Intercultural

Communication
Japan

Overview
Stratovolcanic archipelago
Littoral areas with high population densities
World's tenth largest population: 126 million
9.1 million people live in Tokyo
Constitutional monarchy and an elected legislature

Dimensions of the Japanese

Culture
High-context culture
Collectivism
Time orientation
High power distance
Communication Style

Basic Etiquette - Appearance

Dress formally
and
Dress
Dark clothes - black or dark blue
Shoes that are easy to put on and remove
For men: conservative and well put together

business suit
For women: dress conservatively

Basic Etiquette - Greeting

Most important piece of Japanese body

language
Lower and longer duration of the bow = higher
degree of respect
Bows are different for male and female

Basic Etiquette - Body Language

Eye contact - rude, sign of aggression
Counting with fingers

 Angry

Money

OK

Referring to yourself

Basic Etiquette - Gift Giving

Omiyage (Souvenir)
Temiyage (Thank-you Gifts )
Ochugen (June Gift Giving)
Oseibo (December Gift Giving)

Basic Etiquette - Dining

Cushions on Tatami Floors
Etiquette
Chopsticks
Eating

Business Etiquette - Attitude

Towards Business
Japan remains stubbornly Japanese
Traditional culture
Emphasis on hierarchy
Be respectful

Business Etiquette - Attitude

Towards Conflict
Indirect Approach
Use of Intermediaries
Focus on the Negative

Business Etiquette - Typical

Business Day

begins from 8:30am-9:00AM

work until noon, then grab lunch
meet with friends, then return
grab a meal around 6:00PM
return to work until they leave
sometimes they spend the night

Business Etiquette - Decision

ringi-sho: report
Making

ringi-seido: bottom-up, consensus process

whole group shares responsibilities
Junior-Level employee
Senior-Level Employee
Member of the Board

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjkf3zAY3qY

Work Cited

Kumayama, Akihisa. "Understanding Gift Giving in Japan." The International Executive,

31.4 (1990): 19-21.
Brenner, Leslie, and Michalene Busico. "JAPAN; a Few Insider Tips for Navigating the
Dining Scene;
Gaining Entry to Tokyo's and Kyoto's Top Restaurants -- and Having the Best
Experience Possible
Once You're There -- is Trickier Than It Might Seem. Here's How to Get the
Reservation, How to
Find the Place, How to Order, What to Do if You Need to Cancel and a Brief Guide
to Etiquette:
HOME EDITION." Los Angeles Times, (2007): L.8.
Oikawa, Naoko, and John F Jr Tanner. "The Influence of Japanese Culture on Business
Relationships." The Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 7.4 (1992): 55.
Dean, Peter J. "International Business in Japan: Learning a Cultural Underpinning for the
Japanese." Performance Improvement Quarterly, 13.1 (2000): 3-6.
"Decision-Making, the Japanese Way." Decision-Making, the Japanese Way. Web. 28 Oct.
2015.
Anonymous, . "The Bend, the Bow and the Kowtow: Body Language in Japan." The