Doing Business in Japan Essay Example for Free

Doing melodic line in japan EssayAs a result of learning active the geography, climate, history, religion, cultural rituals, politics, education system, and the role of the family it forget allow a blood line or business both(prenominal) hotshotness the insight needed to understand how society functions and the method in which business is conducted. Geography Climate japan is an island nation that is located across the lacquerese Sea. Japan consists of the islands of Hokkaiodo, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu (Yamada Kurashige, 2003). The landscape of Japan is seventy- nonpareil percent cragged (Population Demographics, 2007). Japan is a small sphere that is situated in the northern temperate zone. Japan experiences the tetrad seasons similar to that of North America. Japan experiences typhoons which argon a lot stronger than their sister hurri sesses in the Atlantic (Yamada Kurashige, 2003). devotion Over eighty-four percent of the people in Japan observe Buddhism, Sh into or a combination of both. Confucianism from China added loyalty and hierarchy to the mix, and Taoism gave inn and sanction to the system of govern custodyt. The introduction of Buddhism brought contemplative ghostlike aspects and helped to develop their horticulture of art and architecture.With the addition of Christianity, western ideas most measurablely social justice and amend were infused into society (Long, 1994). Religion is not a large part of the Japanese society, but people result usually practice such holidays as birthdays, weddings and funerals (Japan, 2007). Recent History Japan went through major diverge during the World warf ar II, when most of their cities and infrastructure was damaged or destroyed. After the war, they drafted a new privateity and the population of Japan began rebuilding the country. In besides a few decades, Japan become the second base largest economy in the world.In the 1990s, Japan suffered and economic down turn because of scanda ls and over-investment. The Asian economic crisis of 1998 caused Japan to experience its worst recession since World War II (Japan History, 2007). From 2003 onward the economy has been improving, even stand out at one point, that of the United States and E. U. (Economy of Japan, 2007). Current Issues in Japan Political Issues All foreigners projecting the country ar to be fingerprinted and photographed in a recent effort to fight terrorism. Also, airlines and ships must provide rider lists before arriving in the country.Some may be genuinely reluctant to have their photograph and fingerprints taken. rider lists may be time consuming and costly for cruise lines or freight vessels that wish to enter the country. There is pressure from the United States, for Japan to resume refueling of foreign vessels in the Indian Ocean, further there is much opposition within the Japanese government. This opposition may lead to tension in the midst of Japan and the United States. This could le ad to some negative consequences for United States-Japan trade. (Chief, 2007).The Japanese government has sent a senior foreign minister to Iran to inquire about the kidnapping of Satoshi Nakamura, a Japanese student, more than a month ago. The Iranian Government is ignoring Japan, forcing the Japanese minister to Pakistan to ask for help in this matter (Official release, 2007). This entrust only negatively affect Iranian-Japanese relations. Social Issues Twenty percent of Japans population is age sixty or older. At the same time, the country has had a declining birthrate for a few decades. The population of Japan peaked(p) in 2004 and started to decrease afterwards.The reasoning given is that that more women ar turning and they do not curb it necessary to have children. (Japan fertility, 2005). One blogger notes that women may be insecure about having children (Coco, 2006). The shortage of labour will force more older men to stay in the work force as well as force more women into the business world. Economic Issues Japans declining birthrate is a major concern for the Japanese economy. The country needs to maintain a healthy population to keep its economy strong this is proving very difficult (Atsumi, 2007).One fore foregathern problem of the low fertility rate is that the already suffering social indemnity fund could be crippled further (Japan fertility, 2005). The Tax Commission has found that taxes must be increase in order the finance the growing social welf are costs. People in Japan are purchasing portable technology, and the Japanese market is showing a sharp decline in get of home computers. With the high costs of home computers and the advances in technology could mean a shift in how people use and access the internet.The companies that produce home computers are now shifting their focus to the growth world (PCs, 2007). Social Organization Family Japanese families moved away from their traditional family structures after World War II when t he occupying American forces created a new, westerly, family ideology. The father still remains the head of most traditional families in Japan, but there are shifts in how a Japanese family is organized. Women, who would have remained at home to dispense the household affairs, are now obtaining employment outside of the household.Since more Japanese women are entering the workforce, the men are organism required to take on more of the household and child raising responsibilities (Long, 1994). some different change that has occurred in Japanese society is the idea of the multi-generation family living together. Although common at one time, many a(prenominal) elderly people are not living with their families anymore (Family, 2007). Roles of Men and Women Japan was traditional a male centered society. However, shortly after World War II women were legally given bear on rights as men. A great change came when women started to work outside the household.Companies in Japan were, and still are, direful for skilled workers, and with participation of women in the workforce, it helped companies fill their need for workers (Matsui, 2007). Workplace In the workplace, as in other areas of the Japanese collectivist culture, they view themselves as part of a group. Workers are expected to show the last loyalty to the firms they work for. Leadership in Japan is not based on a western values of assertiveness or quick decision making. A good leader in Japan is expected to take the interests of his subordinates into account and create consensus among the group.Seniority within a group is determined by age and length of service, rather than by individual effort and initiative (Genezberger et al. , 1996). Their system of group forethought rewards the team effort and rarely the individual. Often accomplishments are credited to the entire group and not the individual. Individuals are motivated to participate in group activities and maintain harmony. The pride of the indiv idual or the group is expressed through competition with similar groups in the company or other companies (Long, 1994). Proper Etiquette for Doing Business in JapanPerception