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Introduction
The cultural difference between Canada and Japan is significant. There are differences in their
values, teachings, behavior, food habit, fashion trends, religion, etc. There are many aspects to be
taken care of while entering the Japanese business world. There is an analysis of the cultural
dimension of the east side countries such as China, Japan, India. As a business consultant from
IBM, I need to teach my delegate how to cope with cultural differences and finalize the project.
To overcome the cultural barriers and complete a deal with the Japanese countries, knowing
about their culture is the most important thing.
 
Culture and Behavior
 
Relationship
There are many things that we need to know. Our mentality and behavior mean a lot in finalizing
a deal with a Japanese company. Japanese people put more on their relationship. A relationship
is the most crucial aspect of Japan's life. Besides, in every east family and organization,
maintaining seniority is a must. The leader or the senior person holds no option. The boss can be
late, but the employee cannot. It is considered rude for an employee to give his opinion.
Everything, including their networking, Business deals, depends on the relationship. (Jain, 1990)
 
Manners
This is something Japanese are not so strict as Canadians. Japanese never criticize others in any
situation. Even if they did something wrong, they would try to avoid the problem. When it comes
to punctuality, the Japanese are not so punctual (Janey Davies, 2021). Westerners are very direct
and forward when it comes to money. Japanese are not like that, and even when they are
proposing a business deal, they will think about the relationship and then talk about money.

Lifestyle
This is very important. We, westerners, love to be independent, do our work, live a free life. At
the same time, Japanese people love to stay with their families (The Differences Between East And
West In Terms Of Culture And Education, 2021) . Furthermore, when it comes to fashion sense, they
love to go with their traditional dresses, and it is a means of respect wearing formal dresses.
 
 
 

 
Analysis
Hofstede Cultural Dimension
If we analyze the Japanese culture with Hofstede's cultural dimension, we across a variety of
differences. (Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory - Overview and Categories, 2021)   

 East has a higher power distance index which means their organizations are centralized.
Furthermore, there is a big gap in compensation, respect between the authority and
subordinate.

 Then they have a low IDV (Individual versus collectivism) score. Moreover, they usually
do not say No to anyone, and they do not give negative feedback like westerners.

 They have a lower MAS score which means relationships are essential to them. And
successful business deals depend on the relationship

 They have a Lower UAI (uncertainty avoidance index) score. Because they do not like to
express their ideas openly, they do not like showing off your knowledge.
PRESENTATION
In Japan Society, there is an authority power to the seniors. And all other member has to obey the
seniors. In families, elders are considered the head of the house. Everyone else must abide by
their words. In western society, there is no authority power. Everyone is considered part of a
team.

Always show inferiority while talking to someone. Showing off about knowledge or anything is
considered rude. On the other hand, showing inferiority is deemed to be respectful. Showing
inferiority is not so much appreciated in western countries.

Some countries from the east are highly ritual to their religion. For example, in India, people are
Hindu. They are very sensitive to this issue. In Bangladesh, they have a Muslim majority. They
are also sensitive to religion. The people from western countries are not so much serious about
their religion.

Another aspect is some Japanese countries believe that an affair comes after marriage. So, in
some east countries affair before marriage is unaccepted. Affair and marriage do not matter much
in western countries.
There are some rules that if anyone violates, there is a chance he might not get the deal done. So,
there are a few things that need to be strictly followed to finalize any deal. Build a relationship;
without any relationship, you will not get any deal. Japan people value more the relationship than
money.

Do not involve everyone in decision-making, talk with the leader only if you are the leader or in
charge. Showing off too much will surely break the business deal. The inferiority is respected on
the Japanese side.
There are different stereotypes in Japan's side of the world, which is East Asia. Countries like
China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. Some countries have their social values and own
culture. But some values and culture are almost equal. (Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory -
Overview and Categories, 2021)

Canadian people show expressions of what they feel. The Japanese people do not show the actual
expression they feel inside. The people from the east will always show smiling faces even if they
are sad. They will never show angry, shout easily. The people in the west try to show off of their
knowledge, their achievement. And it is taken normally. But in Japan side showing off is
considered rude. The more inferior you show about yourself the more respectful it shows. People
in the west have individualism inside themselves. They want to have a job live by themselves. In
most families, when children turn 18, they start to move out and live independently. Precisely the
opposite happens in the east. People on the Japanese side like to stay with their families.
Moreover, it is considered a good culture.
Hofstede's cultural dimension is some objective metrics to evaluate the cultural difference
between various societies. The differences between various societies are evaluated by comparing
the societies.
1. Power Distance Index (PDI)

This refers to the inequality that is accepted throughout the world between people and power

