectation to succeed should be expressed how):

Be diligent and polite. Showing your laziness is the worst, whereas beingpolite is the best. Japanese people always consider other people first andwatch how people act, so do what Japanese people normally do unless you

want people to watch you.

Anxiety (what might cause anxiety, fear, irritation, impatience, suspicion,awkwardness, defensiveness):

Being indirect and speaking as the natives do should always be your firstconcern. Poor Japanese will create anxiety because Japanese businessrequired a very definite and precise use of language. The use of Japanesedialects can also create anxiety when traveling to different areas of Japan.

Trust (how do you gain their trust, how do you show them your trust) :

While many Japanese companies are becoming more westernized, it is

important to remember to keep business conversations professional. Youshould strive to keep business conversations formal and professional, anddont lose sight of your goals. Competent communication in Japanese aboutbusiness ideas is the most effective method to garnering trust in Japan.

Self-Efficacy (yourexpectation to succeed should be expressed how):

Be respectful, formal, punctual, and patient as much as possible.Understanding Japanese culture in the business world is crucial. Work hardand be collectivistic in your approach to business goals.

Intercultural Communication Appropriateness (needed in the TARGET culture)



Frequent vs. Unique Situations (How do you behave appropriately in

these situations?):

Japanese people do not usually invite people to their houses as much asAmericans. Moreover, you have to leave before family dinner starts eventhough the family invites you to the dinner because, typically, they do not

Frequent vs. Unique Situations (How do you behave appropriately in these

situations?):

A frequent situation probably occurs among colleagues or your direct boss.Normally, you can be a little bit casual and informal but keep in mind youshould be still polite. By contrast, you should be more respectful and watch


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really mean it. Having dinner with a family means absolutely closerelationships. When Japanese hang out, they meet at a bar or restaurant.

Very Important vs. Less Important Situations (How do you behave

appropriately in these situations?):

In very important situations, you should just dress formally unless you aretold to wear specific clothing. Wearing Kimono (Japanese traditionalwomen clothing) is also very formal and allowed depending on a situation;weddings, funerals, and graduations etc. By contrast, In less importantsituations, you are probably okay to wear anything casually, such as t-shirtand jeans.

Formal vs. Informal Situations (How do you behave appropriately in

these situations?):

In formal situations, you should choose appropriate clothing first. Youshould pay attention what is going on and follow the flow. Be careful withyour words, appearance, and non-verbal signals. In informal situations,however, you can be relatively easy and relaxed while you are in thesituation. Enjoy your time still be careful with what you behave and say. Inany situation, you have to help the host when you are invited.

Face-to-Face vs. NON-Face-to-Face Situations (How do you behave


Face-to-face communication is preferred because Japanese people rely ontheir non-verbal signals like facial expressions. It will be hard to catch it ifthey are not face-to-face. If you are not in a face-to-face situation, youshould be more careful not to offend a receiver. Texting, calling andemailing are all used commonly in Japan. Japanese use many emoticonsand abbreviations so it will take some time to understand the meaning of atext if you are not already familiar with.

Interaction Direction (who usually starts conversations):

In general, the oldest person or whoever in the highest status takes chargeof the interaction and determines how the meeting should go. Keeppersonal distance

out what you say in a unique situation. Japanese people usually go to drinkalcohol together after work. It is not mandatory but silently a part ofextended work so you do not want to miss it. It is better to choose the samealcohol as your bosss than to choose your own favorite.



As mentioned previously, you should be polite and respectful eithersituations. However, in less important situations, small talk will be possibleunlike in very important situations where a topic are solid and you shouldmore pay attention to it.

Formal vs. Informal Situations (How do you behave appropriately in these

situations?):

You should use the right form of speaking in formal situations. Veryrespectful and humble forms will be appropriate in formal situations. Ininformal situations, less respectful and humble forms can be tolerated.Always dress nicely and professionally in any situation to give a goodimpression. Honestly, as long as the situation is related to work, there is noinformal situations.



Face-to-face is much more preferred but non-face-to-face methods are alsoused frequently. It is better to be much more careful in non-face-to-facesituations because your intention maybe misunderstood and offensive to thereceiver.


Your boss has more power than you do and interaction usually occurs fromthe boss first. You can say what you think but mostly the boss talks and youhave to listen and follow what the person said. Even among colleagues, older


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people start and lead conversations and younger people listen. Moreover,when you work with another company, make sure to be very humble andrespectful. Think that your company is lower than another.

Intercultural Communication Effectiveness (needed in the TARGET culture)



Frequent vs. Unique Situations (How do you behave effectively in thesesituations?):

Whether you are in a frequent or unique situation, you should always berespectful and careful. Attempting to speak Japanese will leave a betterimpression than only speaking English, even if your Japanese is notperfect. Do not be afraid of making mistakes because Japanese will politelycorrect you and that is how you learn.


effectively in these situations?):

Good conversation and language skills are needed in very importantsituations. You will not have many chances to ask what you did notunderstand. Do not interrupt the speaker - especially when the person isolder - and make sure that he/she is finished speaking before you begin. Bycontrast, you can ask questions whenever you need to in less importantsituations. You will be also able to joke around, but try to avoid sarcasticjokes if your conversation partner is older or in a higher status.

