Learn the Ideas About Japan Business Culture
If you are starting a business in other countries, you must follow their unique practices and etiquettes. By doing this, you will have a substantial impact on your business’ success, especially in Japan, because their cultural norms are different from Western countries. That is why you must understand the business culture of Japan if you want to expand your business there. If you know about their business culture, you will bond better with them, and you will gain a competitive advantage over other foreign-owned companies.
Here are five unique things about the Japan business culture:
Silence is Important
In business, silence is more important than talking. It is different from the approach of most countries because they recognize silence as a sign of wisdom and self-control. An introverted and formal style, especially at the start of a business relationship is better received in Japan.
They are Group-oriented
The Japanese are all about teamwork because their culture is very group-oriented compared to individualism in the West. Therefore, the success and failures of a business are shared among the team instead of just one person. Even when it comes to conferring the accolades, it is a custom to give recognition to the whole group instead of just an individual.
You must always give recognition to the team in public, and not just one person. If you do the opposite, you might embarrass the individual, even if they helped you a lot.
Business Cards are Important
A business card is considered an extension of the businessman’s identity. That is why it is essential to observe some etiquette rules that show person respect. The card is accepted with both hands, and the receiver must scan it and place it in their business card holder if standing, and on the table if seated during the entire meeting and then in the business card holder after the meeting. It is considered “fake” if you put the business card in your pocket or wallet. If you are presenting a business card, the printed side must face the receiver and use both hands to give the card. If you are seated away from the person, walk over to the person to provide the card. Never toss or push it towards them.
Privacy is Valuable
It is an excellent example of the way things differ in every country. In Western culture, they ask personal questions to build rapport. It is how it works best to build rapport, but in Japan, it is different. They consider privacy valuable. They can ask the company to remove their details from phone directories if they want to.
Therefore, if you want to do business in Japan, you must follow this. Avoid asking personal questions and opinions when starting a business relationship, and only do it when there is already reciprocity.
Hard Sell is Not Effective
Hard selling will not succeed in Japan. Instead of doing a high pressure and confrontational approach, be gentle and give a persuasive presentation to show the virtues of your proposal. Look for points of agreement and start from there. Do not push too hard on deadlines and decisions. Understand that they decide on consensus, and attempting to make the process faster will appear disrespectful to how they do business. Instead of being impatient, you can build trust in the long process and seal the relationship.
When you set a business in Japan, take note of these unique things.
