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Japan -
Language, Culture, Customs and
Etiquette
(taken from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/japan-country-profiles.html)
Facts and Statistics
Location: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific
Ocean and the Sea of Japan/East Sea, east of the Korean Peninsula.
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 127,333,002 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Japanese 99%, others 1% (Korean 511,262,
Chinese 244,241, Brazilian 182,232, Filipino 89,851, other 237,914)
Religions: observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%)
The Japanese Language
Japanese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 99% percent
of the country's population using it. Amazingly, the language is spoken
in scarcely any region outside Japan.
The origin of the Japanese language has many theories in reference to it, some
believe it is similar to the Altaic languages, namely Turkish or Mongolian. It is recognized and acknowledged
to be close in syntax to the Korean language.
Dialects are used in areas, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, but standard
Japanese, based on the speech of Tokyo, has become more popular through the use
of television, radio and movies.
Japanese Society & Culture
The Japanese and 'Face'
. Saving face is crucial in Japanese society.
. The Japanese believe that turning down someone's request causes
embarrassment and loss of face to the other person.
. If the request cannot be agreed to, they will say, 'it's inconvenient'
or 'it's under consideration'.
. Face is a mark of personal dignity and means having high status with
one's peers.
. The Japanese will try never to do anything to cause loss of face.
. Therefore, they do not openly criticize, insult, or put anyone
on-the-spot.
. Face can be lost, taken away, or earned through praise and thanks.
Harmony in Japanese Society
. Harmony is the key value in Japanese society.
. Harmony is the guiding philosophy for the Japanese in family and
business settings and in society as a whole.
. Japanese children are taught to act harmoniously and cooperatively with
others from the time they go to pre-school.
. The Japanese educational system emphasizes the interdependence of all
people, and Japanese children are not raised to be independent but rather to
work together.
. This need for harmonious relationships between people is reflected in
much Japanese behaviour.
. They place great emphasis on politeness, personal responsibility and
working together for the universal, rather than the individual, good.
. They present facts that might be disagreeable in a gentle and indirect
fashion.
. They see working in harmony as the crucial ingredient for working
productively.
Japanese Non-Verbal Communication
. Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group dependent, they rely
on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone
feels.
. They often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word as words
can have several meanings.
. The context in which something is said affects the meaning of the words.
Therefore, it is imperative to understand the situation to fully appreciate the
response.
. Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of
disagreement.
. Most Japanese maintain an impassive expression when speaking.
. Expressions to watch out for include inhaling through clenched teeth,
tilting the head, scratching the back of the head, and scratching the eyebrow.
. Non-verbal communication is so vital that there is a book for 'gaijins'
(foreigners) on how to interpret the signs!
. It is considered disrespectful to stare into another person's eyes,
particularly those of a person who is senior to you because of age or status.
. In crowded situations the Japanese avoid eye contact to give themselves
privacy.
Japanese Hierarchy
. The Japanese are very conscious of age and status.
. Everyone has a distinct place in the hierarchy, be it the family unit,
the extended family, a social or a business situation.
. At school children learn to address other students as senior to them
('senpai') or junior to them ('kohai').
. The oldest person in a group is always revered and honoured. In a social
situation, they will be served first and their drinks will be poured for them.
Etiquette & Customs in
Japan
Meeting Etiquette
. Greetings in Japan are very formal and ritualized.
. It is important to show the correct amount of respect and deference to
someone based upon their status relative to your own.
. If at all possible, wait to be introduced.
. It can be seen as impolite to introduce yourself, even in a large
gathering.
. While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of
greeting is the bow. How far you bow depends upon your relationship to the
other person as well as the situation. The deeper you bow, the more respect you
show.
. A foreign visitor ('gaijin') may bow the head slightly, since no one
expects foreigners to generally understand the subtle nuances of bowing.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful.
. The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as
important--sometimes more important--than the gift itself.
. Gifts are given for many occasions.
. The gift need not be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who
understands the culture to help you decide what type of gift to give.
. Good quality chocolates or small cakes are good ideas.
. Do not give lilies, camellias or lotus blossoms as they are associated
with funerals.
. Do not give white flowers of any kind as they are associated with
funerals.
. Do not give potted plants as they encourage sickness, although a bonsai
tree is always acceptable.
. Give items in odd numbers, but not 9.
. If you buy the gift in Japan, have it wrapped.
. Pastel colours are the best choices for wrapping paper.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
On the rare occasion you are invited to a Japanese house:
. Remove your shoes before entering and put on the slippers left at the
doorway.
. Leave your shoes pointing away from the doorway you are about to walk
through.
. Arrive on time or no more than 5 minutes late if invited for dinner.
. If invited to a large social gathering, arriving a little bit later than
the invitation is acceptable, although punctuality is always appreciated.
. Unless you have been told the event is casual, dress as if you were
going into the office.
. If you must go to the toilet, put on the toilet slippers and remove them
when you are finished.
Watch your Table Manners!
. Wait to be told where to sit. There is a protocol to be followed.
