Cultural Guidelines for Expats in JapanA Guide for New Expats in Japan

By: Asia Expat Guides

Language & Communication

• The Japanese language is complex, subtle, and predictable. Nonverbal communications are subtle, and Japanese are disconcerted by broad expressions and gestures of Americans. So, remember to tone it down when speaking with a Japanese.

• The Japanese require more information about the person with whom they interact, so as to determine which form to use in their complex language. Thus, they are given to asking questions about your job, title, responsibilities, and so on. On the same note, when a business meeting is scheduled, they prefer advance information in the form of email, brochures, and even proposals.

• For expats, learning Japanese language is always worth it because the Japanese appreciate it when outsiders seek to learn more about their unique culture and language, even if it is only a few phrases or expressions in Japanese.

Food & eating habits

• Eating in Japan is ritualistic, communal, and time consuming. The interaction is considered as important as the food, so take your time when eating with the Japanese. While the traditional diet emphasizes rice, noodles, and fish, youths tend toward popular Western foods. The alcoholic beverage of sake often accompanies the main or ceremonial meal so as to facilitate conversation.

Time

• Japanese are punctual, so you should always be punctual when having an appointment with the Japanese. Yet, you have to be patient sometimes as they expect you to wait for group decisions that also take time to arrive at consensus.

• The Japanese need time for connections to make proper contacts, therefore it is advisable for you to wait patiently for meetings to move beyond preliminary tea and sometimes long formalities.

Seniority

• Traditionally, they respect seniority and the elderly. There is a sense of order, propriety, and appropriate behavior between inferiors and superiors. Therefore, when approaching an organization, approach a person at the highest level as the first person contacted is also involved throughout the negotiation.

Relationships

• Since personal relationships score high with Japanese and future relationships depend on how you respond in the first encounter, cut and dried relationships with business contacts are inadequate and must be supplemented by a social relationship for maximum effect. This usually means entertaining the client with a “night on the town” and not at one’s home. When away from home on business, the Japanese businessperson expects to be entertained lavishly (meals, theater tickets, etc.), but he will repay this kindness manifold.

• For social visiting, a guest is frequently given a present or small gift, such as a hand towel beautifully wrapped. However, on the next exchange of visit, you are expected to offer a gift in kind.

To many, Japanese behavior may seem puzzling and a source of both confusion and wonderment. However, you should not worry any longer! At Asia Expat Guides, we will

ensure that you are equipped with the necessary information pertaining to this beautiful country before

moving to Japan. Besides introducing you to the local places, food and your living area, we will also offer

you the Japanese language class so that you will be able to speak Japanese language fluently, and minimize the

impact of culture shock. So worry no more. Just concentrate on having a good time

in Japan and leave all your burdens to us!

Embrace Japanese culture withAsia Expat Guides

For more information about being an expat in Asia, visit http://asiaexpatguides.com