Organizations are centralized with a high PDI, and Gap in compensation between Authority and
employees is significant. Then with a low PDI, Organizations are flattered, and Authority and
employees are considered equal. Acknowledge the leader’s status in Japanese countries. In
countries with a low PDI, involve all those who are directly affected by the decision

2. Individualism Versus Collectivism (IDV)

This refers to the strong ties that people share with others within their community

With a high IDV, there is a higher value of people’s time. Moreover, there is respect for
everyone's privacy. With a low IDV, people maintain moral issues among the group members.
Nations with higher IDV Acknowledge individual accomplishments, and they do not mix work
life with a social life too much. Encourage the expression of people's ideas. Furthermore, nations
with lower IDV avoid saying NO and avoid criticizing your teammate in front of others.
3. Masculinity Versus Femininity (MAS)

This refers to the distribution of roles between men and women empowerment.

In societies with high MAS, be aware of the differentiated genders. People are motivated here,
and they can also showcase their work which also keeps them motivated. In societies with low
MAS, success mainly depends on the relationship between two people. If the relationship is
good, then there is a possibility of dealing in business. But if the relationship is terrible, then the
chances of a deal are rare.

4. Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)

This refers to how well people can deal with anxiety. People from the nation with high UAI are
more transparent and concise on their goals and expectations. They show anger, frustration, or
however they feel and accepted and taken part in their conversation. The people from low UAI
nation ensure that they remain focus and do not want to create much structure. Besides, showing
off your knowledge is also considered rude in these countries. (East vs. West: Cultural Differences
to Keep in Mind | Beyond Academy, 2021)

5. Long- Versus Short-Term Orientation

This refers to the schedule, maintenance of time that people follow in different parts of the
world.
Japanese people are long-term-oriented people. They behave modestly, and they do not brag
about themselves too much. Moreover, western people try to sell them by showing off their
achievements. This is rude in east Asia.

6. Indulgence Versus Restraint (IVR)

This refers to the flexibility of work around the world, which also focuses on personal happiness.

Japanese people are very professional when it comes to working. Therefore, they have less
flexibility in their work. In comparison, western people focus more on their happiness and are
more flexible with their subordinates. (East vs. West: Cultural Differences to Keep in Mind | Beyond
Academy, 2021)
Here there is a chart on Hofstede's cultural dimension where different countries are valued (The
Differences Between East And West In Terms Of Culture And Education, 2021) . We can see that the
USA has a higher individualism score, high masculinity, high uncertainty avoidance, high long-
term orientation, low power distance, and low indulgence. (Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
EXPLAINED with EXAMPLES | B2U, 2021)
What I understood from analyzing the Japan culture with Hofstede cultural dimension it is a
sensitive society. Relationships are more important than money there. Considering the leader as a
leader is important, showing inferiority is said to be respectful. We analyzed all the cultural
aspects of western society and Japanese society.
REFERENCES

Corporate Finance Institute. 2021. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory - Overview and

Categories.

Corporate Finance Institute. 2021. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory - Overview and

Categories.

Jain, M., 1990. The Curry Eastern Takeaway. Public Culture, 2(2), pp.121-128.

Janey Davies, B., 2021. 5 Cultural Differences between East and West in Thinking and
Perception - Learning Mind. [online] Learning Mind.

Beyond Academy. 2021. East vs. West: Cultural Differences to Keep in Mind | Beyond Academy.
[online]

Quora.com. 2021. What is the list of Eastern countries in the world? - Quora. [online] Available
at: <https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-list-of-Japan-countries-in-the-world>
B2U - Business-to-you.com. 2021. Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions EXPLAINED with
EXAMPLES | B2U.

 
Conclusion
We can see from the Hofstede analysis that the Japane4rs mainly does everything depending on
the relationship between the parties. So as a business consultant, I will suggest my delegates first
build a relationship with the party. Second, do not show off your knowledge, and this can ruin
the business deal, and finally, show some inferiority.
                  
REFERENCE

Global From Asia. 2021. The Differences Between East and West in Terms of Culture and
Education.

Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. 2021. Difference Between East and West |
Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms.

Beyond Academy. 2021. East vs. West: Cultural Differences to Keep in Mind | Beyond
Academy. [online]

Quora.com. 2021. What is the list of eastern countries in the world? - Quora. [online]

Corporate Finance Institute. 2021. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory - Overview and

Categories.

Jain, M., 1990. The Curry Japan Takeaway. Public Culture, 2(2), pp.121-128.

Ulatus Translation Blog. 2021. Conducting Business between Japan and Western Cultures: What
to Keep in Mind? - Ulatus Translation Blog

B2U - Business-to-you.com. 2021. Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions EXPLAINED with

EXAMPLES | B2U