. The honoured guest or the eldest person will be seated in the centre of
the table the furthest from the door.
. The honoured guest or the eldest is the first person to begin eating.
. Never point your chopsticks.
. It will yield tremendous dividends if you learn to use chopsticks.
. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
. Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites
and when you drink or stop to speak.
. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
. Place bones on the side of your plate.
. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something
is and even to make a face if you do not like the taste.
. Don't be surprised if your Japanese colleagues slurp their noodles and
soup.
. Mixing other food with rice is usually not done. You eat a bit of one
and then a bit of the other, but they should never be mixed together as you do
in many Western countries.
. If you do not want anything more to drink, do not finish what is in your
glass. An empty glass is an invitation for someone to serve you more.
. When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest
or on the table. Do not place your chopsticks across the top of your bowl.
. If you leave a small amount of rice in your bowl, you will be given
more. To signify that you do not want more rice, finish every grain in your
bowl.
. It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you
have finished eating.
. Conversation at the table is generally subdued. The Japanese like to
savour their food.
Business Etiquette and
Protocol in Japan
Understanding of Foreign Ways
. Japanese understand that it is very difficult for foreigners to work in
Japan.
. They will not expect you to speak or read Japanese, or be conversant
with their strict cultural nuances and protocol.
. Mistakes are allowed as long as genuine respect is shown at all times.
. They will usually try to help you but often feel embarrassment at their
own lack of understanding or English language ability.
Relationships & Communication
. The Japanese prefer to do business on the basis of personal
relationships.
. In general, being introduced or recommended by someone who already has a
good relationship with the company is extremely helpful as it allows the
Japanese to know how to place you in a hierarchy relative to themselves.
. One way to build and maintain relationships is with greetings / seasonal
cards.
. It is important to be a good correspondent as the Japanese hold this in
high esteem.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are required and, whenever possible, should be made several
weeks in advance.
. It is best to telephone for an appointment rather than send a letter,
fax or email.
. Punctuality is important. Arrive on time for meetings and expect your
Japanese colleagues will do the same.
. Since this is a group society, even if you think you will be meeting one
person, be prepared for a group meeting.
. The most senior Japanese person will be seated furthest from the door,
with the rest of the people in descending rank until the most junior person is
seated closest to the door.
. It may take several meetings for your Japanese counterparts to become
comfortable with you and be able to conduct business with you.
. This initial getting to know you time is crucial to laying the
foundation for a successful relationship.
. You may be awarded a small amount of business as a trial to see if you
meet your commitments.
. If you respond quickly and with excellent service, you prove your
ability and trustworthiness.
. Never refuse a request, no matter how difficult or non- profitable it
may appear. The Japanese are looking for a long-term relationship.
. Always provide a package of literature about your company including
articles and client testimonials.
. Always give a small gift, as a token of your esteem, and present it to
the most senior person at the end of the meeting. Your Japanese contact can
advise you on where to find something appropriate.
Business Negotiation
. The Japanese are non-confrontational.
. They have a difficult time saying 'no', so you must be vigilant at
observing their non-verbal communication.
. It is best to phrase questions so that they can answer yes. For example,
do you disagree with this? Group decision-making and consensus are important.
. Written contracts are required.
. The Japanese often remain silent for long periods of time. Be patient
and try to work out if your Japanese colleagues have understood what was said.
. Japanese prefer broad agreements and mutual understanding so that when problems
arise they can be handled flexibly.
. Using a Japanese lawyer is seen as a gesture of goodwill. Note that
Japanese lawyers are quite different from Western lawyers as they are much more
functionary.
. Never lose your temper or raise your voice during negotiations.
. Some Japanese close their eyes when they want to listen intently.
. The Japanese seldom grant concession. They expect both parties to come
to the table with their best offer.
. The Japanese do not see contracts as final agreements so they can be
renegotiated.
Dress Etiquette
. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should dress conservatively.
Business Cards
. Business
cards are exchanged constantly and with great ceremony.
. Invest in quality cards.
. Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
. Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
. You may be given a business card that is only in Japanese.
. It is wise to have one side of your business card translated into
Japanese.
. Give your business card with the Japanese side facing the recipient.
. Make sure your business card includes your title, so your Japanese
colleagues know your status within your organization.
. Business cards are given and received with two hands and a slight bow.
. Examine any business card you receive very carefully.
. During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you
in the order people are seated.
. When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case
or a portfolio.
Japan related Links and Resources
* Currency - the currency of Japan is the Yen. Use the free currency converter to compare to dollars, GBP, etc.
* Weather - visit Yahoo!'s up to date Weather for Japan.
* Translation Services - do you need a Japanese translation service?
* News - check out all the latest Google news on Japan.
* Intercultural Know-how - use the Intercultural Business Communication tool for tips on doing business in Japan.
* Dialling Code - the international dialling code
for Japan is +81.
* Time - Japan is +9 hours GMT.
* Management - for information about being a manager in Japan visit the
free Management in Japan guide.
* Hotels - Hotels in Japan.
* History - read about the long and rich history of Japan.
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