Click here to add Website to your Favorites List

Japan Business Etiquette, Culture, & Manners

           

Japan Introduction

Japan has a population of approximately 125 million people packed tightly into a rather small geographic area. The official language in Japan is Japanese. Japanese is spoken only in Japan. The literacy rate in Japan is very close to 100 percent and 95 percent of the Japanese population has a high school education.

Japan’s form of government is parliamentarian democracy under the rule of a constitutional monarch. The Prime Minister is the chief government officer. The dominant religion is Shinto, which is exclusive to Japan. However, the Japanese have no official religion.

Culturally, the Japanese tend to be somewhat introverted in their ways. They generally are not receptive to outsiders. When conducting business in Japan relationships and loyalty to the group is critical for success.

 

Japan Fun Fact

The Japanese tend to be rather direct in their questioning of foreigners. You may be asked personal questions such as how much money do you earn or how large is your house?


 

Geert Hofstede Analysis for Japan


The Geert Hofstede analysis for
Japan is dramatically different from other Asian Countries such as Hong Kong, Korea or China. In Japan Masculinity is the highest characteristic. The lowest ranking factor is Individualism, which coincides with their high ranking in Uncertainty Avoidance. Japan is a more collectivist culture that avoids risks and shows little value for personal freedom.  More Geert Hofstede Details

 

Religion in Japan


* WORLD FACTBOOK 2011

Due to the philosophical similarity of Buddhist and Shinto societies, these have been consolidated for the purposes of this study. These countries have the closest correlation with Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), which is the same correlation that the majority of Catholic countries have demonstrated. (See the accompanying article)

 

Japan Appearance

International Business Dress and Appearance  Those who dress according to their status or position impress the Japanese. Dress to impress.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Men should wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Shoes should be easy to remove, as you will do so often. Slip-ons are the best choice.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Women’s dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should be placed on accessories. They should be minimal.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Women should not wear pants in a business situation. Japanese men tend to find it offensive.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering over men.

International Business Dress and Appearance  A kimono should be wrapped left over right to do otherwise symbolizes death.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Remember the Japanese phrase "The nail that sticks up gets hit with the hammer" when considering your choices for attire in Japan.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Avoid using large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions and any dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands and to do so could distract your host.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Avoid the "OK" sign; in Japan it means money.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Pointing in not acceptable.

International Business Dress and Appearance  Do no blow your nose in public

International Business Dress and Appearance  Personal space is valued. Because the Japanese live in such a densely populated area, they value their personal space.

International Business Dress and Appearance  A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. Use caution with your facial expressions. They can be easily misunderstood.

International Business Dress and Appearance  The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. They use it to their advantage in many situations. Allow your host to sit in silence.

 

Japan Behavior 

  The word for toasting is kampai, pronounced 'kahm-pie'. When toasting the glass is never left unfilled. Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture. It is a way to relieve business stress.

  Never pour a drink yourself; always allow someone else to do it for you.

  Most business entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after business hours. Often in karaoke or "hostess bars." Businesswomen should not attend "hostess bars."

  Let the host order the meal and pay. Business may be discussed at dinner during these events.

  Japanese rarely entertain in the home. If you are invited to the home of your Japanese host, consider it a great honor and display a tremendous amount of appreciation.

  If you are invited to a social event, punctuality is not expected. It is the custom to be "fashionably late."

  If you do take your host out insist upon paying. The Japanese will refuse but insist. They will prefer that you choose a Western-style restaurant when entertain them.

  Key phrases to learn are "itadakimasu" at the beginning of dinner, and "gochisou-sama-deshita" at the end. It is polite use these phrase and it will show you host that you have enjoyed the meal.

  "Sumimasen" (excuse-me) is a very useful term to add to your vocabulary along with the phrase "kekko desu" (I've had enough).

  It is perfectly acceptable to slurp your noodles. Doing so will exhibit your enjoyment of your food. To do otherwise, indicates that your meal was not a pleasant one.

  Do not openly display money. It is rare to see it given from person to person in Japan. It is important to use an envelope to pass money.

  In Asia the number 14 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word ‘shuh-shuh’, which sounds like the word for death.

  Tipping is not expected.

  Gift giving is very important both business and personal gifts - See international business gift giving section.

  Style is tantamount. The gift itself is of little importance, the ceremony surrounding it is very important.

  Always wrap gifts. The selection of the wrapping paper is critical. Do not give anything wrapped in white as it symbolizes death. Do not use bright colors or bows to wrap the gift. It is better to have the hotel or the store wrap the gift to ensure that it is appropriate.

  Do not surprise the recipient with the gift. Give your host some warning during the evening that you intend to give them a present.

  Give the gift with both hands and accept gifts with hands.

  Generally, gifts will not be opened in your presence. If your host insist that you open the gift do so gingerly. They take pride in gift wrapping, show that you appreciation the effort.

  Do not give gifts in odd number or the number four, as odd numbers are bad luck and four sounds like the word for death in Japanese.