Formal vs. Informal Situations (How do you behave effectively in thesesituations?):

Choose your words and actions wisely in formal situations. People will bejudging you from every single detail you do. Moreover, you should havegood language proficiency as well as a similar mindset to Japanese peopleso that you can effectively interact with them. In informal situations, tinymistakes can be tolerated. You will not meet many people who cancommunicate in English; you should know the language if you want todevelop and maintain conversations. When you can, ask for a help and

clarification to understand better.

Frequent vs. Unique Situations (How do you behave effectively in thesesituations?):

While your personal abilities are important in any situation, the businessworld, you also need to be polite and respectful all the time. Next, be clearand concise so that people who you are working with can get your point rightaway. If you are specifically in a unique situation, you need to figure outhow things are going here quickly.



Again, you must be very polite in any situation. Get helped if your Japaneselanguage is not enough to manage conversations by having an interpreter oran automatic translation machine. In less important situations, you can layback a little bit.

Formal vs. Informal Situations (How do you behave effectively in thesesituations?):

You should have high level of Japanese in formal situations. English mightbe used as a second language but you will not be able to understand fully andcommunicate effectively if you only know English. Also, not knowing anyJapanese will be considered extremely unprepared or unprofessional. Ininformal situations, you are more okay to ask questions about what you didnot understand and you can get a help to learn Japanese language and culturemore.


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Face-to-face situations are more common but non-face-to-face situationsalso happen very often. You have to be polite in both situations, but higherlanguage skills are very beneficial in non-face-to-face situations becauseyou will not be able to rely on Japanese non-verbal signals. Do not guess ifyou did not fully understand what you just heard. Do not hang up the

phone first at the end of the call if you are talking to someone older thanyou, to show your respect.


In general, younger people wait for older people to start conversations.Japanese people do not usually talk to strangers like an American way sodo not try unless you want to make Japanese embarrassed. If you areinvited, you should tell the host as soon as possible that you are glad to beinvited.



Same as Private, face-to-face situations are more preferred but you will alsoface to non-face-to-face situations often. If you are in non-face-to-facesituations, extra pay attention to perfectly understand what a Japanese personsays and try to be more polite. Small vocabulary mistakes can cause seriousproblems so always proofread unless you are on the phone with the person

right now. Keep in mind that written documents are much more effective inthe business world than oral communications.


Same as Private older people or people higher positions start conversations.However, interaction direction can be changed anytime depending on thepurpose of meeting or relationships between.

Intercultural Affinity (needed in the TARGET culture)



Home Culture Affinity (what is it that you like about, that makes youcomfortable in your own culturethat you should share with locals):

The Japanese are very proud citizens, and you should be proud of your

home culture as well. You can share some aspects of the U.S. that youenjoy including diversity, culture, and food. Often Japanese people willapproach westerners desiring to practice their English skills, take thisopportunity to be a good representative of yourself and your country. Talkabout your individual likes and hobbies. Overall, there should be aconscience effort to provide honest and straightforward informationregarding the U.S., while being culturally, socially, and politically sensitiveto your surroundings.

Target Culture Affinity (what is it that interests you, that you like about,

that makes you comfortable in, that lets you enjoy the target culture):

Having relatable items to discuss in conversations in a good way to break

Home Culture Affinity (what is it that you like about, that makes youcomfortable in your own culturethat you should share with locals):

Feel free to describe what you like about your home work environment, but

be sure to couple that with discussion of what you like about the Japanesesystem as well. There are very pronounced differences between the U.S. andJapanese ways of running a business, and that is okay. Maintain high levelsof respect for yourself, your company, and the Japanese company andeverything should be okay. Liking your home cultures way of doingsomething doesnt necessarily make it betterjust better for you and yoursituation.

Target Culture Affinity (what is it that interests you, that you like about,

that makes you comfortable in, that lets you enjoy the target culture):

Japanese business culture is very ritualized and traditional. Having a good


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the ice when meeting new contacts in Japan. Make a list of all of theinteresting, fun, and exciting things that you enjoy about Japan and use thisas a springboard into conversations. Maybe you enjoy the beautifultemples, the high-speed train system, or the wonders of Tokyofindsomething that you are excited about in their home culture, and they willsense your excitement and be more willing to talk and engage inconversation.

working knowledge of these traditions will show your hosts that you respectthem enough to do your homework. Respect goes a very long way in Japan,and long-term relationships are valued and maintained. UnderstandingJapanese business norms will show the host company that you enjoy theirtarget culture and will help create strong relationships. Try to meet Japan onJapans termsdo not try and fight it. Accentuate what you like and down-play what you dislike. Most importantly, learn everything you can; take theknowledge of what works well, and improve on what does not.

References

Abe, N. (2013). The Japanese Education System - School Life in Japan. Retrieved May 25, 2013, from about.com: http://japanese.about.com/od/

japaneselessons/a/061000.htm

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