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Japan Demographics
New ReviewJapan has a population of approximately 126 million, more than twice that of the United Kingdom and less than half that of the United States. But with 333 people per square kilometer, Japan is one of the most densely populated countries...
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Japan Customs
New ReviewThe Japanese love to give gifts. The two main Japan-wide gift-giving seasons are July (Ochugen), when people wish each other summer greetings and good health, and December (Oseibo), to show appreciation for assistance offered during the...
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Japan Dos and Don'ts
New ReviewThe Japanese enjoy socializing as much as other people, but their behavior may seem formal and unfamiliar to someone from another culture. Learn key do's and don'ts to ensure that you behave appropriately in social and business...
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Japan Absence of Personal Style
New ReviewOne major difference between Japanese and Western companies is that in Japan, no one person is usually identified as the personality or power behind a company’s policy or business strategy. Instead, ideas and strategies usually are...
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Japan Security
New ReviewWhile Japan has long been considered extremely safe, no country, of course, is 100 percent safe. Economic problems have led to greater unemployment, and, according to the Japanese, relatively lower moral standards. A few years ago, any...
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Japan Health
New ReviewJapan has high health standards, and the food and water are generally safe. You don’t have to worry about outbreaks of epidemics, either, but given the dense living conditions, don’t be surprised if you come down with a cold or the flu.
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Japan Handling Emergencies
New ReviewIn Japan, there are two emergency numbers everyone should know: 110, to contact the police, and 119, to report a fire or request an ambulance. But be mindful that you’ll have to talk in Japanese, which is especially difficult when you’re...
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Japan Cultural Activities
New ReviewThe Japanese see themselves as unique in the world and love to talk about what makes them so. From their perspective, Western culture is taking over, so showing an interest in their customs and traditions is sure to make a good...
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Japan Currency
New ReviewThe Japanese currency is the yen. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, and 100 yen, whereas notes are valued at 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen. Japan is still mainly a cash society, and many small businesses even pay salaries in cash. Unless...
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Japan Imperial Family
New ReviewThroughout Japanese history, the Japanese have believed in the divine ancestry of the imperial family as one of Japan’s unique virtues. Explore the ancient legend about the divinity of the imperial family beginning with the sun goddess...
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Japan Attitudes Towards Foreigners
New ReviewFor all the attention Japan gets as a world leader in business and technology, it’s easy to forget how physically isolated and small the country is. This feature has impacted the Japanese perception of foreigners throughout history into...
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Japan Legal System
New ReviewJapan’s legal system is based mainly on the model of prewar German and Soviet legal theory. Thus, the system is grounded not in judicial precedent but in the laws of the constitution. Culturally, the Japanese aren’t very litigious; they...
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Japan Major Regions
New ReviewJapan consists of eight regions and 47 prefectures or provinces. Each region has its own character, making Japan a country of contrasts. Starting from the northernmost end of the Japanese archipelago, the country’s eight regions are...
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Japan Geography
New ReviewLocated off the east coast of Asia, Japan consists of four main islands and a chain of several thousand islands that goes from north to south. A little larger than Italy and a little smaller than the state of California, the country is...
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Japan Women in Workplace
New ReviewIn Japan, it is generally expected that women will work for a few years after graduation until children are born. Those with school-age children may go back to work part-time, usually for a low hourly wage. Slowly, however, attitudes are...
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Japan Rotational System
New ReviewSome management practices in Japan are distinctly Japanese, such as the formal rotation system in which personnel get relocated every two to three years—sometimes overseas. Many salarymen end up living apart from their families, often in...
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Japan Presentation of Business Cards
New ReviewBusiness cards, called meishi, are very important in Japan, and the presentation is traditionally very ceremonial. At one time, people used both hands to give and receive cards. Nowadays, it’s more common to use one hand only. When...
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Japan Management Practices
New ReviewIn Japan, business practices are distinctly Japanese and have their roots in the local cultural values of tradition, patriarchy, respect for age, formality, cooperation, loyalty, and consensus-building. Corporate culture in Japan is...
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Japan Forms of Address
New ReviewIn addition to bowing, the Japanese express respect by adding the suffix san to the end of another person's family name. This is similar to the English use of the titles Mr. and Mrs. Take care never to use san with your own name! The use...
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Japan Foreign Managers
New ReviewFine-tune management practices and learn practical tips for managing employees in Japan. Topics include making an effort to meet everyone in the office, bringing office gifts, and managing communications with employees and colleagues.
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Japan Foreign Companies
New ReviewMost foreign companies operating in Japan are subsidiaries of overseas multinationals. Some firms began as Japanese firms and eventually became affiliates of global firms through mergers and acquisitions. Learn how business reforms in...
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Japan Meetings
New ReviewDid you know that business meetings in Japan tend to be more formal than in many other countries? Developing trust is absolutely key. Learn more about specific protocols for business meetings, including when to arrive, appropriate...
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Japan Economy
New ReviewJapan probably engaged in trade with China and Korea from as early as the third century. In the modern era, trade is increasingly important, especially with a well-crafted economic policy closely administered by the government in...
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Japan Company Trips and Corporate Entertaining
New ReviewJapanese firms have traditionally tended to be patriarchal, or mainly controlled by men. In Japanese culture, businesspeople often expect their firms to provide trips and entertainment, a practice that builds employee loyalty and...