western vs japanese culture

The differences between the western and Japanese culture is huge, that’s wye it’s is important to do your research before doing business with each other. If you don’t know how to adapt to other cultures this can turn into your disadvantage. Espacially when you try to market your product to Japan.

Japanese rate respect, loyalty, humbleness and  hospitality very high. Nearly everything in Japanese life revolves around these and they strive to maintain it this way.

So what can we expect or what do Japanese people expect from us when going to Japan.

 One of the most common things you will notice in Japan is bowing. You probably already have seen this before in Japanese movies. The reason behind bowing is not simply saying “hello”. But bowing is used in introducing someone, in showing sympathy or gratitude, in apologizing as well as in showing agreement or acknowledgement.

It is important that while you are bowing you do not look at the person you are bowing to. Instead, you should keep looking at the floor. It is considered very rude to look at the person while you are bowing. The lower you status the deeper you have to bow.  Keep this in mind.

Furthermore, you should always have business cards in your pocket.  This can serve as a convenient introduction. When you receive one, use both hands and read it carefully to show respect.

Hierarchy is also very important, like I just mentioned with the bowing thing, when you do business, and you have to introduce people from your company always start with the highest position. However, the first contact between organizations is usually made by the person at lower rank.

While western people are rather direct the Japanese business people prefer to indirect. Therefore, getting straight to the point can be considered as impolite.

Gift giving is generally accepted in business meetings, It’s a way to say you do care for them.

This is just a short list of Japanese habits, so do not only depend on these ones. There are plenty enough of cultural differences/examples on the internet if you want to know more. Go take a look. 

Sources :

http://multiculture.com.au/index.php/124

http://www.infobarrel.com/The_Cultural_Differences_Between_the_Japanese_and_Western_Cultures

 http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2383501?uid=3737592&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&sid=21102006899123