This essay is adapted from an excerpt of the great book “A Geek in Japan” by HГ©ctor Garcia. It is the first chapter of my new Japan 2014 book. If three Japanese people are talking together, and a fourth one joins the conversation, he will apologize upon approach for breaking the harmony of the group. Why? In Japan, everything looks like it works to perfection…
Family ties are strong in Japan and bind not only the living extended family but also generations of ancestors. You may notice that Japanese are not physically demonstrative in public and you won’t see any kissing and hugging on the streets. You do see friends and parents and children holding hands. One of the ways families express warmth and affection is to…
Welcome to our guide to Japan. This is useful for anyone researching Japanese culture, customs, manners, etiquette, values and wanting to understand the people better. You may be going to Japan on business, for a visit or even hosting Japanese colleagues or clients in your own country. Remember this is only a very basic level introduction and is not meant to…
Japan Guide Japan Travel Culture & Food posted by Do you ever wonder what they talk about on Japanese tour buses?When the Japanese visit other countries on tours, the tour company educates the group about local manners and customs on the way. They always include a line that says that tourists represent Japan and should try their hardest to leave a good impressive…
With one of the largest economies in the world, Japan has seen an explosion in the increase of foreign business investment since WWII. Doing business in Japan offers innumerable benefits for international organisations, however there are a number of key cultural challenges that create friction and misunderstanding as well as sizable direct and indirect costs…
Theme This ARI is based on broader research conducted by the author in Japan as a Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Tokyo. Its aim is to explain in depth the importance of understanding Japanese cultural values in establishing and developing business relationships with Japanese organisations. Summary Spanish-Japanese…
By Paula Gerhold TOKYO There isn’t a country in the world immune from stereotypes. All people form opinions about places and their inhabitants based on whatever they can glean from the food, tourism, and art of the culture. But not all sweeping generalizations have to be mean and unfounded. The results on a thread on Madame Riri asking for the “perfect words…
Whether eating with new Japanese friends in a home or attending a business lunch, following a few simple rules of Japanese dining etiquette will make you shine. No need to be nervous; your hosts understand that you may not be familiar with all many of the customs and etiquette in Asia. Start by saying hello in Japanese, offering a bow the correct way, then relax…
Attempting to define the characteristics of Japanese women cannot account for the many women who deviate from the cultural norms. However, a core set of traits and values are common among Japanese women. In general, these characteristics describe the women as they think of themselves, others and their place in society. Homogenous Culture Japanese people often…
Did ever happened to you to be in a foreign country, to wish to bring home some souvenir and to be unable to decide what to buy? In Japan, this may be an interesting topic, since there are so many options… From my experience, I compiled a list of Japanese souvenirs which will really highlight some typical aspects of Japan… I hope it will be helpful! 1. Maneki…
Like many Asian family systems, the Japanese family system was an extended family which included distant relatives as well as the dead. In the earliest times, and certainly with the influence of China, ancestor worship was a strong and vibrant belief which made deceased real, active members of the family. Noble families, and families of the warrior class, placed…
By Andrew Miller TOKYO Below is an account from Sayaka, a reporter over at our sister site Pouch. It is an intriguing look at differences in business culture between Japan and the west. It makes one realize that there is no perfect business strategy as such but by incorporating the best parts from each culture, one can get pretty close to their own perfect business…
Want to improve the way you do business in the U.S.? Learn from the Japanese. I recently traveled to Japan on business and pleasure. Anticipating several meetings and events, I began to familiarize myself with local customs and of course, Japanese business etiquette. While you may already know that politeness and respect are cornerstones of Japanese culture…
Japan is a highly structured and traditional society. Great importance is placed on loyalty, politeness, personal responsibility and on everyone working together for the good of the larger group. Education, ambition, hard work, patience and determination are held in the highest regard. The crime rate is one of the lowest in the world. Meeting and Greeting A handshake…