Le business au Japon - étude en anglais

Marie Desbenoit GACOM2

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STYLE

JAPAN

SOMMAIRE

Introduction

I. Appointment alert

II. Behaviour

III. Conversation

IV. Gift giving

Conclusion

Introduction

Japan is an island separated from the east coast of Asia by the Sea of Japan. There are about 120 million people. This sharply contrasts with its smaller geographical size that isn’t much larger than Italy. Furthermore, landscapes are predominantly mountainous thereforethe population is centered in different areas, mainly Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Nagoya.

As regard travel and accommodations, most business travelers fly into Narita which is convenient for its 2 runways and a newly renovated terminal which is otherwise very pleasant. To give you an idea, it takes about ten and a half hours by plane to Tokyo from California.

Once you arrived, according to your destination, it’s recommended to take the airport limousine bus (for US $25 for also 2 hour ride) or the Narita express train if you are going to Tokyo. By contrast, take the taxi isn’t advisable in the sense that it’s very expensive, it will coasts several hundred dollars unless you specifically have business in that region.

In terms of climate, it’s rather humid, especially in the summer. It rains a lot from mid-June to mid-July and then it really gets hot.

You must know that typhoons begin their ascent north in the summertime and last through the autumn, that’s why you’d better keep an eye on the weather and typhoon movements before going because there are often flight cancellations. Besides, for some years now, typhoons can hit land several times a year. Otherwise, springtime and winter are very delightful.

Concerning the holidays, special care is required about the several days for business closure of Golden Week (a week of several holidays) around April 29 – May 6 and Obon (time to go home to pay respect to the dead) usually around the 3rd week of August, and finally New Year’s celebrations around end of December through the first days of January.

The principal religions are Buddhism and Shintoism but they especially practice during the holidays even though religions like Christianity, Islam or Bahai are increasing.

I. Appointment alert

Punctuality is really prominent. In order to be punctual, schedule some extra time for traffic. For instance, Tokyo could be very confusing as concerned finding a place even if you have a map. That’s why you should ask what time a meeting will end before going. Typically, business hours may be 9am to 5pm. Nevertheless, meetings frequently last later as provided. Today, making appointment through email or phone is very usual. Lunchtime is generally 12am to 1pm.

Usually, when you are the host, the seats would have already been chosen.

Japan is one of the slowest business partners in Asia. The internal approval process is a long procedure. That’s why meetings are often preceded by long, non-business polite conversation which could cover such topics as mutual contacts, the merits of your company, Japanese food etc. It is an essential element of the relationship-building process even if it requires a lot

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