of Westerners The Japanese have some common preconceived notions about Westerners. Japanese see Westerners as lacking patience, lots interrupting, and being bad listeners. They often see Westerners as being futile to work in teams. They may seeWestern expressions of friendship as insincere. Japanese may sometimes perceive Westerners as being selfish. Business Etiquette Protocol In Japanese culture personal space is highly respected, they are not a tactile people, and they dislike being crowded. In Japanese culture they try to vacate direct eye contact with other individuals.When yawning, coughing, or using a toothpick, they cover their mouths. The pointing of feet at some other person is considered to be rude, and is therefore key to sit with correct posture. Criticizing and disrespecting authority openl y, and being impatient are seen as disrespectful. In business, the personal relationships are off the beaten track(predicate) more important than the business itself. In order to do business with a company in Japan formal introductions, patience, flexibility, and respect are vital. Business wags are very important in Japanese business culture, and business people often carry many business cards.When meeting a business contact for the first time it is important to bow, or shake hands, then exchange business cards. When presenting or receiving a business card one is expected to use both hands and put it in a pocket, above the waist, after carefully reading it. For foreigners, it is common practice to have a Japanese translation on the back of the card (Genezberger et al. , 1996). Men and women are expected to wear are dark and expensive suits. Business women are promote to wear conservatively. Business meetings must be scheduled far in advanced.Before the meeting, Westerners should mail or fax a detailed list outlining what is to be discussed. One must establish relationships with middle and younger level managers or they may resent the person for having bypassed them and feel they have been insulted. When visiting a Japanese company it is customary to remove ones jacket immediately upon entering and putting it back on as soon as one leave. The leader of the group should introduce each of the group members in locomote order of rank. Visitors are to exchange business first with the Japanese executives and then with subordinates in descending order.In the Japanese culture there is an expectation of receiving a ease up at the first meeting. The presentation of the award can be as or more important that the actual gift itself. Gifts must be given with both hands, and are often rejected a few times before they are accepted. Gifts are not opened when they are received. Certain flowers or potted plants do not take hold suitable gifts because of the meaning the Japanese associate with them. It is recommended to inform that one informs they are giving a gift beforehand (Roberts. 2007). Socializing EatingJapanese extend their affinity to their groups by socializing outside of work (Long, 1996). Japanese men and women are considered heavy drinkers. Incorrect behaviour while drunk is often forgiven. In Japan it is not expected for one to leave a tip for their servers. In restaurants, where sitting on the group is required, is common practice for men to sit cross-legged and women to sit on their legs or with their legs reach to one side. Communication High context High context and low context are twain terms used to describe broad differences between cultures.High context cultures are those where the main aspects of the culture are vague and not explicit. Generally collective cultures tend to be high-context, where much of what is being give tongue to is non-verbal, and the level of understanding depends on your relationship with the other party. Japan is a prime example of a high context culture (Beer, 2003). Face Saving face means preserving your or someone elses dignity, self-respect, or good reputation. In cultures that are high-context face is a major characteristic. There are many ways that a person might cause the other individual to lose face.Derogatory remarks, reveling of personal inadequacy, or being forced to compromise a cherished value are ways in which face is broken (Face, 2007). Avoiding a loss of face generally means never saying no, and being politely evasive when conveying disagreement (Face, 2007). Greetings When conducting business in Japan, it is very important to know the decorous amount of respect owed to individuals. Japan has a very formal and ritualized culture. Bowing is the Japanese custom greeting. How far you bow depends on your relationship with the other individual (Genezberger et al. , 1996).If you were to be greeted for the first time in Japan, it is recommended that one waits to be introduced, since it can be seen as being rude to introduce oneself. Foreigners may be only expected to bow their head slightly or shake hands (Doing Business, 2007). Practical Considerations Immigration In an effort to counter terrorism, all foreigners will be finger printed and photographed when entering the country. Japan has an agreement with some countries where only passports are required to enter. Foreigner tourists are required to carry their passports at all times. A visa required if one plans on extending their stay over 90 days.It usually takes about two days to a week to obtain a Visa, depending on the situation at the embassy you are applying. A single visa costs 3000 yen to obtain. Certain countries have exemptions from paying fees. (A Guide, 2007). Travel When traveling in Japan it is recommended that one does not travel long distances, because of cost. However, traveling long distance one can travel by train, highway bus, airplane, or long distances ferries. Rent ing a car is another scuttle for travel. Accommodations For single travelers the prices of hotel rooms will vary depending on the travelers budget.The price range for low-budget business hotels would cost between 3,500 and 7,000 yen per day. For more expensive business hotels, or Western entitle hotels the prices can be from 7,000 yen and above. Adaptation and Survival Public washrooms rarely have toilet paper, so one should bring their own. It is important to ask for a toi, short for toilet, not a bathroom, otherwise one may be directed to a room for bathing. When traveling, it is polite to store your backpack or luggage out of the way of other travelers (Haslam, 2002). Heath Emergencies All households are required to have a survival of the fittest kit in case of an earthquake. Japan Travel, 2007). English speaking hospitals and services may not be covered by Japanese national health insurance, and could end up costing visitors money (Rogers, 1994). finding Japan is a very c ollectivist culture and it very apparently in everyday business dealings. To a Western business person business protocol and etiquette may seem very unusual. It is important to understand that their traditions and customs are deeply rooted in their history. However, Japanese people view Western business practices just as unusual, but they are very accommodating to foreign business people. References