Working Across Cultures – Understanding The Japanese Way

After a long period of isolation from the rest of the world Japan had several waves of migration and heavy immigration from both Korea and China. But when the Black Ships arrived a culture that was very different from the rest of the Asia developed and it is still present today.

In Japan relationships are heavily influenced by a sense of duty and obligation. The value of family and friends guides the behavior of the Japanese to a degree not seen in other parts of the world. And like no where else in Japan a system of honor still holds true and plays an important role in the Japanese culture.

The Japanese language reflects the harmony that the Japanese people live by, also plays an important role in Japanese culture. The Japanese people are also a people with a great sense of humor although it is often not understood outside their country because of the complex language.

Today Japan still blends traditional culture and values with modern culture, ideas, and values. It is a unique Japanese style that places great emphasizes on “wa.” Wa is the emphasizes of group loyalty, harmony, and consensus among those that are important to you.

You might be surprised to find out that Japan has the second largest economy in the world next to the United States. Their relationship has been plagued with misunderstandings over the years but slowly they work towards a better understanding of each others business practices related to culture.

The ability to work effectively with the Japanese is quite a challenge. They employ an entirely different ideology towards the workplace that is based on their culture and their belief system. This is a complex system and it is very important that you understand it in order to facilitate good business relationships and avoid the misunderstandings that so commonly plague business relationships between Japan and trading partners.

In Japan there are many protocols that are practiced regularly based on their cultural values. Protocols such as addressing a person by their proper name with correct title, meeting and seating protocols based on position, gift giving protocols, entertaining protocols, and even body language and gesture protocols. It is important that you understand how all of the Japanese protocols to ensure you don’t jeopardize your chances for success.

For example did you know that in Japan social conduct and proper behavior are so important they make up a large portion of the Japanese law? Did you know that most communication in Japan is actually non verbal? So what body language message are you sending? You can quickly see why understanding the Japanese culture is so important.

Traditionally even Japanese clothing was different. The Kimono was a beautiful traditional garment that was worn by all members of society. Today you will see a more westernized style of dress on the streets but in many homes traditional clothing is still plays an important role.

Literature such as newspapers, magazines, and books all play an important role in the Japanese culture. And traditional writings are still an integral part of the Japanese culture.

The Japanese menu incorporates many modern dishes with traditional Japanese foods such as sushi and multi cultural foods. The result is a culinary experience second to none. Experience the old with the new for a superb dining experience.

If you truly want to understand the Japanese culture than you must understand the Japanese language which is based on both the written and spoken language. The written language is composed of four different writing systems used together to make the modern day Japanese written language.

Japan is a modern country with a culture that is deep in the past. This interesting mix provides Japan a stability among its people that is seen in few other countries while at the same time this vibrant modern country is an important trading partner and tourist destination.

For business to be successful on an international scale it must be able to work across cultures. Understanding the Japanese way will provide you with amazing business opportunities in Japan and an experience like no other!

Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory. This means that as a publisher you may reprint the articles that are included in our site, as long as the article is unedited and the author box is included with it's live hyperlinks.