Doing Business in Japan By: Kristi Propst

Social Customs Greet each other by bowing Informal bow – 15° angle bow Formal bow – 30° angle bow Very formal bow – deeper angle A homogeneous society. Share the same cultures, language, and ethnicity

Social Customs Considered rude in Japan Looking someone directly in the eye Crossing your arms or legs Putting hands in pockets while speaking Point or gesture for someone to come here Sneezing in public

Clothing and Food Preferences Kamiza is the seat of honor Placed farthest from the entrance Most important person present sits here Guest/highest ranking member of party

Food Preferences Use right hand for chopsticks Bowl or plate in left hand Use knives and forks for western foods Eat three meals a day Breakfast, lunch and dinner Main meal is dinner

Political Patterns Don’t talk about politics Political situation is unstable Government is a constitutional monarchy House of Representatives – 480 members House of Councillors – 242 members Cabinet is headed by Prime Minister

Religious and Folk Beliefs B uddhist or Shintoist Limited to holidays Just for show Christianity and Islam religions are growing Sacred Places Shinto Shrines – Dwelling place of Kami Eastern Great Temple – Home of Buddha hall

Religious and Folk Beliefs Sacred Objects Mirror – Lure sun goddess out of cave Sword - Found in tail of 8 headed dragon Jewel – Lure sun goddess out of cave Buddhist do not eat meat

Economic and Business Institutions Work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meetings frequently go later 99% speak Japanese with different dialects Tokyo type dialect Western type dialect Businesses are usually family owned Most businesses are small

Nature of Ethics, Values, and Laws Gift giving is normal for business transactions Usually a company or culture gift Wrap gift in modest wrapping Honesty is more important than politeness.

Nature of Ethics, Values, and Laws Good attitude toward work Recruited straight out of college Life long employment Compensation is attached to seniority