Doing Business in Japan Training Presentation (Sample) 1
About irikai (www.irikai.com) is a New Delhi, India based soft skills training firm which provides niche international business etiquette courses. This is a snapshot of our content for the Japanese business etiquette course the course is delivered onsite (in India) and online via web conference (anywhere in the world). The course is adapted to the audience past audiences have ranged from sales staff to MDs and CEOs 2
Agenda 1. Introduction to Japan 2. Japanese Culture Key Traits 3. Case Study 4. Corporate Etiquette 5. Daily Activities 3
Viral email about Japan (Accurate or Not?!) Did you know that: Japanese children clean their schools every day for a quarter of an hour with teachers, which led to the emergence of a Japanese generation who is modest and keen on cleanliness. Any Japanese citizen who has a dog must carry bag and special bags to pick up dog droppings. Hygiene and their eagerness to address cleanliness is part of Japanese ethics. Japan does not have any natural resources, and they are exposed to hundreds of earthquakes a year but do not prevent her from becoming the second largest economy in the world? Japan prevents the use of mobile in trains, restaurants and indoor Japan students from the first to sixth primary year must learn ethics in dealing with people Japanese even though one of the richest people in the world but they do not have servants. The parents are responsible for the house and children There is no examination from the first to the third primary level; because the goal of education is to instill concepts and character building, not just examination and indoctrination. If you go to a buffet restaurant in Japan you will notice people only eat as much as they need without any waste. The rate of delayed trains in Japan is about 7 seconds per year!! They appreciate the value of time, very punctual to minutes and seconds Children in schools brush their teeth (sterile) and clean their teeth after a meal at school Students take half an hour to finish their meals to ensure right digestion When asked about this concern, they said: These students are the future of Japan 4
Recent news from Brazil (Accurate!) 5
What are your impressions about Japan and the Japanese? 6
Common image associations with Japan 7
Japan Overview The name "Japan" (in Japanese: Nihon or Nippon) means "Origin of the Sun", or "Land of the Rising Sun Hokkaido Japan consists of 4 large islands and thousands of smaller islands, 430 of which are inhabited. The four major islands (north to south) are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, Yokohama are situated on the island of Honshu Sea of Japan Shikoku Honshu Japan Islands Japan is divided into 47 administrative units called Kyushu prefectures (Tokyo is also a prefecture, also called a metropolis in Japanese to distinguish it from other East China Sea Pacific Ocean prefectures) The Japanese flag is called the "Hinomaru", meaning "the disc which is the sun The population of Japan is about 127 million (2012), population growth is negative (-0.3%) and the median age is 44.8 years (vs. Indian median age of about 25 years) Japan Flag Japan is approximately the size of Germany and about 1/25 th the size of the US and 1/8 th the size of India (area) 8
Climate and Geography Not part of the preview 9
Language and Sports Not part of the preview 10
Arts and Religion Not part of the preview 11
Popular culture scenes Not part of the preview 12
First Impressions What stands out on first visiting Japan Efficiency / Order Cleanliness Safety Language Helpfulness + Shyness Modernity + Tradition Conformity Focus on form and ritual 13
Contemporary topics Relations with China While historic tensions have always existed, recent events have worsened the relationship Both China and Japan claim East China Sea islets that Japan calls Senkaku and China calls Diaoyu Tensions have risen since September 2012, when the Japanese government purchased three islets from a private Japanese owner, leading to widespread anti-japan demonstrations in China Role of Women Corporate culture is a the big obstacle for Japanese women who want to work (nominication, working hours etc.) When women have their first child, 70% of them stop working for a decade or more (30% in America) In April 2013 the PM announced that allowing women to shine in the economy was the most important part of his Abenomics growth strategy Declining and Ageing Population Japan's population fell by almost a quarter of a million in 2013 the fifth consecutive annual fall Japan has the world's oldest population, with a median age of 45 years, an average life of 84, and 25% of the population over 65 years (12% above 75) Societal Trends Salarymen, Herbivore men Parasite singles Sense of duty Hikikomori There are fears that the declining population could impact economic growth and the ageing population could soon become a major financial burden 14
Agenda 1. Introduction to Japan 2. Japanese Culture Key Traits 3. Case Study 4. Corporate Etiquette 5. Daily Activities 15
Some Japanese traits to consider Punctuality The Japanese take punctuality very seriously. To the extent that when trains get delayed (which is in itself rare), station authorities will issue late slips for passengers to take to their employers. 16
Some Japanese traits to consider Discipline The Japanese are considered extremely disciplined, in personal as well as professional life. The discipline is instilled in them early in life, from the time they go to school. 17
Some Japanese traits to consider Hierarchy The Japanese believe in defining each employee s role clearly, and attempting to do anything not within the scope of authority is frowned upon. However, decisions typically involve achieving consensus and cooperation (as opposed to delegation). 18
Some Japanese traits to consider Community From an early age, the Japanese are taught to subvert their own small desires in favor of the greater good of the community to which they belong. Actions are often guided by a strong sense of duty towards the family, community, organization and nation. 19
Some Japanese traits to consider Face Face" can be described as a combination of social standing, reputation, influence, dignity, and honor. Causing someone to "lose face" lowers them in the eyes of their peers, while saving or "building face" raises their self worth. An example of something that may cause someone to lose face is disagreeing with them or contradicting them in public. 20
