When you have relations with Japanese business persons, you may have heard that Japanese people are workaholics and work tirelessly day and night. However, in this time if age where work life balance is considered priority, do they still work like this?

Are Japanese people really workaholics like people say they are? Aren’t young people changing like the rest of Millenials? What are business in Japanese business culture?

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

Relationship between Japanese culture and business

The Boomers are insanely workaholics

The Boomers and people around 50 and up are surely fit the image of Japanese business people. They work late hours, go to business dinner parties, and work on weekends. They are written in their DNA that sacrificing family and private time for your company is their first priority just like their parents.It is tough sometimes because they would expect you to feel the same, although you feel “no way private time is more important to me!!” You may be surprised to find out that their schedules will be filled with business dinners or “nomikai” on weekday nights and golf rounds on weekends with clients and business partners. Thanks to the trend of work-life balance, the pressure from the boomers to do the same are decreasing. However, you must be careful because the second word they will say is lets go out for a drink. For going out with these people means talking about your work until midnight, which sometimes becomes a nightmare.

It is important to note that a lot of these persons are quite respectable persons and there are a lot to learn about business from them, but because if the different ways of thinking, their harsh characters sometimes wear you out.

The Generation X are not so much but mostly workaholics

Generation X or people around 40 are not as much workaholics as the Boomers, when you get to know them you’ll find out that most of them are. Because Generation X are middle managers and often work closely with Millenials, they understand their ways of thinking, and actually share Millenial like approach to business and private. However, most of the X’ers inherit the traits of Boomers and usually prioritize work over private time. They will try to take you out for a drink, although in a more casual way so that you can excuse yourself. The X’ers Japanese business persons are more easy to cope with compared to Boomers, but they more often still inherit the workaholic traits if the Boomers.

Japanese culture and business nowadays

Millenials and Z want more to life than work

Millenials who are around 30 and Z who are around 20 are are quite different from the Boomers and the X. Unlike the image of a typical Japanese business person, Millenials tries to enjoy life and believe there is more to life other than work. They care about their family and close friends, and try to distance from business and secure private time. Although some Millenials want to work in the style of Boomers and X’ers, you’ll be relieved to find out that most Millenials and Z’s will share the same stance to life as the rest if the world.

Summary

Generation X and up are workaholics like you hear and read
Millenials and Z share common traits like the rest of the world

When you work in Japan you might be surprised with the commuter train. A train might arrive at the station packed, filled with people where people are crammed together, and you would wonder how am I going to get into this train…? You may decide to jump into the train, but then again you might not.

One way or the other, you might start to think whether there are other way around it or not? How are Japanese people dealing with this commuters train issue? Here’s how.

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

3 ways to deal with commuters train in Japan

Find a way to adapt to commuters train

This would be the hardest way, but there may be things you can do to make things better. From my experience, trying to adjust a few trains early may sometimes be the best solution. People want to stay at home as much as possible, and earlier you jump on the train, the more comfortable you would become.

If you really can’t do that, try to squeeze yourself to the inner space as possible. The further on you move away from the doors the more comfortable you will become.

In cities like Tokyo or Osaka, there may be other train lines available to your office. Although it nay take more time, those lines may be less crowded than the one you take now. It may make your life easier sacrificing a bit of your time than riding on a full packed train.

However, there are times you can never do anything to make the time in the train easier. So sometimes it is better to move away from trains.

Cycling to your office

Usually, the first best option and the one I would recommend would be trying a bike. In Japan, riding on a subway for 30 minutes is a distance you can easily reach on your bike. If you live in a city or a neighboring suburbs, a bicycle may be a realistic option. On my experience 5 km would be about 15 to 30 minutes and it is a distance you can easily manage everyday. In addition, when the weather is nice, it is good for a daily exercise. However, keep in mind that during the humid Japanese summer, you might want to carry extra clothes to change, for your shirts will be a mess by the time you reach the office.

Commuting on motorcycle or car

I have never tried commuting by motorcycle but if you usually ride a motorbike, it may be an option. I hear from people who commute on motorcycle that it is good since it is easy to change routes to move away from traffic jams. When you want to take a car however you may need to plan your route carefully because roads in Japan are narrow and crowded. And specific roads are are always stuck on traffic jams.

Summary

Change time or line of train where it is less crowded
Try using bicycle, if your office is a commutable distance
Try a motorcycle or car, but plan your route carefully on car

When you work in Japan, you may have a chance to propose something or an idea that you will feel is good fir the company. However when you have proposed, you may not hear an answer for maybe a month or so. When you ask for an answer, your boss will reply it is being discussed. What does t mean? Why is it so slow?

