2. The white stands for purity and integrity, and
the red for sincerity, brightness and warmth.
The circle represents the sun as it rises in the sky, which has been a symbol
of Japan for hundreds of years. The rising sun also represents the potential
for improvement in the nation of Japan and the world as a whole.
3. Japan is an island country in East Asia. It
is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean
and is bordered on the west by the Sea of
Japan, extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in
the north toward the East China Sea,
Philippine Sea, and Taiwan in the south
4. Japanese has three: Hiragana, Katakana and
Kanji. When you are starting to learn the
language, it’s best to stick with Hiragana.
Japanese Writing System
6. Punctuality is highly valued in Japan. Everyone is
expected to be on time for meetings and appointments.
Aim to arrive some time before or exactly on the
designated time. If you expect delay, politely and
apologetically inform your Japanese counterpart.
JAPANESE BUSINESS CULTURE
AND ETIQUETTE
7. Business cards
The exchange of business cards (meishi) is an
essential part of initial meetings in Japan and
follows a strict protocol. It allows the Japanese
to quickly determine their counterpart’s all-
important position, title and rank. While still
standing, you should politely hand a business card
over with two hands, and receive one in return.
8. Bowing
Bowing is an important part of everyday life in
Japan, including in the business context. Japanese
bow to those senior to them both as a greeting and a
show of respect. The junior person initiates the bow,
bending from the waist to an angle of between 30
and 45 degrees from vertical. Men keep their arms by
their sides and women may cross their hands or
fingers at thigh height. A less accentuated bow,
usually about 15 degrees, is returned as
acknowledgment from the more senior person.
9. Tea may be offered during the
meeting. Wait until your
Japanese counterpart begins
drinking before you begin. Try
not to ignore the tea, as it may
be interpreted as a sign of
disrespect.
10. Modesty
Japanese culture values modesty and
humility. Speaking in a quiet tone and
not gesticulating too much will go some
way towards giving a modest, calm and
humble impression.
11. GLOBALIZATION
in Japan
Among the Japanese companies that entered Asia, those
producing electric and electronic equipment and transportation
machineries with many parts fragmented their production
systems into processes and tasks, and established plants in
countries where they could perform these tasks most
efficiently through (foreign direct investment) FDI.
12. JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Japan's tech industry is growing, offering opportunities for IT
professionals, manufacturing professionals, healthcare professionals,
and English teaching positions. The country's manufacturing prowess
is attracting companies like Toyota and Sony, while the aging
population necessitates healthcare professionals. English teaching
positions are available through government programs or private language
schools, while Tokyo is a major financial center. Japan's hospitality
and tourism industry offers
in Japan
13. DIVERSE MARKET
IN JAPAN
Japan's diverse population, cultural sensitivity, and unique language should guide
marketing strategies. Understanding regional differences, consumer behavior, and
technology adoption is crucial for success. Embracing diversity in advertising and
hiring practices can gain a competitive edge. Market research should guide product
development and marketing strategies. Localization is essential, including adapting
branding and design to resonate with local tastes. Compliance with regulations,
especially in industries like pharmaceuticals and food, is essential for maintaining
trust. Embracing diversity in advertising and hiring practices can also help gain a
competitive edge.
14. HOW JAPANESE USE THEIR TALENT AND
DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS
in research and development, creating opportunities for skilled
professionals in fields like robotics, electronics, and artificial intelligence.
Traditional cultural skills are valued and preserved, and individuals can
undergo extensive training to become masters in these arts. Japan actively
recruits global talent, encourages entrepreneurship, and supports
workforce development initiatives. It exports skilled labor to countries
facing labor shortages and welcomes foreign workers to contribute their
skills to the Japanese economy.
15. SHARING OF VIEWS AND IDEAS
The Japanese 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.
16. Nice to meet you
Hajimemashte
はじめまして
Good morning
Ohayo
おはよう
or ohayo gozaimas
おはようございます
COMMON PHRASES IN JAPANESE
Hello
Konnichiwa
こんにちは
Thank you
Arigato gozaimas
ありがとうございます
Sorry
Gomennasai
ごめんなさい
Good evening
Konbanwa
こんばんは
