JAPANAlexander Martin

Japan Information Home of 120 million people Small Island in the pacific not much bigger

than Italy One of the largest cities, Toyko.

Japan’s Flag In the Japanese flag, the red circle represents the sun. This flag has a very old history dating back to the

samurais. Japan’s currency is the yen and one yen is worth .01

to Us dollars

Things to know before Traveling

To enter Japan you obviously need a passport and visa.

Crime in Japan is drastically lower than in America. Also the amount of translators are about average.

If you do commit a crime in Japan, you are subject to its laws.

Japan has the highest cost of living. Also Japan accepts American money also,

since summer of 2010

A few JAPANESE words/Phrases.

Hello……………..こんにちは Hamburger….......ハンバーガー It’s Godzilla………そのゴジラ Samurai Sword….日本刀 Thank you………..ありがとう

Making Appointments Typically Business Hours in Japan are from 9-

5. Making appointments are usually done via

email or through a phone. Meetings can start around 10 in the morning or

1:30 in the afternoon. Try being early for meetings and be punctual

during the meeting. Also give some parameters for how long the

meeting should last to avoid meetings from dragging on

Business Appropriate Dress For a first time meeting,

try and avoid anything that stands out to much.

A white t-shirt with no tie is appropriate in Japan, because according to the Prime Minister it reduces air conditioning costs.

For Women, stick with a formal outfit with minimal amounts of make-up and jewelry.

Good and bad Topics of Conversation

Good Baseball is a good

Ice- Breaker, mostly because MlB games are broadcasted in Japan.

Japanese arts or theater, because that is a very important part of their culture.

Bad Talking about WWII

and how America destroyed Japan.

Talking about the atomic bomb.

Addressing Other

It’s the norm to and –san to the end of someone's name. example ( Suzuki-san)

This shows respect to whom ever you speak to.

Try not to use the word “uh” in conversation.

Acceptable Behavior

Japanese are now used to shaking hands in business.

Adding a slight bow of your head while shaking his/her hand shows respect.

Avoid crossing your legs. Sit up and be attentive. Turn to the side to cough or sneeze.

Gift Giving

Gift Giving is not uncommon in Japan Either the present should be given to

them, before or after the meeting. Alcohol or name brand items are good

gifts to give. Present the gift with two hands, shows

more respect.

Negotiating Even Before negotiating make a strong lasting

relationship with your who ever it is your doing business with. Like golfing with them.

While Negotiating, its hard to introduce new ideas, so try saying it from different angles would help.

Japanese business people are very analytical and detail oriented, so meetings can last for a while.

Respect Japanese policies is very important while making business.

Japanese use the word “yes” as a way to state “I understand”, so it doesn’t necessarily mean they agree.

Entertaining

Take them to lunch around from 12-1. There is no specific place to go but ask

what they like. Golf would be a great thing to do with

them.

Dining

Korean barbeques, Curry Place, Noodle Shop, or Sushi Shops are great places to eat at with whom ever your doing better with.

Avoid Fast food places. Know the customs how they eat at that

restaurant, like chopsticks Never stick your chopsticks upright in

rice because it is a sign of death. lol

Comparison to the US.

American Business Japanese Business

Us business does not accept gift giving.

Shaking your hand is a sign of greeting and respect.

Taking your Business Partner to lunch is a common practice in both Japan and Us

Japan likes the custom of gift giving.

Bowing your head to your business partner is a sign of Respect

Dressing is similar to Us Style expect they typically do not wear ties.