Why is decision making in Japanese business culture so unclear? How do I deal with it?

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

1. Japanese decision making system, the “Ringi” system.

Japanese decision making us unique in a way that decision is not by a single person, but by the company itself through the system called the “Ringi (稟議)” system. There are 3 points to know about Ringi system

1-1 Ringi proposals goes around the company

When you think about proposals, you would think that it would go from the person proposing, directly to the decision maker. However, in the Japanese Ringi system, a Ringi proposal would go to around not only the proposing division, but also divisions almost not related at all such ad Finance, General Affairs, Legal, Secretarial, and so on. When the Ringi proposal finally reaches the decision maker, you can imagine that it would have taken a lot of time to travel from the proposer. A normal lead time that a Ringi travel from out of your hand to when it comes back to you is a bout one to 2 weeks.

1-2 Decision maker change by price tag of the Ringi

In the Ringi system, decision maker to a Ringi proposal is determined by the price tag of the Ringi. Usually, there is an internal rule in a company that say if something cost above, lets say ¥200k, it needs to be approved by the Ringi system. Aside from that there would be a chart explaining the decision maker’s posts and the price range and purpose the post is responsible for. For example, a proposal for an TVC promotion cost ¥20 mil, this would need to be approved by the Executive Officer responsible for the business for the post is responsible for cost is in between ¥10 mil to ¥100 mil and the purpose is promotion.

1-3 Who made the final call is unclear

Like I mentioned above, there is a clear rule as to who would make the final call. However it is often the case with Japanese companies, the decision maker actually does not have actual approval power to make the call. For example, a proposal may be approved because it is approved in the budget, even if it is way off the line, or it is almost something else entirely because of numerous revisions. And the person who approved the budget is usually the decision maker’s boss or the boss’s boss, so he must approve the proposal to make ends meet, even if he does not like the proposal. As you can se in this case the REAL decision maker is not in the member to approve the Ringi at all, even if the Ringi proposal is covered with stamps of approval. Hence comes to the state that we don’t know who actually made the call because something may get easily approved even if no one actually APPROVE the Ringi.

2. How to deal with the Ringi system

2-1 Make sure you have your proposal on the budget

Your Japanese bosses don’t like to surprises. Whether it is a promotion fee you or your customer really need or not, it usually must be on the budget. Therefore if you would like to have your promotion fee, make sure to hide it well when you turn in your budget at the beginning of your fiscal year.

2-2 Keep your proposal materials clear, simple and to the point

Your boss’s don’t want to read through your explanatory proposal materials. If you can keep it clear and simple, that it is on the budget and the fee is not so off the target, people will stamp approval right away.

Summary

1. Decision making system in Japanese business culture is the Ringi system, and there are no real decision makers in the system.

2. When you want to make things done, make sure to have it on the budget, and keep your proposal simple and make sure the key persons are on your side.

In this article, I’ll answer the following questions that might pop up in your head when you work in Japan.

When I entered the room people started to wait in line holding business cards. What is it all about? Is there rules? Why do people do it?

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

1. 3 basic rules, and how to do it

1-1 Hand first to the person of the highest rank then down

There is a clear rule to the order of say greetings and exchanging business cards. Exchanging cards is usually done from the visiting persons, so if you are the visitor, you should propose to exchange cards. Look around the room and try to find the highest ranking person. It is usually the oldest so you shouldn’t have any problem finding the person. If you found him/her, greet and then ask to exchange business cards. After that, all others will wait in line behind the highest ranked person to exchange cards with you so no need to try to find the next highest rank. So you will go on and exchange cards until you have collected cards of everyone in the room. However if you were invited to a place where there are more than 20 people, it may be ok to exchange with the highest ranked persons plus people who came up to you to exchange.

1-2 Hold business card with both hands and exchange at the same time

There is an etiquette of how to exchange business cards in Japan. If you plan to do it the Japanese way. You might want to remember the manner. First hold business card with both hands your business card facing the opposing person so that they can read the words. Then say “ohatsu ni omenikakarimasu (お初にお目にかかります)“ or “nice to meet you”. Then mention your company name and your name. Then if exchanging at the same time, hand out your card with your right hand, and accept the opposing person’s card with your left hand. Then hold the person’s card with both hands, and say “choudai itashinasu (頂戴いたします)” or “I’ll gladly accept your card”.

