Japan

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 2 Content General Cultural Business

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 3 Quick Facts 50% population on 2% land 99.4% Japanese Emphasis on English Shinto and Buddhist

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 4 Ethnic issues 99% born in Japan Directed towards non-Japanese Associated with trouble

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 5 Tatemae and Honne Public persona vs. real feelings Tatemae Face shown in public Behave as expected to behave Honne Real feelings and opinions

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 6 Wabi-sabi World view/aesthetic System Traditional Japanese beauty Imperfect Impermanent Incomplete

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 7 Empathy and Human Relations Gods show human emotions Empathy is rewarded Focus on social harmony Avoid open confrontation and competetion Success only if team works together Symbols

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 8 Popular Culture Attitudes of the present Link to the past Anime Manga Karaoke

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 9 Basic House Rules No outdoor shoes Slippers provided by host Special toilet slippers

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 10 How to visit a temple Be respectful Osenko Believed to have healing power Wear nice socks

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 11 Japanese Bathrooms Two rooms Toilet separately Water in tub used by all family members

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 12 Tables and Sitting Table rules: Don't blow your nose Don't mention unappetizing topics Don't burp Move your dishes back

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 13 Drinking Rules Serve your friends Do not start until everybody is served kampai

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 14 Chopsticks Hold towards the end Lay your chopsticks down when you don't need them Don't stick your chopsticks into food Don't pass food directly from your chopsticks Do not spear food Do not point with your chopsticks Do not wave your chopsticks around

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 15 Dining out Plastic or wax replicas Waiter shows you to your table Wet towel for the hands Bill presented upside down No tips

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 16 Sitting techniques

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 17 Giving Gifts Oseibo and Ochugen Temiyage and Omiyage Birthday and Christmas

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 18 Titles -san -sama -kun -chan -sensai

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 19 Superstition The number four Stick chopsticks into rice Give food from chopstick to chopstick Sleeping towards the North Funeral Car Cut nails at night Lie down after eating Whistle in the night Black cat

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 20 Nonverbal communication and sign language in Japan

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 21 What is nonverbal communication? Sending and receiving of wordless messages Gestures Touch Body language Posture Facial expressions Eye contact

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 22 Other forms Communication through objects Nonverbal elements in verbal communication Nonverbal elements in written language

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 23 Main functions Expressing emotions Expressing interpersonal attitudes Accompanying speech in managing the cues of interaction between speakers and listeners Self-presentation of one’s personality Rituals (greetings)

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 24 Nonverbal communication in Japan Kinesics is suggested to be the main difference between Americans and Japanese. Kinesics is: Gestures Body movements Posture

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 25 Bowing (Gestures) Refers to status The lower you bow the lower your status Hands in your pocket is considered to be rude

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 26 Walking and Sitting (posture and body movement) Both feet on the ground Legs may only be crossed at the ankles or knees The Japanese walking style is called „Teishisei“ Walking with quick strides and drooping shoulders

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 27 Do‘s and Dont‘s when doing business

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 28 Dresscode Dresses and Suits refer to status – the higher the price the higher your status Only suits and ties and tailored dresses are accepted Kimono at business dinners

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 29 Meetings Never takes place in the house of your Japanese business partner Never wear shoes unless you are asked to Take off coat, hat, shoes and gloves at the genkan

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 30 Eye Contact CountryEye contactNo eye contact AmericaInterest, attention, wanted Not interesting, boring JapanRude, aggressive Normal

Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak 31 Japanese Signs

Strictly business Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak

Do‘s and Dont‘s Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak Business card = first impression Punctuality = very important Business is a group activity and based on relationships While arguing, never lose temper

Appointments Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak at least 2 weeks in advance Avoid mid-December to mid-January; Golden week, April 29 to May 5; and Obon Office only from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hierarchy Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak Older people have higher status Men higher than women Buyers higher than sellers Big companies higher than small ones

Especially for women Socio-Cultural Competence Hofstadler Nicole, Lämmerer Anita, Neubauer Kristina, Stefan Dworak Non-Japanese women are treated politely Male-dominated business No jewelry or heavy makeup Participate socially