Some Japanese traits to consider Respect The Japanese place a great emphasis on respecting not just others, but also their surroundings. Examples of this can be seen in words, tone, body language and behavior. 21
Some Japanese traits to consider Wrapping of words In Japanese communication, it is common to pay more attention on how the point is being made rather than what the point is. This is seen as their being more process oriented as opposed to task oriented. 22
Some Japanese traits to consider Harmony For the Japanese, harmony within oneself, as well as between people, is extremely important. Open arguments, conflicts and sometimes even frank discussions are avoided. 23
Some Japanese traits to consider Privacy and Space Despite living in one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Japanese value personal space and privacy and it is normal to stand 2-3 feet apart from people while interacting with them. In crowded areas like subways, despite the physical proximity, the concept of privacy is subtly enforced by closing one s eyes, or remaining engrossed in a book or cellphone. 24
Some Japanese traits to consider Saying no The Japanese often find it difficult to refuse a request outright. In such cases, they often use phrases such as kyo wa chotto which is translated as I m afraid or chotto muzukashii desu ne which literally means it s difficult but in fact means the person would like to say no. This practice is related to the Japanese desire for harmony and keeping face. 25
Agenda 1. Introduction to Japan 2. Japanese Culture Key Traits 3. Case Study 4. Corporate Etiquette 5. Daily Activities 26
Case study 1 Nomura s acquisition of Lehman Not part of the preview 27
Key challenges for Nomura Not part of the preview 28
Case Study 2 Negotiations with Top 3 Japanese Steel Firms Not part of the preview 29
Key takeaways from negotiation Not part of the preview 30
Critical Success Factors when negotiating with Japanese Firms Not part of the preview 31
Agenda 1. Introduction to Japan 2. Japanese Culture Key Traits 3. Case Study 4. Corporate Etiquette 5. Daily Activities 32
Dressing in Japan Not part of the preview 33
Addressing a Japanese person -san is a suffix attached to a person s first or last name (in a business context, usually, it is the last name) which corresponds to Mr. / Ms. in English -kun is used among close friends or by supervisors for male subordinates -chan is used for children or as a term of endearment Given the hierarchical ranking system, it is important to use the correct term to address a Japanese person 34
Greetings in Japan Greetings in Japan are much more formal and ritualistic than in India or the US How a person greets another is considered not only a reflection on his personality but also on his family background and the organization to which he belongs A bow can create a good impression and demonstrate an understanding for the host s values Bows vary by scenario and the relationship between the people involved 35
Bowing techniques Not part of the preview 36
Handshake and eye contact The Japanese do not usually shake hands, instead, they use the bow. However, with foreign visitors, they may show sensitivity to the other s custom and offer a handshake If you are bowing while they come forward for a handshake, be aware not to collide! Eye contact is also avoided in Japanese culture while shaking hands and the shake is not as firm as it would be in the American culture 37
Useful expressions Japanese Konnichiwa Ohayo Gozaimasu Moshi moshi Kon-ban-wa Sayoo-nara Oyasumi nasai Sumimasen Arigatō gozaimasu Hajimemashite Ogen ki desu ka? Okagesama de Gomen nasai Doozo yoroshiku onegai-shimas So des ka? Meaning Hello (used in the day time) Good morning Hello (used on phone) Good evening Good bye Good night Excuse me Thank you Pleased to meet you (literal: this is the first time) How are you? I am fine (literal: I am able to live by your benevolence) Sorry Pleased to meet you (literal : please extend kindness to me. This can be used in conjunction with Hajimemashite) Is that so? 38
Exchanging cards Not part of the preview 39
Participating in a meeting Not part of the preview 40
Giving and receiving gifts in Japan Not part of the preview 41
Exercise: Meeting and greeting 42
Dining terms Japanese Ippin ryoori Maki-zushi Nigiri-zushi Hashi Ohiya Omiotsuke, misoshiru Raamen Sake Sashimi Soba Sushi Tabemono Ten don Ten pura Ton katsu Tsukemono Udon Yakitori Meaning A la carte Rolled sushi Rolled sushi with raw fish Chopsticks Cold water Miso soup Chinese style noodles Japanese rice wine Sliced raw fish Buckwheat flour noodles Rice with vinegar Food Bowl of rice with fried shrimp or fish on top Deep fried Japanese foods Pork cutlet Pickled vegetables Thick wheat flour noodles Bite size pieces of meat or vegetables skewered and grilled 43
Common food items Makisushi Sashimi Ten don Nigirisushi Ten pura Yakitori 44
Dining etiquette Not part of the preview 45
Exercise: Using chopsticks 46
Agenda 1. Introduction to Japan 2. Japanese Culture Key Traits 3. Case Study 4. Corporate Etiquette 5. Daily Activities 47
Subway system Not part of the preview 48
Currency Not part of the preview 49
Places of interest in Tokyo << Roppongi: Popular among expats and youngsters. Famous for night life. >>Shibuya: Major shopping area and fashion centers and popular for nightlife. Also popular for the world s busiest pedestrian crossing and Hachiko the statue of a dog named after a faithful dog << Shinjuku: Large entertainment, business and shopping area, world s busiest train station 50
Counting and Days Japanese Rei Ichi Ni San Yon, Shi Go Roku Nana, Shichi Hachi Ku Ju Getsuyobi Kayobi Suiyobi Mokuyobi Kinyobi Doyobi Nichiyobi Meaning Zero One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 51
Drinks Not part of the preview 52
Foods Not part of the preview 53
Contact Us irikai is a New Delhi, India based soft skills training firm. irikai s Courses are delivered onsite anywhere in India or online via web conference anywhere in the world. Past clients include: Private Equity Firms, Professional Services Firms (Law firms, Recruitment and Staffing Firms, Travel firms etc.) and Hospitality Firms. Levels of audiences range from front line sales staff to CXOs. The training is adapted for the audience and the purpose (e.g. focus can be increased or decreased on specific areas). Please contact us for a consultation: irikai Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Website: www.irikai.com Email: learning@irikai.com Phone: +91 9873 873 006 54