1-3 Place the business card you accepted on your card case

You do this so that it would not touch the table directly. If you got more than one card at the same time, place the highest ranked person on your card case.

2. Why do Japanese people do this

As with the bowing, senpai, and all other Japanese business cultures, business cards seems like another formality, and also there may be a bit of animism of Shinto. When you receive a business card, you treat it as though it is the person itself, and that is why you place it on the card case and not directly on the table.

Summary

1. Understand the 3 basic rules
2. Japanese business card culture is mostly about formality

When working in Japan, have you ever had a time when you’ve had no idea what people where saying when you meet people in the office? You would say “hi”, but they would say お疲れ様です. At first, you would tell yourself that you must have heard wrong, but then the same scene would repeat on and on. Then you would start to wonder, there must be something appropriate to say and that I may not be saying the right greetings…

Are greetings different from other countries?
What are the basic greetings in Japan, and how do I respond to them?

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

1. Japanese business greetings are unique

Japanese business greetings are totally unique and are different from Western countries. This may be due to Japan developing a unique culture being an island country. This unique culture had mixed together in the industrial era in the 19th century with the modern idea of corporate culture, and seems to give birth to a distinct business culture like no other.

2. The 4 basic greetings

If you remember these following 4 greetings, you won’t need another for the rest of your business career at a Japanese firm.

2-1 “Osewani nari masu (お世話になります)”

“Osewani nari masu (お世話になります)” is basically saying “Hi” to someone outside of your company. This literally means “we appreciate doing business with you”, but is used to everyone outside your company. So whenever you meet someone in person, talk on the phone, or write e-mail, you begin with “osewani nari masu”. This applies to almost everyone, after you have met then first. Even if you don’t really appreciate doing business with a certain company, it is an etiquette to say so.

2-2 “Otsukare sama desu (お疲れ様です)”

“Otukare sama desu (お疲れ様です)” is also saying “Hi”, but to a colleague of yours. This means “I appreciate your hard work”, and is used to your colleagues and seniors. This is the most commonly used greeting internally. You would use this as the first word on the phone or on e-mail, as you would use hi.

2-3 “Shitsurei shimasu (失礼します)”

“Shitsurei shimasu (失礼します)”, literary means “excuse me” and are also used similarly. This greeting is used when entering a meeting room or boss’s room, or when you are leaving the office.

2-4 “Yoroshiku onegai shimasu (宜しくお願いします)”

“Yoroshiku onegai shimasu (宜しくお願いします)”, means “thank you for your understanding”, and are also used similarly as the English word. This is used when asking a customer’s understanding, and asking a colleague for help.

Summary

1. Japanese business greetings are unique
2. There are 4 basic greetings to remember

In this article, I will answer the follwing questions.

When you work in Japan, you will come across a time when people start bowing. You’ll feel you need to bow, but When is the appropriate time to bow? How deep do I bow? Why do Japanese people bow?

What tou will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

1. The 3 Types of Bowing used in business scenes

1-1 Casual bow

The frst first type is a casual bow used for acknowledgement and are used in situations like a casual greeting. Depth of a slight bow is said to be about 15 degrees. This is the bow you would most use in your everyday business scenes. You would use to say hi, to acknowledge, enter and excuse a casual meeting, and all sorts of situations. If the person next to you is bowing, it is usually the situation to do so. This casual bow is used when walking also, so it may be difficult at first, but since it is used so often, and since your Japanese colleagues will probably bow to you when you meet them when walking around the office, you’ll probably get used to it sooner or later.

1-2 Formal bow

Second type is a formal bow, which is used for your customers or your superiors. A formal bow is said to be about 30 degrees. Whenever you do business with your customers or superiors, its better to use a formal bow. Whenever you meet your customers in person, you begin your greetings with a formal bow, and you end the meeting with the formal bow of appreciation.

1-3 Most formal bow

The last type is the most formal type of bow, which is used for the most important persons or for apologetic reasons. The most formal bow is said to be about 45 degrees. You would not use this commonly and you should not for as mentioned above it is mostly used to apologize to your customers.

2. Why do Japanese people bow?

I truly don’t know cultural real reason behind bowing. However what I do know is that Japanese people love formalities. It may be related to the custom of respecting the elderly and superiors. It may also be related to the rituals of Shintō. Since bowing is so natural and deeply rooted to the DNAs of Japanese people, it may be best to respect and master the art of bowing.

Summary

1. Remember the angle and degrees of the types of bowing.
2. Bowing is deeply rooted in DNA of Japanese people.

In this article, I will answer the following questions that might come to mind when you work at or with a Japanese firm.

