THE LAND

Japan is a small country, approximately a third the size of India. The Japanese culture is more than 3000 years old, and its ancient history is evident everywhere.

Japan is made up of 4 main islands... Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku - plus hundreds of smaller ones. Total land area is 377, 435 sq. km, About Japan 85% of which is mountainous. Japan is still geologically young, and volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common, though most earthquakes are harmless.

The Japanese emperor's dynasty is said to have been founded in 660 BC. The Japanese have re-centralized their government in the past forty years. Japan is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch. The chief of state is the emperor. The head of the government is the Prime Minister.

All of Japan is in the same time zone; nine hours ahead of GMT, that is, three and a half hours ahead of India. This means that when it is 7 am in India, it is 10.30 am in Japan. In summer, sunrise is very early at around 4.30 am and evenings are very short.

THE PEOPLE

The Japanese people honor a strong code of ethics and values. Discipline is one of them. Courtesy is another. The Japanese people are hardworking, punctual and successfully separating business from pleasure.

Shinto (the native religion of Japan), Buddhism (a much traveled foreign import originating in India), Confucianism (a Chinese import that is less a religion than a code of ethics), and even Christianity all play a role in contemporary Japanese social life, and are defining in some way of the Japanese world view.

Shintoism is unique to Japan and it supports the institution of the emperor. However, the Japanese are very tolerant of religious differences and may even practice both Buddhism and Shinto concurrently. Many Shinto beliefs were incorporated into Japanese Buddhist practices after its introduction in the 6th century.

SOCIAL PSYCHE

One of the great achievements of Japanese society is to have developed a social structure, with codified ways of interacting, which minimizes interpersonal strife and conflict.

You will find that though there are common petty disputes among neighbors, as in any society, the people involved usually keep their cool and remain relatively civil. This can lead to formalized and restrained conversations, but it does keep things moving along.

The system can cause problems when a foreign visitor is dealing with a Japanese person who has had little contact with non-Japanese, for neither knows the ground rules of the other. This could be a case for cross-cultural misunderstanding. For example, the Japanese will usually smile through anything, thus hiding whatever feelings might exist.

Partly as a result of this system of personal relations, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. The average Japanese is easy-going, however, due to high levels of self-imposed restraint in society, there does exist a potential for violence.

The Japanese Psyche is very different from western and other Asian psyches:

• Doing one's duty is of utmost importance.
• Appearances and "face" have to be maintained at all times. Thus, the Japanese avoid giving a clear answer that commits then fully and shrink from any direct confrontation. The Japanese have very high anxiety About Japan life because of the need to save face. There are constant pressures to conform.
• The Japanese people are a disciplined race. The attraction to a group and the desire to be immersed in one is a basic part of Japanese character. It gives them a sense of security.
• Bowing to show respect is largely a conditioned reflex. Mothers push their children's heads down to bow even before they can speak.
• The depth of a bow is an indication of the bower's esteem and the observant person can learn much About Japan the true feelings of the person doing the bowing by watching the expression on his face.
• Bowing is an art in itself and is very interesting to watch. The very deep respectful bow, bowing when seated, how to position hands while bowing, the need to come to a stop before bowing rather than bowing mid stride are all set forms of bowing. Different kinds of bows are used in different situations for different people in the hierarchy.
• The Japanese word for foreigner is gaijin, which literally translates to "outside person". Although they generally regard themselves as superior to all other persons, the Japanese are generally friendly and kind to foreign visitors. Foreigners of European origin are treated better than any other ethnic group.
• Traditional value systems are only recently being eroded in the younger generation. Ethnocentrism is very strong. Western style equality is strong in the youth.

BUSINESS PSYCHE

In formal business situations the Japanese may even seem restrained and almost emotionless but this is merely due to the strong sense of "one's place" in the hierarchical distinctions of rank. Behavior in Japan is mainly situational and it is not determined by a universally applicable set of standards. Note the following:

• Japan is still very hierarchical, so workers in offices, students in schools and others low on the organizational ladder, take very seriously their superiors' instructions.
• They are subjective and experiential in their thinking, sticking to traditional values.
• Since they tend to be more subjective than objective, the Japanese rely, more on their feelings than on facts.
• There is a great deal of competitiveness among equals, but also inherent trust in people.

CUSTOMS

There are certain social customs and norms unique to the Japanese. Be careful to remember certain things so as not to be disrespectful to them.

Greeting

If you were meeting a Japanese person for the first time in formal circumstances, the best way to greet him would be to incline your head slightly. Don't try and mimic the Japanese bowing because it is an art in itself. Don't attempt to shake hands unless the person offers you his hand, because they are not accustomed to that habit.

• The Japanese are very aware of Western habits and will often greet you with a handshake.
• Their handshakes will often be weak: This gives no indication of their assertiveness of character.
• The bow is their traditional greeting.
• If someone bows to greet you, observe carefully. Bow to the same depth as you have been bowed to, because the depth of the bow indicates the status relationship between you.
• As you bow, lower your eyes. Keep your palms flat against your thighs.

How you address a person when introduced is important. Use last names plus San, meaning Mr. or Ms. Do not suggest that the Japanese call you by your first name.

Pronunciation

Pronunciations can lead to confusion and could cause a misunderstanding. Remember to speak slowly and clearly, and listen attentively. In the initial period of transition, make it a point to note the manner in which both common words as well as difficult words are pronounced in both languages in the country.

Correct pronunciation and spelling of names indicate respect and consideration.

• When in doubt as "I am not sure how to pronounce your name. What is the correct way to say it?"
• When you are unsure of how a person's name is spelt, check his visiting card or ask someone.
• When telling someone your name, spell it out, this may be time-consuming, but your name will be understood correctly.
• Some Indian names are difficult to pronounce, and would sound different in Japanese. Either abbreviate your name for easy recall, or ask someone how your name would be said in Japanese, and remember that.
• Another thing to do would be to get your name and designation printed on the reverse side of your business card.

Gifts

Gift giving is very common in Japan. Gifts are not expected, but are polite as tokens and a good way of showing appreciation.

Business gifts absolutely must be given at midyear (July 15) and at year-end (January 1). They are often given at first business meetings.

These are a few do's and don'ts of gift-giving:

• For the Japanese, the ceremony of gift giving is more important than the objects exchanged.
• Don't be surprised by either modest or extravagant gifts.
• Take your clues from the Japanese with whom you are working. Allow them to present gifts first and make your gift of the same quality as theirs.
• The Japanese do not usually open gifts directly upon receiving them. If they do, they will be restrained in their appreciation. This does not mean that they do not like what you have given.
• Good gifts are imported scotch, cognac or frozen steaks; electronic toys for children of associates; or items mad by well-known manufactures. Foreign name brands are always best.
• Always wrap your gifts in Japan or have them wrapped by hotel or store services. It is best to buy the paper there, so as not to choose paper that is considered tasteful in your country but unattractive in Japan.
• Rice paper is ideal and black and white paper is unacceptable.
• If you are invited to a Japanese home, bring flowers, cakes or candy.
• The flowers should not be white, as these are associated with death.

Note: Avoid giving gifts with even numbers of components, such as an even number of flowers in a bouquet. Four is an especially inauspicious number; never give four of anything.