  Gifts should be given at the end of a visit.

  Do not admire anything belonging to your host too closely. The Japanese strive to please; you may be rewarded for your admiration.

  The most popular gift giving occasions in Japan are oseibo, which falls at the end of the year and O-chugen which falls during the middle of the year.

  Good gift ideas include top choice beef, fruit and alcohol such as brandy, quality whiskey and Bourbon along with excellent wines. They also appreciate gifts from high-end department stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus.

  The Japanese frown on open displays of affection. They do not touch in public. It is highly inappropriate to touch someone of the opposite sex in public.

 

Japan Communications 

  In Japan, business cards are called meishi. Japanese give and receive meishi with both hands. It should be printed in your home language on one side and Japanese on the other. Present the card with the Japanese language side up.

  The card will contain the name and title along with the company name, address and telephone number of the businessman. In Japan, businessmen are call "sarariman." A sarariman who does not have a

  Take special care in handling cards that are given to you. Do not write on the card. Do not put the card in you pocket or wallet, as either of these actions will be viewed as defacing or disrespecting the business card. Upon receipt of the card, it is important to make a photocopy of the name and title of the individual in your mind. Examine the card carefully as a show of respect.

  In a business situation, business cannot begin until the meishi exchange process is complete.

  The customary greeting is the bow. However, some Japanese may greet you with a handshake, albeit a weak one. Do not misinterpret a weak handshake as an indication of character.

  If you are greeted with a bow, return with a bow as low as the one you received. How low you bow determines the status of the relationship between you and the other individual. When you bow keep your eyes low and your palms flat next to your thighs. The business card should be given after the bow. This is very important to remember.

  In introductions use the person’s last name plus the word san which means Mr. or Ms. The Japanese prefer to use last names. Do not request that they call you by your first name only. If you are uncertain about the pronunciation of a name, ask for assistance.

  Understand that the Japanese prefer not to use the word no. If you ask a question they may simply respond with a yes but clearly mean no. Understanding this is critical in the negotiation process.

  In Asia the number 4 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word ‘shuh-shuh’, which sounds like the word for death.

 
 

 Japan Resources

International Business Center Newsletter
Free subscription offer click here

Site Resource Page

International Career Center - Information on international careers and jobs

Fact Book on Japan

Go Japan - Shizuko Mishima hosts Japan for Visitors Information resource

Japan Information Network

Nikkei.net - Japanese business information

Education information for Japan

Newspapers in Japan

Japan Times online Newspaper

Japan National Tourist Organization

Business Resources

JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
Japanese government related organization for promoting trade
and economic relations between Japan and other nations

U.S. Embassy's Commercial Service Japan
Assists U.S. businesses import, locate partners/distributors, and conduct business in Japan.

Basic Business in Japan
Cohen International - Doing bussines with Japanese firms

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Global Window: The Guide to Business Success -- Japan
Site developed at the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA

Japanese Business Directory: Companies & Information

Government Resources

Japan Documentation Center, Library of Congress
The Japan Documentation Center (JDC) is a project that specializes in Japanese public policy information. It provides current source materials in fields such as economics, commerce and industry

JETRO
Japanese External Trade Organization

Travel Resources

Hotels and Travel in Japan
Directory of hotels and tourist information.

Japan Travel Updates - Information for the traveler to Japan

Japan Travel Bureau USA

Other Resources

Yahoo! Japan

Info Japan

Asahi NewsPaper - News in English from Tokyo

Daily Yomiuri (Japan) - News and features in Japanese and English

Japan Times - News and in-depth features

GUIDE TO JAPAN - Information on both modern and traditional Japan

Stanford Guide to Japan Information Resources - Guide to many aspects of Japan

Japanese Economic Foundation

Japan Information Network (JIN)

 

Countries

Africa   Argentina   Australia   Brazil   Canada   Chile   China  Colombia   Costa Rica   Ecuador   Egypt   El Salvador   France   Germany   Great Britain   Guatemala  Hong Kong   India   Indonesia  Italy   Japan   Mexico   New Zealand   Panama   Russia   Saudi Arabia   Spain   Taiwan   United Arab Emirates   United States   Venezuela

HOME PAGE

 

Regions

 

Resources

Geert Hofstede         Free Monthly Newsletter        Resource Page

International Business Center

California News at CaliforniaNetDaily.com

California News at CaliforniaNewsDaily.com

 

Check out the FREE services you get when registering your Domain Name through Cheap Domain Name Superstore ! FREE Domain Name LOCKING !
One Year .COMs now only $7.85 plus big savings on transfers!

www.

Unlimited live telephone support ! Get .com  .net  .org  .biz  .us  .ws  .cc  .be  .tv  .jp  .at  .de  + .co.nz  .co.uk  .net.nz  .net.uk  .org.nz  .org.uk!

 

Thanks to the UTD Global MBA graduates who work
diligently on collecting the information for this Website.

Page authored by: De'Edra Williams



© 1998-2019 InternationalBusinessCenter.org - all rights reserved