Global Cultural Analysis: Japan

The cultural behaviors of the “American” or “Japanese” in the video do not accurately reflect business behaviors in these countries so please do not generalize based on the video. The video is meant as a classroom exercise to analyze a specific cultural encounter. Total 20 points.

Shinichi Hirokawa Argosy University Tsai-Ling Wu Argosy University Japan, as the world’s third largest economy, continues to be attractive to international exporters and investors. It is our argument that the forces of change that led originally to new and bigger opportunities remain the same, despite surface differences. This paper explores some of the key issues related to entering this market. It provides an examination of effective marketing strategies and how the marketing knowledge can be used to enter and succeed in Japan. It outlines six specific marketing

In order to greet others Japanese bow to each other with a smile instead of shaking hands during the meetings. Male and female both use this way of greetings only. Direct eye contact is not favored rather they look below the chin while talking to someone especially towards the people seen as a “social superior”. Direct eye contact is considered as a rude gesture and disrespect of the listener.

There are significant cultural differences between Japan and the United Kingdom that need to be taken into account when doing international business. There are also a number of methods and systems by which these differences have been described. These include the Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions, Trompenaars seven dimensions of culture and the Globe Project's cultural dimensions. This paper will discuss these differences and similarities, and shed light as to the best approach to international business in these countries.

Tiffany and Co. (Tiffany) is a jewelry company founded in New York City in the 1800s. Over the past two hundred years, this company has grown from a small stationary goods store to a multinational corporation with over $4.031 billion in sales. In 1970, Tiffany and Company expanded into the Asian market. According to the most recent shareholder report, sales in Japan make up 14% of world wide net sales. In order reach this point, the executives at Tiffany and Co. must have studied Japanese culture in an effort to not offend their future business partners. Since there are great cultural and etiquette differences, the deal could have failed quite quickly if the hosts felt disrespected. This report examines the background of Tiffany and Co., the cultural differences between the United States and Japan, as well as Japanese culture and management styles.

Culture is a very important value that is often misconstrued with a foreign country. You have to understand the local law and its role in their society. Americans often think that because Japan has very little litigation, Japanese companies are not concerned about contracts and legal rights. That is an enormous cultural misunderstanding that can lead to major business mistakes. Japanese businesses are very legalistic and concerned with preserving their rights - though they are not litigious, in part because the Japanese court system is slow, expensive and cumbersome.

A good impression from the beginning means everything when dealing with the Japanese. Japanese business attire is formal; it shows your seriousness when conducting business. Business card should be treated with respect, because it reflects the face of that particular Japanese businessman and shows how important he is. Take the time to read it and put it in a business card holder. Never put it in pocket, write on it, or forget about it because it shows disrespect.

When most people think about Japan they come up with two opposing images. One image reflects the busy day life of this island; filled with salary man and companies. While the second image features an explosion of colorful LED lights and clubs that are common within the nightlife. Today in present day, Japan has evolved and flourished to become one of the top growing economies and industries in the world. Making Japan a prime and excellent area for jobs to prosper. One of these modern jobs that have flourished is the Hostess lifestyle. Known in modern society as the elegant young women who entertain men, this lifestyle can be traced to many other types of jobs residing in Japan. While a subtler job career opposing the hostess lifestyle are

Both societies, moreover, have developed the art of business and commerce, of buying and selling, of advertising and mass producing, to the highest levels. Few sights are more reassuring to people from the United States than the tens of thousands of busy stores in Japan,

Due to its unique history, Japan has many customs and beliefs that differ from the rest of the world. The Japanese are known to be very prideful yet, humble individuals. Many of the Japan’s traditions are very distinct and serve to represent the country. Japanese culture is meant to depict respect for both themselves and other people.

Understanding culture plays a crucial role in maintaining and forming international relations. It serves as a political backbone in peace and fosters agreements among nations previously foreign to one another. Culture provides an outlet for individuals to witness the variety of people on the planet we share. To gain knowledge and appreciation for a culture other than my own, I have chosen one far from what I am accustomed to, the Japanese culture from the island of Japan.

Before everyone takes a seat, it is an essential part of Japanese business etiquette to exchange business cards. In Japan, business cards are called ‘meishi’. They are considered not only as serious tools for establishing business contacts, but also as identification of the individual and the company he/she represents. Business cards should be printed with one side in Japanese and one side in the language of the individual’s home country. It is in ones best interest to offer their business card with both hands as this denotes greater respect. Unlike many Western countries where it is acceptable to ‘pocket’ a business card upon receipt, it is considered extremely rude and disrespectful in Japan. In comparison it is expected for the recipient to review and memorize the details printed on the card and then carefully place it in a card holder or pocketbook. As Japanese business meetings are conducted formally, it is unacceptable for members to dress casually. Acceptable attire for men includes conservative suits in a dark color. Women are also expected to dress conservatively and should avoid wearing trousers as Japanese men may take it offensively. In

Japanese culture is a blend of modern western culture and traditional Asian culture (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, n.d.) And great value is placed on the need for harmony, consensus decision-making and social conformity and especially close co-operation between government and private enterprise, this emphasis on consensus will need to be taken into account in business negotiations (Griffin & Pustay, 2015, p. 61) Positive market aspects are Japan’s high! Education levels, with universal elementary education and literacy (Abe, 2013; Institute of Export, 2015). However, problem workforce skill levels should the need arise to employ local labour with 83% of employers having problems filling vacancies; these positions include sales representative, engineers and IT staff (Manpower Group, 2015). This may require sourcing staff from Australia. Should this be the case it will be necessary to apply for a certificate of eligibility and a visa for periods of 3 months, up to 5 years, processing for this usually takes 3 months (Embassy of Japan in Australia, 2014).

Japan is an East Asian Island country with a specific cultural identity. Samurai values, kimono clothing, Noh Theater, woodblock art, and sumo wrestling are among the many instantly identifiable aspects of Japan’s culture. Many of Japan’s cultures have developed through centuries of feudal rule and has benefited from the country’s geographic isolation.

In the world today, we are exposed to many different cultures; America is a great example of this. It is a giant melting pot full of many unique people who bring their cultures from around the world. Thanks to them, we have little parts of towns that are chock full of their culture, like China Town and Little Italy. We also have them to thank for all the different types of food and styles of cooking that they have brought over. But what about the cultures of other countries, have Americans influenced their culture like they did to ours? One country that really interested me in answering this question was in Japan. Japan is packed full of culture from their old traditions of their new futuristic culture and has Americans have any part in their pop culture transformation?