Japan - Culture

Japan - Culture

Japan Hofstedes 5 Cultural Dimensions

PDI Power DistanceIDV IndividualityMAS MasculinityUAI Uncertainty AvoidanceLTO Long Term OrientationTo go to Hofstedes website click here.Japan Hofstedes 5 Cultural Dimensions

PDI Power DistanceIDV IndividualityMAS MasculinityUAI Uncertainty AvoidanceLTO Long Term Orientation

To go to Hofstedes website click here.Japan Hofstedes 5 Cultural Dimensions

PDI Power DistanceIDV IndividualityMAS MasculinityUAI Uncertainty AvoidanceLTO Long Term Orientation

To go to Hofstedes website click here.Japan Transparency Index2008 Corruption Perceptions Index from Transparency InternationalTo see the complete survey click here.Japan ReligionReligionsShintoism Buddhism Christianity Otherhttp://www.religioustolerance.org/shinto.htmShinto is an ancient Japanese religion. Starting about 500 BCE (or earlier) it was originally "an amorphous mix of nature worship, fertility cults, divination techniques, hero worship, and shamanism." 4 Its name was derived from the Chinese words "shin tao" ("The Way of the Gods") in the 8th Century CE. For more details

Religion does not have a high emphasis in modern Japanese culture. (Graphs are from the World Values Survey)Japan Symbols, Stories, and Rituals

Japan is known around the world as "Land of the Rising Sun," and its flag depicts this sentiment. The disk in the center of the flag is called Hinomaru, which means disk of the sun. This symbol has been an imperial badge since the 14th century. To read more about the Japanese flag click here.

Click on a picture to learn more about its importance in Japanese culture.Japan Symbols, Stories, and RitualsThe Mirror of MatsuyamaIn ancient days there lived in a remote part of Japan a man and his wife, and they were blessed with a little girl, who was the pet and idol of her parents. On one occasion the man was called away on business in distant Kyoto. Before he went he told his daughter that if she were good and dutiful to her mother he would bring her back a present she would prize very highly. Then the good man took his departure, mother and daughter watching him go. At last he returned to his home, and after his wife and child had taken off his large hat and sandals he sat down upon the white mats and opened a bamboo basket, watching the eager gaze of his little child. He took out a . Click here for the rest of the story and more.Folk tales give some insight into the lives and values of Japanese people.Japan Symbols, Stories, and Rituals

wedding

Shinto purification ritual

New Year Celebration

Baseball gameClick on one of the pictures to see a video of each event.Japan Impact of Social Institutions

FamilyEconomic SystemEducationPolitical SystemClick on one of the pictures to read about each social institution.The Japanese educational system has it exist now was established by the Americans, based on their own system, after WWII. It consists of 6 years of elementary school ("shougakkou" ), 3 years of junior high school ("chugakkou" ), 3 years of high school ("koukou" ), and either 2 years of junior college ("tankadaigaku" or "karejji" ) or 4 years of university ("daigaku" ) Education is compulsory until 15, but 90% of the people complete high school and 40% graduate from university or college. The proportion of male students is higher at universities, while the opposite is true of junior colleges. Ref. http://www.jref.com/society/japanese_educational_system.shtmlWa (harmony) is highly valued in Japanese society.Kao (the notion of face) is very important and is the basis of a persons social status and reputation.Japan Impact of Social Institutions

Graphs from the World Values Survey (2000)Japan Tips for Travel (Front stage / back stage culture) Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting. Tattoos are only for prisoners in Japan. Keep yours covered up. Dont express your anger or aggressiveness openly. The Japanese consider this losing face. If you will be outside, carry a small towel if you will be sweating. The Japanese dont like to show sweat in public. Blowing your nose in public is considered rude. If you have the opportunity to visit someones house, take your shoes off before entering. Eating on the street is considered impolite. Check out the links below for morehttp://www.traveladvicepages.com/category/japanhttp://www.cyborlink.com/besite/japan.htmJapan Business CultureFor Japanese business people exchanging "meishi" (business cards) is like shaking hands. It is very awkward not to exchange "meishi" when you first meet , so make sure you have enough.

Gift giving in business is still practiced in Japan. While not required, it is appreciated. Gifts should not be excessive, otherwise they may be seen as a bribe.Japanese managers may line up or sit in order of seniority or position. It is also important to give more respect to older managers.In Japan, the group is more important than the individual. It is not wise to excessively praise or encourage an individual openly.For more information on Japanese business practices click here or on the pictures above.Japan Business CultureThe Japanese business culture emphasizes building trust and relationships. Japanese businesses often form strategic partnerships based on informal agreements and often reputation is as important as legal concerns. An interesting article on trust in Japanese business culture.

From the World Values Survey (2000).Japan Business Culture The Ethics of the Group Japanese workers are expected to subordinate themselves to the needs of the company. The company is expected to serve the needs of the nation. Each group must defer to and show loyalty to the higher group. Personal sacrifice is expected as a service to the society in general.

The Ethics of Diligence and Self Actualization Japanese people are expected to work hard and long work hours earn respect. The Ethics of Reciprocity The Japanese believe that long-term relationships and partnerships are necessary for the functioning of a harmonious society. Japanese businesses strive to create mutually beneficial relationships based on shared sacrifice and benefits.References Multinational Management, A Strategic Approach, Cullen and Parboteeah, Thomson South Western 2008, ISBN 978-0-324-54512- http://www.geert-hofstede.com/ http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/ http://www.transparency.org/news_room/in_focus/2008/cpi2008/cpi_2008_table http://www.religioustolerance.org/shinto.htm http://japanese-flag.org/ http://www.asianinfo.org http://www.coveylink.com/blog/trust-in-japan-my-bow-is-my-bond-the-economist/ http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2224428/japanese_new_year/ http://www.communicaid.com/cross-cultural-training/culture-for-business-and-management/doing-business-in/Japanese-business-and-social-culture.php http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/japan.htm http://www.traveladvicepages.com/category/japan http://www.asiatravelinfo.com/japan/doingbusiness.asp http://www.jref.com/society/japanese_educational_system.shtml http://japanese.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&zTi=1&sdn=japanese&cdn=education&tm=13&gps=99_167_1345_522&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/japan.html