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JapanCross-Cultural Communication BriefingTeam 6Order of PresentationJapanese cultural history overview

Social conventions

Business conventions

Brief Cultural HistoryGeert-Hofstede Cultural ComparisonsPDI: Hofstedes Power distance Index measures the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. Japan exhibits a more unequal distribution of wealth; thus a large gap between the wealthy and poor; citizen inequality

IDV: On the individualist side we find societies in which the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family. On the collectivist side, we find societies in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families (with uncles, aunts and grandparents) which continue protecting them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty.

4Attire and Appearance in JapanAppearanceDress to impress- high context societyWear shoes that are easy to removeThe nail that sticks up get hits with the hammer

Womens AttireWomen dress conservativelyAvoid wearing high-heeled shoesWhen wearing a kimono, wrap it left over rightThe Family in JapanModern Japanese FamilyNuclear family similar to the typical family in the United StatesStill maintains some traditional aspects from ie

Parents RolesFather: spend a great deal of time at work, little energy to spend on children

Mother: responsible for raising children, overseeing their education, and managing familys financeslittle room for careerEntertainment in JapanEntertainmentValue family life and take an active part in community affairs Play on many community sports teamsAfter-hours childrens sports teams

Karaoke is popularthroughout all generations

Entertainment by GroupWomen:ShopGo out for meals

Men:Play golf Watch baseball, football, horse racing

Younger generation:Video/computer games

PachinkoPachinko is a mixture between slot machines and pinball

The player only controls the speed the small steel balls go into the pachinko machine

Pachinko machines can be found in pachinko parlors spread over the whole country

Women and men both play pachinko - there are even a few pachinko professionals!

Communication in JapanRestaurant Etiquette Punctuality is not expected. It is the custom to be "fashionably late."

You should slurp your noodles!

Do not openly display money

Never pour a drink yourself

No tipping

The Art of Gift GivingFriendship, Respect and GratitudeRooted in tradition, ceremony is important

Type of gift depends on status

Give your host some warning during the evening that you intend to give them a present

Give the gift with both hands and accept gifts with hands at the end of the visit

Japanese Communication StylesBody Language

Silence

Eye Contact

Personal Space

Japanese Writing Conventions Direction of text:Traditionally, columns read from top to bottom and ordered from right to left Modern Japanese is horizontal and read left to right

Word choice: All words in Japanese can be written in either katakana, hiragana, or rmaji. Most words also have a kanji form. The choice of which type of writing to use depends on a number of factors, including standard conventions, readability, and stylistic choices.

Business Conventions in JapanInternet in JapanE-mail is a popular form of communicationA way for women to more openly express themselves

Exchanging Business Cards meishiBusiness cards are a tradition passed from ChinaDefinite procedure for exchanging:Using both hands, give the card to the other person so that they can read it (Japanese side up)Accept their card and look at it. Treat it as something special - don't write on the card or put the card casually downPlace the card in your suit pocket or a special container

VP Scott Kerr 202:833-3713: 202-833-3714: scott.kerr@lambifund.orgLambi Fund of Haiti PO Box 1955 Washington, DC 20036

VP Of Operations Scott KerrPhone: 202-833-3713Fax: 202-833-3714e-mail: scott.kerr@lambifund.orgLambi Fund of Haiti PO Box 1955 Washington, DC 20036

mention that the business cards should be written in both Japanese and English22Business EtiquetteCall the Japanese by their proper titles.Use last names plus "san"The seller is always lower in status than the buyerAge equals rankOn the job, the Japanese are very serious Contracts are not perceived as final agreementsNo deals are made during the first meetingSeating for meetings will be assigned

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