Japan and Its Customs

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Japan and Its Customs

General Information on Japan

Japan has a population of approximately 125 million people packed tightly into a rather small geographic area. The official language in Japan is Japanese. Japanese is spoken only in Japan. The literacy rate in Japan is very close to 100 percent and 95 percent of the Japanese population has a high school education.

Japan’s form of government is parliamentarian democracy under the rule of a constitutional monarch. The dominant religion is Shinto, which is exclusive to Japan. However, the Japanese have no official religion.

Appearance

1) Make appointments before you arrive in the country

Japanese don’t like newcomers. Make appointments before you arrive in the country. The best way is to be introduced personally by a Japanese agent, or better, by a Japanese business partner. Before you make an appointment send detailed information about your company. Your Japanese partners expect you to ask for the same.

2) Be on time

As a general rule, the Japanese are always on time. There are no such things as being "fashionably late" or making a "grand entrance". If an event is to begin at 09:00, then it is best to arrive a few minutes early to get yourself organized and be prepared to begin right at 09:00 (not 09:05).

3) Dress conservatively

In general, the Japanese are much more conscious of their appearance in public than we are in the West. Some Japanese would rather spend money on clothing than on food. In the large cities your clothing is a sign of your background, social status, or wealth. In general, women do not wear sleeveless tops, shorts, or revealing styles. To conform to the typical businessman's style, men wear dark two piece suits with plain white shirts and conservative ties.

The Japanese do not wear excessive amounts of jewellery that are

obvious signs of wealth. Although a piece of jewellery might be expensive, it is worn with a sense of quality, not quantity.

Behavior

1) Greet with a long and low bow

Bowing represents humility. You elevate, honor, and respect the other person by humbling yourself or lowering yourself. The lower you bow, the more you are honoring or respecting the other party. As a Westerner, you are not expected to initiate a bow, but a bow should always be returned (except from personnel at department stores and restaurants who bow to welcome...

... middle of paper ...

... or letter openers;

- items totaling an even number, such as four flower stems (the number four symbolizes death); items totaling nine (the number symbolizes suffering)

- flowers are generally used at times of illness, death, or courting only

- white and yellow chrysanthemums are for funerals

Conclusion

The Geert Hofstede analysis for Japan is dramatically different from other Asian Countries such as Hong Kong, Korea or China. In Japan Masculinity is the highest characteristic. The lowest ranking factor is Individualism, which coincides with their high ranking in Uncertainty Avoidance. Japan is a more collectivist culture that avoids risks and shows little value for personal freedom.

Power Distance Individualism Uncertainty Avoidance Masculinity Long term orientation

Japan 54 46 92 95 80

Romania 90 32 90 42

PDI – Power Distance

IDV – Individualism

MAS – Masculinity

UAI – Uncertainly Avoidance

LTO – Long term Orientation

“Anyone going to Japan will find it illuminating. Anyone going to do business in Japan will find it a must.”

Ronald Dore

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