Japan+Facts

// 1.   //// Religious Beliefs: // ·  Shinto – 84% ·  Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism ·  Some practices are incorporated with business to provide good wishes to new businesses. ·  Businesses may be conducted under moral guides provided by that specific religion // 1.   //// Social Customs/Culture: // ·  It's customary to split the bill evenly among everyone at the table, no matter how much you've had to drink or eat. ·  Before eating or drinking, it is customary to say "Itadakimasu." This term, roughly translated, means "good eating to you, I am starting to eat." It is considered rude to start a meal without saying "Itadakimasu." ·  Bathing o  Bathing in Japan verges on ritual. Japanese begin by soaping and scrubbing before entering the tub o  Prejudice o  You may be rejected without explanation—many Japanese landlords simply will not rent to gaijin. o  Wherever you go in Japan, foreigners are subject to a different set of rules. // 1.   //// Family Structure: // ·  Traditional – agricultural household i strict gender-based role division ii hierarchy by birth iii Eldest son takes over family business and provides for parents // 1.   //// Political Structure: // ·  Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch. The chief of state is the emperor; Emperor Akihito was crowned in 1990 after the death of his father. The head of government is the prime minister ·  Prime minister has most power in the government, he hires th House of Representatives and House of Councilors and appoints the Supreme Court // 1.   //// Currency: // ·  The Yen // 1.   //// Communication: // ·  Bowing is a proper way to greet. ·  Japanese is the official language. Its complex and subtle, and not spoken anywhere else in the world as the official language. ·  Communication in Japan is often marked by great subtlety; information is left unspoken yet is perfectly understood. // 1.   //// Government Regulations and Laws: // ·  No effective mechanism for checking top management ·  Japan ’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has issued a draft report recommending major changes to regulations that govern working hours // 1.   //// Workday/Hours/Holidays: // ·  Annual work hours = 1828 ·  5 hour work day ·  New Year’s (Shogatsu) ·  Coming of Age Day ·  Girls Festival ·  Vernal and Autumnal Equinox ·  Golden Week ·  Respect for the Aged Day ·  Health-Sports Day ·  Emperor’s Birthday ·  //  2.   //// Standard of Living: // ·  Japanese enjoy a high standard of living, and nearly 90% of the population consider themselves part of the middle class. // 1.   //// Accepted Business Practices: // ·  Building a long-term personal relationship ·  Business entertainment is the medium ·  Being humble ·  Acting as a team ·  Negotiations // 1.   //// Education: // ·  Pressure to do good is extremely high ·  Literacy is close to 100% i 95% of population has high school educations ·  Educational system is similar to the US    ii  Except students have many qualifying exams ·  People who get into a good college are guaranteed good jobs // 1.   //// Flag/Colors: // ·  The Rising Sun // 1.   //// Native Foods: // ·  White rice, miso soup, tsukemono, sushi, tempura, yakitori // 1.   //// Business Attire: // ·  Conservative Suits. Slip on shoes. ·  Keep at minimum: jewelry, perfume, and makeup
 * Gift Giving
 * When invited to a Japanese home, be it that of a friend or an official homestay, it is customary to bring a gift, or omiyage. We suggest bringing some small trinkets, like key chains or baseball caps, from home for this purpose. The gift should be between two and five dollars in value
 * Exchanging Business Cards
 * In Japan, every business relationship begins with an exchange of business cards, or meishi. As soon as you know your permanent address, have some business cards printed, preferably with English on one side and Japanese on the other. Read the card with great interest, perhaps commenting on a particular character, or kanji.
 * Bowing
 * The bow is firmly embedded in Japanese culture. You will become used to it after only a short time in Japan. The Japanese bow when they meet and part from one another (when Westerners would use a handshake), to express gratitude, to show deference to superiors, and in many other social situations. The type of bow depends on the relationship and social or professional ranking of the people involved. As a foreigner and newcomer to Japanese culture, you will be exempt from strict bowing etiquette, but the more you assimilate the better.
 * Removing Shoes
 * You will be expected to remove your shoes upon entering many Japanese buildings, including homes and even some English schools.
 * The reason is more practical than traditional, since it helps to keep the inside clean.
 * Eating and Drinking
 * You will catch on quickly to the subtleties involved with eating and drinking in Japan
 * Remember that upon finishing your meal, you must place your chopsticks across your dish or on the side
 * It is considered rude to fill your own glass
 * Your glass will be continuously filled even if you say "no, thank you."