What is a senpai and how do I get along with one? Is it different by types of senpai?

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

1. What is a senpai

In business a senpai is a senior coworker, who is relatively close to your age or business career at the firm. In one way you ca say that a Senpai is a relatively close senior coworker. However according to what they expect from a kohai or a junior coworker, you must be careful how to respond to your senpai.

2. The 3 types of senpai

1-1 Taiikukai-kei, or sports-minded and hierarchical type

This may be the most difficult type to get along with. For this will be the type that if you do not behave like a typical sports-minded kohai, they will be very frustrated. These types of senpai will expect you to do exactly what they tell you to do, no questions asked, no matter the conditions. From serving beer to your senpai’s glass before the glass is open, searching for meeting room whenever a meeting is scheduled, to fetching taxi before your senpai finds one, you must comply with your senpai’s order before he/she feels it should be ready. I try not to get close to these types because I know I can never satisfy them.

1-2 Friendly, but hierarchical type

These light hierarchical type is the most common type and if you respect certain rules, they will be easily satisfied, and to get along with. Such certain rules depend in person, and it may seem hard to find, but if you get to know them well enough, they’ll give you signs that say “get these right and I’ll be your senpai.” These are the majority and if you keep a comfortable distance, it is fairly easy to get along with, so should you need allies in your company, get to know these senpais.

1-3 Totally friendly and fair type

Friendly type is the most rare and hard to find, but there are senpais that treat you as equals and do not expect any sort of hierarchical respect at all. They are hard to cone by, but when you run into one, you will gain a lot of information about the company and gain access to the same types of peoples. When you run into these senpais, I advise you to try to earn their friendship and you may gain the network of friends to live through your company.

Summary

1. Senpai is a senior coworker who is close to you in age or length of career.
2. Be aware of which of the 3 types your Senpai classify, and remember that the 3rd type is most important

When working in Japan, surely you would have experience being asked to go for a drink or come to a dinner party or “Nomikai”. And you would ask yourself, is this work or private? Is this OK to decline, or is this mandatory? Once you go to one, you would see experience chaos of the Nomikai and sometimes loads of harassment being done, and you may be disappointed by coming to one. On the other hand, you may bump into a couple of people who you usually don’t talk but they happened to be really nice people and feel really happy about coming.

In this article, I will try to answer those questions you might run into concerning Japanese business culture and alcohol, and how to deal with it.

Why do Japanese business culture people drink alchohol with colleagues after work?
How do I deal with it without making a bad impression?

What you will learn

I feel that I am credible to write this article because I have 7 years experience at a typical midsize Japenese firm. I have been working from fresh graduate where I had etiquette training, and been working as international sales, and corporate strategist.

1. Japanese business culture and alchohol, its reasons why

In traditional Japanese companies, you may come across company parties called “Nomikai” which is considered part of traditional Japanese business culture. This may be due to Japanese culture that emphasize on consensus and community. This culture forces its members to repress their values and opinions, which prevents them to express it when it does not reflect the community opinions. Therefore leading to a situation where no member of the community is saying what they want to say, and you will never know what they really think about you. You might want to note that this is not true for all East Asian countries from my experience Chinese people are quite expressive.

2. 3 ways to deal with alchohol in Japanese business culture

Here’s three ways to deal with the situation according to how much you feel close to the person you refer to.

2-1 Go for it

If you think you can get along with the person, take the invitation and have an honest chat. In firms that hold Japanese business culture it is hard to get valid information, and this will be your good chance to get it. With everyone talking honestly, you will now get a better sence of what’s really going on in your company.

2-2 Decline politely

If you really don’t feel like going at all, decline the offer. There’s no reason to waste your time for a person you don’t feel like you don’t want to be friends with. In addition, more and more Japanese companies are becoming aware of harassments at work, and your colleagues will support your decision.

2-3 If you really need to go, don’t drink

There are situations where you cannot decline the invitation. Whether it be because he/she is your boss, or everyone else is going. If it is your first time going out, you can pretend that you don’t drink at all and you can just enjoy Japanese Izakaya food. If they know you drink, take a long time to drink the first glass, and order a glass of water to let the person know you had enough alcohol. Either way, it’s better that you stay as sober as possible, because if you go out once, it’s very likely that there is second and third.

• Summary

1. In Japanese business culture, there is Nomikai because it is very difficult to talk honestly at work.

2. If you are invited you have 3 choices. Go for it, decline, or if you really need to go, stay sober.