Project 4: Business

Customs in
Japan
By Nathaniel Garcia

3 Largest Industries & Official

Business Language of Japan
Automobiles, Electronics, and Shipbuilding are Japans 3
biggest industries and exports.
Japan is the worlds leading shipbuilder.
In Japan, the official language to do business in is Japanese,
and English is the second most common. English is becoming
more and more common over time.

Work Week in Japan and Holidays

The average work week in Japan is 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday,
at 8 hours per day.

New Years day, Spring Equinox, Autumn Equinox, and Christmas are all
examples of holidays celebrated in Japan.

Business Tips

Punctuality and politeness are the keys to success in Japanese business, as are
properly formatted business cards (meishi). When presenting a business card to a
Japanese partner or client, hold the card by the top corners. The recipient will take
the card by the bottom corners. He will examine the card, thank you, and then bow.
Exchanging cards is an extremely important formal process in Japan. You should
never write on, bend, fold, or pocket a Japanese business card. If you do, its a sign
of disrespect. Your treatment of a clients business card reflects your respect for
him, so be careful.

Dont be late, public face is important and if its lost than its very shameful and
deeply embarrassing. If theres even a chance you might be late its a good idea to
call it in beforehand.

Wait to be seated in business meetings. Theres a hierarchy of seating, so wait

before youre allowed to sit. Its generally a good idea to follow the etiquette of the
other employees there.

Protocol Concerning Titles & Gifts

Use the general formal title san. Sanis the most commonly used respectful
title placed someones first or last name, regardless of their gender or
marital status. A few examples are: Sumisu-san(Mr. Smith), Maikerusan(Michael), Tanaka-san(Ms. Tanaka), and Sandora-san(Sandra).

Dont give white flowers, lilies, camellias, lotus blossoms, or potted plants as
gifts. Also, dont buy things in packs of four, as its considered unlucky.

Proper Greeting in Japan

Its a good idea to greet people normally, using a greeting phrase like
konnichiwa. (Hi; Good afternoon) People in Japan also greet each other by
bowing. A small head nod is a considered casual and is used when greeting
family or friends. When greeting a superior, it is a sign of respect to use a
deep, longer bow: roughly a 90-degree bend at the waist.

Women in the Japanese Workplace

While this is changing, women shouldnt expect to be treated exactly
the same as their male co-workers in Japan. For instance, they are
usually not welcome in the hostess bars that are popular
destinations for after-hours business gatherings. To prevent negative
experiences, women should wear long skirts in the workplace. Hair
should be worn up in a neat ponytail or bun. Flats are preferable to
heels in most situations. Short skirts (which are considered
inappropriate) and high heels invite disrespect and condescension
from male co-workers. Most Japanese companies also prefer that
women not wear jewelry to work. As with men, however, women
should have properly-formatted business cards within reach at all
times.

Religion in Japan

ShintoismandBuddhismare Japan's two major religions. Shintoism

is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported
from the mainland in the 6th century. Since then, the two
religions have been co-existing relatively harmoniously and have
even complemented each other to a certain degree. Most
Japanese consider themselves Buddhist, Shintoist or both. Religion
does not play a big role in the everyday life of most Japanese
people today. The average person typically follows the religious
rituals at ceremonies like birth,weddingsand funerals, may visit
ashrineortempleonNew Years dayand participates at local
festivals (matsuri), most of which have a religious background.

Offensive Business Customs to look out

for and Business Dinner Ideas in Japan

Folding up or putting away a business card uncarefully would be

considered very disrespectful.

Ramen is the most common food to eat in Japan. Its good for
all occasions, and business dinner is one of them.

Sources:

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/doin
g-business-in-japan-10-etiquette-rules-you-should-know
/

https://
www.justlanded.com/english/Japan/Japan-Guide/Jobs/Working-in-Japan

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e629.html

http://
www.dummies.com/how-to/content/japanese-greetings-and-goodbyes.html

http://www.japan.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/etiquette,-languagesculture
/

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/JapanINDUSTRY.html