Japan
Suit and tie should be worn to all business meetings in Japan. A large supply of visiting cards printed in English and Japanese is essential. Cards can be quickly printed on arrival with Japanese translation on the reverse side. Appointments should be made in advance, and, because of the formality, visits should consist of more than a few days. Punctuality is important. Business discussions are often preceded by tea and are usually very formal. Using a professional interpreter in business meetings is highly recommended, although expensive, even if the Japanese side is supplying one and even if the Japanese side speaks good English. This shows proper preparation, gives an opportunity to observe the other side more closely and assures better communication.
An understanding of Japanese business and social practices is of great importance in establishing and maintaining successful business relationships in Japan. Indifference to local business practices may indicate a lack of commitment on the part of the exporter, and may lead to misunderstandings and bad feelings between both sides that could result in the loss of business opportunities. One should not assume that because meetings and correspondence are carried out in English, Western social and business norms apply.
Group decision making is emphasized in Japan and has been generally described as bottom up rather than top down. Family businesses founded since WWII and smaller second tier firms are exceptions to this rule. However, even in the large family firms, where decisions are made at the top, the process is usually managed so that company members have a sense of participation. This group decision-making tends to be slower. Recognizing that it takes a longer time to cultivate business relationships in Japan than in the United States, American business executives should not expect to make a deal in just a few days or they will depart in frustration, having made no progress. Consistent follow-up is vital. Likewise, American business people should recognize the importance of working with the staff-level of their Japanese counterparts and not exclusively with the executive level.
Japanese bow when greeting each other but will expect to shake hands with foreign executives. A slight bow in acknowledgment of a Japanese bow is appreciated. Japanese executives deal on a last name basis in business relationships, and initial business and social contacts are characterized by politeness and formality.
Gift giving is expected on many business occasions in Japan. Company-logo gifts are appropriate. Quality is important, but the gift does not have to be expensive. The packaging of the gift is as important as the gift itself and should be done professionally. In Japan, sets of four are considered unlucky (the number 4 is pronounced the same as the word for death). Gifts that can be shared among a group are appropriate.
Office hours are 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.
The general threat from both crime and terrorism is minimal in Tokyo and throughout Japan. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and crime is at levels well below the average in most countries. Violent crime is rare, but the Japanese National Police Agency (NPA) reports purse snatching and pickpocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas of Tokyo. Public transportation throughout the city is safe and reliable any hour of the day. Although street crime is rare, common sense personal security precautions are always prudent. Organized crime elements in Japan have been know to extort money from Japanese businesses, but have generally stayed clear of expatriate companies.
Hotels are "Western" or "Japanese" style. Western-style accommodation are much like any modern American or European hotel. Japanese-style hotels (ryokan) provide exciting new experiences; guests receive kimonos and wooden clogs and rooms come equipped with Japanese bathtubs and paper sliding doors.
Full telephone IDD service is available in Japan. The country code is 81 and the outgoing international code is 001. International calls can be made from the KDD (International Telephone and Telegraph Center), 3-2-5 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku. International calls can also be placed from hotels. Fax sending and receiving can be arranged at any hour at major hotels. KDD (Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co Ltd) offers facilities in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama and Nagoya. Post office hours: 0900-1700 Monday to Friday, 0900-1200 Saturday. The International Post Office and Central Post Office are open weekdays until 1900 and until 1700 Saturday.
Electricity is a 100 volts AC, 60Hz in the west (Osaka), and a 100 volts AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan and Tokyo. Plugs are flat 2-pin and light bulbs are screw-type.
100 volts AC, 60Hz in the west (Osaka); 100 volts AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan and Tokyo. Plugs are flat two-pin and light bulbs are screw-type.
A,B
Japanese cuisine, now popular in the West, involves very sensitive flavors, fresh crisp vegetables and an absence of richness. The best place to try sushi is a Kaiten Sushi Bar, where many varieties pass the customer on a conveyor belt allowing complete choice over which delicacies to try, at more reasonable prices than a traditional Sushi Bar. Fine Oriental food (Korean – very hot – and Chinese) is served in restaurants. An amazing number and variety of international restaurants are also available, catering for every possible taste and budget, from French and Italian to Chinese,
Indian and Thai. Western dishes in expensive places are good, but cheaper restaurants may be disappointing. The Japanese are very fond of original Scotch whisky, but this is both very expensive and highly sought after, therefore Japanese versions of this drink are often served.
Things to know: Restaurants have table service and in some places it is customary to remove footwear. Waiter service is common in bars. There are no licensing hours. Drinking is subject to long-standing rituals of politeness. The hostess will pour a drink for the visitor, and will insist on the visitor’s glass being full. It is also appreciated if the visitor pours drinks for the host, but it is bad manners for a visitor to pour one for himself.National dishes:
• Teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish seared on a hot plate).
• Sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, tofu and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and then dipped in egg).
• Tempura (deep fried seafood and vegetables).
• Sushi (slices of raw seafood placed on light and vinegary rice balls – very tasty and refreshing).
• Sashimi (slices of raw seafood dipped in soy sauce). National drinks:
•Green tea is by far the most popular beverage amongst the Japanese. The quality of the tea varies greatly from houjicha (a common brown-colored tea) to matcha (a bitter green tea used in tea ceremonies).
• Sake, rice wine served hot or cold according to the season, is strong and distinctively fresh tasting. • Shochu, a strong aquavit, is an acquired taste.
• Japanese wines are worth trying once.
• Beer – similar to lager – is recommended. Popular brands are Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory.Tipping
: Tips are never expected since a 10 to 15 per cent service charge is added to the bill at hotels, ryokan and restaurants; where a visitor wishes to show particular appreciation of a service, money should not be given in the form of loose change but rather as a small financial gift. Special printed envelopes can be bought for financial gifts of this type.Nightlife
Tokyo has an abundance of cinemas, theaters, bars, coffee shops, discos and nightclubs. A wide range of bars are available, from the upmarket and stylish to cheap street stalls. In the summer, rooftop beer gardens are popular. Some clubs have hostesses who expect to be bought drinks and snacks. In bigger nightclubs and bars, a basic hostess charge is levied. However, there are thousands of other bars and clubs. In Tokyo there are concerts of all styles of music almost every night. Foreign opera companies, ballet companies, orchestras and rock/pop stars visit Japan all year round. Some live jazz houses are also available. For those who would like to try the traditional Japanese performing arts, there is Kabuki and Noh theater in Tokyo. It is advisable to purchase the tickets in advance because shows are quickly sold out. Karaoke bars are a very popular form of entertainment in Japan.
