Japan

1. Alexander Martin Japan

2. Japan Information • Home of 120 million people • Small Island in the pacific not much bigger than Italy • One of the largest cities, Toyko.

3. Japan’s Flag • In the Japanese flag, the red circle represents the sun. • This flag has a very old history dating back to the samurais. • Japan’s currency is the yen and one yen is worth .01 to Us dollars

4. Things to know before Traveling • To enter Japan you obviously need a passport and visa. • Crime in Japan is drastically lower than in America. Also the amount of translators are about average. • If you do commit a crime in Japan, you are subject to its laws. • Japan has the highest cost of living. • Also Japan accepts American money also, since summer of 2010

5. A few JAPANESE words/Phrases. • Hello……………..こんにちは • Hamburger….......ハンバーガー • It’s Godzilla………そのゴジラ • Samurai Sword….日本刀 • Thank you………..ありがとう

6. Making Appointments • Typically Business Hours in Japan are from 9-5. • Making appointments are usually done via email or through a phone. • Meetings can start around 10 in the morning or 1:30 in the afternoon. • Try being early for meetings and be punctual during the meeting. • Also give some parameters for how long the meeting should last to avoid meetings from dragging on

7. Business Appropriate Dress • For a first time meeting, try and avoid anything that stands out to much. • A white t-shirt with no tie is appropriate in Japan, because according to the Prime Minister it reduces air conditioning costs. • For Women, stick with a formal outfit with minimal amounts of make-up and jewelry.

8. Good and bad Topics of Conversation • Good • Baseball is a good Ice- Breaker, mostly because MlB games are broadcasted in Japan. • Japanese arts or theater, because that is a very important part of their culture. • Bad • Talking about WWII and how America destroyed Japan. • Talking about the atomic bomb.

9. Addressing Other • It’s the norm to and –san to the end of someone's name. example ( Suzuki-san) • This shows respect to whom ever you speak to. • Try not to use the word “uh” in conversation.

10. Acceptable Behavior • Japanese are now used to shaking hands in business. • Adding a slight bow of your head while shaking his/her hand shows respect. • Avoid crossing your legs. • Sit up and be attentive. • Turn to the side to cough or sneeze.

11. Gift Giving • Gift Giving is not uncommon in Japan • Either the present should be given to them, before or after the meeting. • Alcohol or name brand items are good gifts to give. • Present the gift with two hands, shows more respect.

12. Negotiating • Even Before negotiating make a strong lasting relationship with your who ever it is your doing business with. Like golfing with them. • While Negotiating, its hard to introduce new ideas, so try saying it from different angles would help. • Japanese business people are very analytical and detail oriented, so meetings can last for a while. • Respect Japanese policies is very important while making business. • Japanese use the word “yes” as a way to state “I understand”, so it doesn’t necessarily mean they agree.

13. Entertaining • Take them to lunch around from 12-1. • There is no specific place to go but ask what they like. • Golf would be a great thing to do with them.

14. Dining • Korean barbeques, Curry Place, Noodle Shop, or Sushi Shops are great places to eat at with whom ever your doing better with. • Avoid Fast food places. • Know the customs how they eat at that restaurant, like chopsticks • Never stick your chopsticks upright in rice because it is a sign of death. lol

15. Comparison to the US. • Us business does not accept gift giving. • Shaking your hand is a sign of greeting and respect. • Taking your Business Partner to lunch is a common practice in both Japan and Us • Japan likes the custom of gift giving. • Bowing your head to your business partner is a sign of Respect • Dressing is similar to Us Style expect they typically do not wear ties. American Business Japanese Business