Doing business in Japan - Learn to speak Japanese and the business etiquette
We ♥ love Japan that is why we teach Japanese language and culture. If you want to learn to speak Japanese in London then we can help but we also place considerable passion and emphasis on promoting Japanese culutre. Japan is an ancient culture which has evolved within the geographical limitations of an island, just like the United Kingdom, (for more information on Japanese-UK relations over the years please refer here).
Being able to speak Japanese will of make you more welcome when doing business in Japan and fortunately we are on hand to help you learn Japanese. However, this article is about doing business in Japan, so lets explore!!
Japan is a ultra modern society with unique traditions, values and culture. We teach the most important aspects of Japanese culture in our lesson programme but we would never be able to write all Japanese customs! In this article we will examine the culture regarding doing business in Japan. When it comes to buiness in Japan, you should always err on the side of caution - the more formal you are, the more you cannot go wrong. When in a foriegn country the potential for cultural misunderstandings intensifies. This article aims to help our students and readers avoid these pitfalls!!
Before we start, please note that you are welcome to download this article as a .pdf and read later at your leisure. We took a lot of time creating this article so of course a link back would be highly appreciated!!
The Japanese business community is obviously well aware of the importance in doing business with the West and as a result they will try to modify their own behaviours to accommodate anyone not so familiar with their own culture. With that being said however, since Japanese business is very formal, you are strongly encouraged to prepare yourself by understanding areas such as business culture, business etiquette, Japanese business negotiation methods and meeting their own protocol.
Japanese business culture and the 'group'
Team-work and group cohesiveness are of vital importance within
Japanese society. Individual identity is defined by the social
group. Consequently, when doing business, the Japanese stress
compromise and self-discipline. Although one or several people in a
department might be responsible for closing a contract, the manager
or director of the company will always congratulate the groups as
whole. With this being said, make an effort not to talk about just
yourself - try to always talk about 'your team' and 'their
team.'
The Japanese hierarchy in business
With its' origins in Confucianism, Japanese hierarchical structures
classify an individual's position within a specific group and in
society, and this is very much reflected when doing business in
Japan. Status is determined by factors such as age, employment
position, company position and family background. The hierarchical
system dictates that respect must be afforded to those of higher
social rank. When doing business in Japan be aware of hierarchy and
adapt your behaviour accordingly. This is really common sense, but
it is certainly magnified in Japan. Whereas in the United Kingdom
we might call our employer by his or her first name, in Japan the
equivalent would be by their title.
Respect in the Japanese business sense of the
word
Respect is very important for the Japanese; it is seen as an
essential way to help preserve harmony in society. Respect is shown
through body language, speech, etiquette and other more subtler
forms. With business, it is expected that the elder or most senior
businessman (or woman) is sat furtherest away from the entrance to
the door. Do not be alarmed if all negotiations are between you and
the most senior person's lieutents.
Doing Business in
Japan - Page 2 Meeting and Greeting
Doing Business in Japan
- Page 2 The exchanging of business cards
Doing Business in Japan
- Page 2 Building Relationships
Doing Business in
Japan - Page 3 Communication
Doing Business in
Japan - Page 3 Meetings and Negotiations
