[...] Etiquette is a minefield and a mistake can cost a businessman a contract. So it is important to
know about the business customs of a country you are doing business with. No one who
travels East with the intention to do business should do so without informing himself about
the business structure, practices, customs and habits. It is very common that business people
are sent from their company to exotic regions like Japan without being taught in cross-cultural
business or the country-specific customs and manners. The more exotic one country, the more
preparation is necessary.
In most Asian business cultures, harmony is valued above everything else.4 Problems can
arise out of the international cooperation and misunderstandings due to language and
gestures.5 When it comes to a faux pas, it can have serious consequences: the image of the
company can be destroyed, the contract will probably not be settled and the cooperation can
be deranged. Not the different manners, but the different mindsets make international
cooperation difficult: far-eastern distance hits the western backslapping mentality.6 “Building
relationships … should emphasize mutual trust, confidence, loyalty and commitment for the
long term, both among individuals and companies.”7 In this paper I will point out interesting facts and figures about Japan, its history, its capital as
well as its working conditions. Furthermore, I highlight strange Japanese customs and habits
and present special differences between Germany and Japan. For a German visiting Japan on
business, this information is essential to have. Although Europeans will never understand the
culture and tradition of the Japanese, they need to arrange with it in order to do business. I
will not mention facts about Japan’s economy and the consumers’ behaviour, which are also
important for doing business, because of the limited size of this paper.
4 Cf. Scheunemann, C., 4/2003, p. 18.
5 Cf. Obmann, C., 10/2003, p. 78.
6 Cf. Obmann, C., 10/2003, p. 78.
7 ACCJ, 1996, p. 19.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 The postwar-history of Japan
3 Need to knows
3.1 Facts & Figures
3.2 Tokyo
3.3 Working conditions
4 Differences between Japanese and Germans
5 Dos and Don'ts
5.1 Business customs
5.2 Private habits
6 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this seminar paper is to provide German business travelers with essential cultural insights, historical context, and practical guidelines for conducting business in Japan. The work explores the fundamental disparities between German and Japanese business mentalities and etiquette to minimize the risk of cross-cultural misunderstandings.
- Historical evolution of postwar Japan
- Key socioeconomic facts and figures regarding Japan
- Comparison of business and social habits between Germans and Japanese
- Specific business etiquette and protocol ("Dos and Don'ts")
- Working conditions and labor market characteristics
Excerpt from the Book
5.1 Business customs
The need to avoid criticism and direct confrontation has a profound effect on the opinions and behaviour of employees and managers in Japanese companies. In a meeting, hardly any decisions are made. The Japanese executives reach their decisions in an informal group meeting before the official meeting to avoid an open confrontation or an open conflict. “Trying to argue with a Japanese is like fighting a pillow: you simply get no resistance.”
“Business clothes should be smart but conservative, with suits a must for both men and women.” Grey and navy are the favoured colours.
When talking to a business partner, the speaker expects the listener to occasionally interject an “I see” or “Is that so?” or “Right”. Not being interrupted makes the speaker think the listener isn’t following or is upset. To shout, to cut someone off or to criticize someone plumply is nonexcusable.
When given a business card by a Japanese business person, you should hold it at the edges with both hands, read it thoroughly and put it in front of you. In no way just put it away carelessly or mark it. Business Cards are exchanged to formalize the introduction process and to establish the status of the parties relative to each other.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter highlights the importance of Japan as a trade partner and emphasizes the necessity for cross-cultural preparation to avoid business failures due to etiquette mistakes.
2 The postwar-history of Japan: This section outlines the major historical milestones from 1945 to 2003, detailing Japan's transition from post-war occupation to becoming a modern technological powerhouse.
3 Need to knows: This chapter provides essential practical data on Japan, including population density, the significance of Tokyo, and the distinct characteristics of the Japanese working environment.
4 Differences between Japanese and Germans: The author contrasts German analytical and direct approaches with the Japanese focus on group harmony, high standards, and the avoidance of public confrontation.
5 Dos and Don'ts: This part offers actionable advice on business etiquette, such as gift-giving and meeting protocols, as well as social norms regarding private life and home visits.
6 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the necessity of understanding Japanese group-oriented culture and suggests that while Japan is changing, strong relationships remain the most vital asset for successful business.
Keywords
Japan, Business Etiquette, Cross-cultural Management, Postwar History, Tokyo, Working Conditions, Group Harmony, Business Customs, International Cooperation, Intercultural Communication, Japanese Market, Corporate Culture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this seminar paper?
The paper focuses on providing German business travelers with practical knowledge regarding Japanese culture, business customs, and social etiquette to ensure successful professional interactions.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The document covers the historical background of Japan, regional characteristics like Tokyo, unique working conditions, cultural differences between Germany and Japan, and specific behavioral guidelines for business scenarios.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to serve as a guide for Germans doing business in Japan, helping them navigate complex cultural landscapes and understand the importance of building long-term, trust-based relationships.
Which methodology is employed in this work?
The author employs a descriptive, comparative approach, drawing on secondary sources, trade statistics, and historical reports to analyze cultural patterns and business practices.
What content is discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body treats the economic and political history, identifies key statistics about Japan, contrasts Japanese and German cultural mindsets, and provides a catalog of "Dos and Don'ts" for office life and private settings.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Business Etiquette, Cross-cultural Management, Group Harmony, Corporate Culture, and International Cooperation.
Why is the "genkan" area important for a visitor?
The "genkan" is a specific entrance area where shoes must be removed before stepping onto the main floor; understanding this helps in respecting the clear boundary between public and private space.
Why is gift-giving considered delicate in Japanese business culture?
Gift-giving is a common practice, but it requires professionalism in packaging and knowledge of social taboos, such as avoiding the number four, which is associated with death.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jana Carstens (Autor:in), 2004, The "Dos and Don'ts" and "Need to Knows" for a German visiting Japan on Business, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/29866
