Culture Adapting

A detailed Summary of Culture Adapting


The Japanese have mastered the art of adopting desirable aspects of other cultures without compromising their own values, norms, and customs. The most critical of these that must be understood is maintaining proper etiquette. The Japanese have always been obsessed with form and therefore have created a strict code of behavior reinforced by the consequence of severe embarrassment if this code of etiquette is not maintained.

It is almost necessary to have a personal connection to the Japanese business- man; this person is called a shokai-sha. The Japanese tend to be wary of anyone who makes contact with them without a personal introduction. This shokai-sha must be someone of respected status to whom you are making the acquaintance. The shokai-sha may also act as a negotiator when the going gets tough or he may also offer suggestions along the way (Rowland, 7).

When actually meeting and greeting the Japanese, handshakes are commonplace. Although, the traditional bow are still the rule. A handshake may be used after the bow has been completed. There are two main bows associated with separate occasions. The deep bow is used for formal gatherings and the informal bow, which is used throughout the day between people of all ranks (Rowla


Gift giving is a great way of establishing a sound business relationship in Japan. These gifts must be presented to the group as a whole. Examples of appropriate gifts to offer might be anything edible or possibly a picture representing your industry. Items with your company logo are also an appropriate item to give. One must also keep in mind, when giving gifts, there are certain "taboos" to avoid. When a gift is given in a quantity of four or nine, the word "four" means "death" and the word "nine" means "to choke"(Brannen, 24).

Business hours are generally the same as Western civilizations. Opening usually occurs around 9AM and closing at about 5 or 6 in the evening. Lunch is taken from 12PM to 1PM. Religion is of utmost importance in Japanese culture. Shinto and Buddhism are the two major religions practiced in Japan. These religions influence most aspects of Japanese life. A few days in the month of August, most businesses will close to celebrate Obon, the Buddhist All Souls' Day. During this time, people return to their native towns.

In Japanese culture, decision-making is the responsibility of a group as a whole. This process takes considerably longer than one single person, such as a president who

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Miss Western, Souls' Day, Saying Japanese, Business Western, Shinto Buddhism, japanese culture, rowland 31, day people, values norms, japanese try,

Approximate Word count = 818
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

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