๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต

Japan

ๆ—ฅๆœฌ

East Asia ยท 125M ยท Japanese

Cultural Dimensions

DirectCommunicationIndirect
DirectFeedbackIndirect
EgalitarianAuthorityHierarchical
ConsensualDecisionsTop-down
Task-basedTrustRelationship
OpenConfrontationAvoidant
FlexibleTimeLinear
PrinciplesArgumentsPractical

Key Cultural Features

  • โ—†Nemawashi โ€” consensus-building through pre-meeting discussions
  • โ—†Face-saving (้ขๅญ) โ€” avoiding public embarrassment at all costs
  • โ—†'Yes' (ใฏใ„) often means 'I hear you', not 'I agree'
  • โ—†Business cards (ๅๅˆบ) exchange is a formal ritual
  • โ—†Punctuality is absolute โ€” being late is deeply disrespectful
  • โ—†Silence is a sign of respect and contemplation, not disagreement

โœ… Business Tips

  • โ€ขPresent your business card with both hands and a slight bow
  • โ€ขBegin meetings with small talk about your trip or the weather
  • โ€ขPrepare detailed presentations with supporting data
  • โ€ขAllow pauses โ€” Japanese counterparts are thinking, not ignoring
  • โ€ขSend a follow-up email the same day summarizing key points
  • โ€ขAddress the most senior person first in all communications

โŒ Things to Avoid

  • โ€ขNever write on a business card or put it in your back pocket
  • โ€ขAvoid direct confrontation or public criticism
  • โ€ขDon't pressure for quick decisions โ€” consensus takes time
  • โ€ขDon't use first names unless explicitly invited
  • โ€ขAvoid pointing or gesturing with chopsticks

Hofstede Dimensions

54
PDI
Power Distance
46
IDV
Individualism
95
MAS
Masculinity
92
UAI
Uncertainty Avoidance
88
LTO
Long-Term Orientation
42
IVR
Indulgence

Compare with your culture

Get specific advice for your business situation

๐Ÿ”ฎ Analyze with ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan