Difference Between Japanese and American Culture

Group of business people talking and two men bowing reflected onto table with documents depicting differences between Japanese and American cultures

Despite being located on two different sides of the world, Japan and the U.S. are two globalized cities whose culture reaches the whole world. They both have a distinctive mark in different areas of life, including the business culture. This also means that they bring a lot of diversity and cultural differences into the world and the workplace.

Though that’s amazing, because learning from another country can enrich your perspective, it can also be tough to adapt to new ways of life. So, just in case you’re in transition between these countries, you should learn the difference between Japanese and American culture.

Maybe you’re moving from the U.S. to Japan or vice versa. Or you’re thinking of expanding your business in both places, or you simply have clients, employees, or friends from there.

Size of Things

Let’s start with a simple one. Differences between both countries can start with something as simple as the size of the things. That’s not really a problem but could be a shock for some.

In America things tend to be bigger than in Japan. For example, grocery stores are bigger in the U.S. than in Japan. Same happens with food portions; they tend to serve more or bigger food in the U.S.

Greeting

This is a very important difference, because greeting someone will always be a sign of respect and education. Whether that’s in a business environment, with your in-laws, with your friends or with any kind of person. The tricky thing here is that both cultures have different ways of greeting.

Americans can be more informal. If they’re with friends they’ll have a relaxed attitude, maybe a quick hug or a cool handshake. They’ll also say an informal greeting or “hello”, such as “hi” or “what’s up”.

They might also say a quick hello to people they encounter walking down the street. Though they won’t stop to chat with them. If they’re in the workplace, they’ll be a little bit more formal. The handshake will be normal and firm, no cool elements added. Same with the phrases.

Japanese are more formal. If the situation or the person they’re with is more informal, they might just nod with their heads. That’s their sign of respect.

If the situation is even more formal, like in the workplace or a business meeting, they’ll bow. Since Japanese are aware that not everyone knows this form of greeting, they might exchange handshakes with you in international environments.

Leaving Tips

In the U.S it’s quite common to leave a tip when you go out to eat or even if you order food to your home. It shows gratitude for the waiter’s service and work. On the contrary, in Japan tipping is not common and it’s actually not well looked upon. If you try to give a tip, they’ll refuse it in a kind way.

The few places in which you can leave a tip is at ryokans, if you stayed in one. Or to your guide or translator, if you had one. Put the tip inside an envelope and give it to them. This is more respectful than handing out the money just like that. But don’t worry, because even without a tip, you’ll still get a very good service.

Clean Culture

You might’ve already heard about how clean Japanese are. It’s true. If you go to Japan you’ll notice the streets are incredibly clean. And there aren’t even many garbage cans around!

This is because they’re educated, both at school and at home, with an impressive clean culture. Wherever they go they’re taught to clean and not leave a mess. Honestly, we think that’s a huge sign of respect to themselves, their surroundings, and other people.

Sadly, we can’t say the same about America. Though cities are also very beautiful, you’ll find more garbage on the streets than in Japan.

Keeping Your Job

When it comes to having a job and keeping it for many years, it can be quite a different experience for both cultures.

Of course, some people in America get to keep their jobs for many years, maybe their whole lives. But that’s not the most common thing. It can actually be often you see many employees get fired.

Sometimes that isn’t even because of something bad that the employee did, but because for some reason the company needs to get some people fired. So they choose some. What’s especially curious is that not even older people are safe. Even those who’ve been at the company longer and have more experience, can be fired.

Whereas in Japan it’s most likely that people will keep their jobs for a long time or for as long as they can work, no matter their age.

Calling You by Your Last Name at The Workplace

We just saw how formality affects both countries in different ways. But it also does it in the workplace.

In America, coworkers can call each other by their first names, and even bosses can do that too. Especially if you have a good relationship with them. And it won’t feel disrespectful.

On the contrary, this is not a common practice in Japan. In fact, there people call you by your last name when you’re in a formal situation or environment. Unless you’re not with your closest people or in a casual environment, they won’t call you by your name.

This is also something that goes beyond work. If you go to the doctor, for example, you must also call the doctor by his/her last name. Because it’s not a close person to you.

Teamwork

Americans and American culture are known for being more individualist. That doesn’t mean there aren’t people that work more in teams or care about the community. But a lot others might advocate more for their own selves. Meanwhile in Japan they’re more collective and teamwork oriented.

If you think about it, this is also reflected in the work industry. As Jared Fullwiler, CEO of Zenu, let’s us know on a YouTube channel. Japanese companies tend to have many employees from different departments in one meeting. So they all collectively can discuss a project or whatever’s going with a business.

Japanese people must also let their bosses know everything. When they’re about to make a decision or change something, they must communicate it to their superiors. So they can agree to it.

This doesn’t mean that in America they don’t communicate with their bosses. Of course they do. But some things are still more individualistic. Like their meetings will only have the essential elements to discuss whatever topic needs to be addressed. Not everyone will be involved.

Or some companies even value a little bit more someone that’s able to address a problem or work by themselves, without needing tons of help.

Why Learn Cultural Differences Between Japan and America for Busines

Now you may be wondering: Why do I have to learn about cultural differences between Japan and America if I’m just doing business? Here’s why:

  • You’ll be more respectful of them at the workplace. Because if you know the culture of the country you’re doing business in, you’ll know what they like or not. You’ll know what they find as signs of education and therefore can respect that. This will make you seem good and like you truly care about your foreign clients and business partners. It will give you extra points and therefore, you might actually have more chances at successful international business.
  • We’ve seen how different both working cultures can be. So if you know their differences, you can know how to work with people from other countries and what to learn from them. As well as what to contribute with from your own culture that’ll be beneficial for them and will improve their jobs.
  • If you’re an expat or are planning to send some of your employees to another country, culture will affect them. Though knowing new cultures is beautiful and life changing, it’s not easy to live somewhere so different. At least the first weeks or months. Your expats will need all the tips above to have an easier adaptation to their new country. Especially to know how to conduct themselves in their new office.
  • Families of expats are also affected. If your employee (or you) is moving away with their family, they’ll also have to adapt to a new country. This means they’ll also have to be aware of the culture there. So they know what to do and what not to, how to do certain things, and even how to make friends.

Reach New Cultures with Fluency Corp’s Language Classes

Are you planning on expanding your business from the U.S. to Japan? Or to any other country? If you are, congrats! If you aren’t, you should really consider it. It can help your company grow a lot. Or are you working with foreign employees? Or dealing with international business partners?

That’s good news. You’re nurturing your perspectives on life and business with other cultures.

Do you know what else could help you with all of the above? Corporate language classes! And guess what? That’s exactly what we offer here at Fluency Corp!

All our lessons are customized to your language needs and your job. So you can be sure you’ll use all the learnt in a real-life situation, like in your next business trip. Our native teachers also make sure you learn about the culture of your target language. How cool does that sound?

The best of our school is that our classes are for you and for your work team as well! So, if you have an employee or more that needs to improve their accents or language skills, invest in lessons for them. The benefits will be for everyone and, especially, for your company. Because your employees will be as prepared as you to tackle any language challenge.

Just choose between our online or onsite classes. Then pick a language, could be Japanese, English, or any other.

If you have any questions, contact us for a free consultation.

Can an Expat Ever Truly Feel at Home in Japan?

Moving to Japan as an Employee

Have you ever thought of accepting that job in Asia? Taking all of your family to another country, with a new language, and foreign customs? Something that often holds people back from making life-changing moves is a feeling of security and acceptance. It’s a scary situation to be an expat, living in Japan for the first time. People must make a new life in a place away from all that is comfortable. Often your employees will question their motives and choices. Can they, as foreigners, make a living and be welcomed by the native population in a new country? Even more, can they ever truly feel at home? nn 

How do I Feel at Home in a New Country?

So, what is the process like? The doubt tends to come in waves, starting with little things like missing a Starbucks. And it can transform into your employees wondering whether moving or accepting this job or promotion was a good choice. In the midst of all this doubt, more often than not, there comes a point where a light bulb goes off – where one can reach a state of acceptance. nn nnWell, let’s start off by qualifying your thoughts: the acceptance sought is not what they will gain. Expats will always look different, pronouncing words will be hard. Every look will most likely be accompanied by a second glance. Interactions will be hard and the learning curve is usually steep and unforgiving. They’ll forget how to address their superiors, or which hand to shake with before realizing that it is customary to bow in greeting. There will be mounting frustration with each day that something goes wrong. Everything will seem as though it is pushing them to get on the next flight back to their home country and never look back. These “mishaps” and slight embarrassments are a part of the journey to assimilation, especially in the workplace. nn 

At First, It’s Hard Living in Japan

Life in Japan, or any foreign country, can be uncomfortable and unaccepting, far from a walk in the park. In Japanese culture, the idea of a gaikokujin, in its literal translation, is a “foreign-country person.” It holds no prejudice or malicious intent. But for an expat, it puts a large arrow over their head saying “look at me”. Chances are they stand out in the racially homogenous Japanese society. Even as a Japanese-American, living in Japan, while their attempts at assimilation could be much easier, they may still feel as if they exist in the periphery because even though they may look the same, they have little cultural similarity with the majority of the Japanese society. nn 

Can I ever Find Acceptance in Japan?

Expats in Japan won’t ever really find the acceptance they’ve come to enjoy in their home countries. A weekend barbeque with Japanese friends or a Sunday family dinner won’t feel the same. The cursory glances and prodding questions won’t stop. In some positive way, there comes a point in their expat journey where they make peace with and accept the fact that assimilation is beyond their grasp. Yes, they now live in a new country. And, they are away from your family and friends. Also, they have to gain a whole new understanding of Japanese culture, their world and the people. It’s true, even with their most sincere efforts, assimilation might just not be possible. Here are some suggestions you can give your employees to alleviate the feeling of alienation. nn 

  • Embrace the fact that expats stand out.
  • There will be mistakes. Some will have trouble understanding every cultural difference and expectation placed upon them. Misunderstanding and mistakes are the norm, and the fact is that many times people aren’t paying as close attention as you think they are.
  • No one is expected to do everything perfectly on the first attempt – all that’s needed is some effort and a willingness to try.
  • Step out of the comfort zone, explore and find things that they enjoy and stick with them.
  • Do not neglect creature comforts. If they usually do yoga to keep their peace, find a yoga studio and give themself that time.

 

How Can I Help My Employees Feel at Home Abroad?

As an employer, there are things that you can do to ensure that your employees feel at home in Japan.nn 

  • Encourage interaction between your employees. Plan biweekly or monthly company outings immersed in the culture of the country. You can foster community while creating space for them to be more acquainted with their new surroundings.
  • Check in. Whether that’s assigning someone to report back to you on the progress of your employees’ assimilation or personally making visits to show that you do care about more than their productivity.
  • Create an assimilation plan. Think of it as a 90-day assimilation review and meet with your employees to ensure that they are moving in a positive direction and feeling more comfortable with their new surroundings.
  • Honor their contributions. They’ve moved across the world to be a contributing member of this team, acknowledging that can help make the move feel worth it.
  • No time for checking in or biweekly BBQs? Hire a language coach, as they will have 2 meetings each week for approximately one year. This will give the expat the much-needed support they need to help get used to everyday life, and they’ll also learn key phrases in Japanese language to help them feel comfortable and confident around their neighborhood and with their neighbors.

 

What if Employees Have a Hard Time Working Abroad?

Your employees (expats) could refuse to embrace the new experiences and attempt to do everything the same way they did it back home, instead of stepping far outside of their comfort zone and giving their new lives a chance. Many expats simply exist in an Expat Bubble. Deliberate steps to try is what makes the ultimate difference in their experience. Eventually, the stares become less frequent and obvious, the words cause less pause, and things get easier. So to answer, yes they can feel at home, but home isn’t Japan or wherever they choose – home is the experience, the friends, the memories and culture gained. So, allow them time and space to harvest those experiences and feelings and being truly at home won’t ever be a question. nn nnHave questions about moving employees to Japan and increasing your retention rate? Email micah@fluencycorp.com.

Surprising Cultural Differences Between Japan and USA

When Japanese Relocate to the USA, here are some things that surprise them!

If you’re a salaryman in Japan, there could be a possible international relocation in your future, especially if you work for a global company like OSG USA, 7-11, Toyota, or Nissan. Toyota, for example, has a 1-year international relocation program to the USA. But many companies transfer their employees for 2 – 5 years at a time. They do this so that employees can learn, broaden their horizons, improve their English-language skills, and collaborate with their peers in the USA.

Most employees are very excited when they first hear about such an opportunity. They will get to travel, meet a new culture, improve their English, and hopefully, get a raise in salary and possible higher positions when they come back from living abroad. What many companies do not consider is the fact that a change in culture can have a dramatic impact on an employee and his or her family.

In this article, we want to bring up some basic cultural differences between Japan and the USA. We hope that these will lessen the shock when you finally move to the US.

10 Surprising Cultural Differences Between Japan & the US

  1. This one might seem silly, but it won’t be when you have angry Americans honking at you when you don’t turn right on red. Of course, to be able to drive here, you’ll have to take a driving test and pass it, but it’s also really hard to remember that you can take a right on red when you’ve never been allowed to do it before. So don’t forget, right on red is okay!
  2. Yards. Big ones! We’ve got ‘em. Yards so big you can play a game of baseball in them. Size and space in general is going to be a huge shock. In Japan, due to the lack of space, people do not have yards. Actually, they barely have dining rooms and kitchens either. Let’s put home size on another tab.
  3. You’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to space. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism says that a single person living alone in the city should have a minimum of 25 square meters (roughly 250 square feet – or, as we say, a box) and a maximum of 40 square meters (roughly 400 square feet – a slightly bigger box). Yikes! When the Japanese move to Texas (or anywhere in the midwest) they are going to feel like they can make 10 snow angels in their huge yards and have 10 picnics on the ground in their huge Texas living rooms. Welcome! They say everything is bigger here… probably because there’s so much room.
  4. Getting sucked in to Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Watch out! We have great shows in the US, and you will eventually be under their spell and not realize that you’ve watched 2 seasons of some show in just 2 days… where did my weekend go? We hear this from almost every country, actually. The US, for some reason, produces/creates great TV.
  5. We have a lot of libraries. These are a huge center of communities. You can bring your children for story time, you can rent books, CDs, movies, magazines and more. IF you’re going to be in the US for even just a year, make sure to get a library card to enjoy all that your local library has to offer.
  6. Huge grocery stories and food. Once again, everything is larger here. And you’ll be seeing more shelves, higher shelves, and huge boxes with food in it. You probably don’t have as many options in Japan for the following: cereal, ice cream, cheeses, different types of milk (oat, skim, 2%, almond, etc). Also, food and serving sizes are larger. A large drink at McDonald’s is 32 ounces in the US, yet in Japan, it is about 20 ounces.
  7. You’ll be shocked by everyone inviting you into their home, and making sure you keep your shoes on.
  8. Be warned, the Japanese Americans, or someone, has made up things like a ‘California Roll’ and various other ‘rolls’ that do not actually exist in Japan. You’ll have to go to the Japanese part of town in a big city to find actual Japanese food. If you eat the Americanized version (just like the Japanized versions of American food in Japan), it will NOT taste like Japanese food. I’ve heard Japanese say that it has more salt and sugar than the real deal. Not surprising.
  9. Guns. Americans have them. Roughly 30% of Americans own guns according to a Gallup Poll. 40-45% are Republicans or Conservatives and just 14-16% are Democrats or Liberals. Compare that with Japan’s 377,000 total registered firearms in the entire country in 2017. I will say, that I did not come from a home with a gun, and I have still never seen one in real life, except when it was in the holster of a policeman, and I am from the Bible belt, where supposedly that’s all we do is own guns and shoot guns. Not me though.
  10. I have heard the Japanese say, and I would agree, that Americans are too sensitive, and since they are always trying to be politically correct, that it’s hard to have a conversation about anything interesting: differences in races, politics, learn about each other’s religion, etc. This has led some Japanese to refrain from talking in depth with Americans, as the Americans seem to get offended quickly and often. I have also heard Europeans say the same about Americans.

If you, your employer, or your employees would like to either learn Japanese with live instructors in your office, home or online, Fluency Corp would love to get you fluent. Or maybe you need a cultural and communication consultation because there are two cultures (American/Japanese) in the office and everyone is having some challenges working together. Or maybe you just want to engage everyone more and create an open dialogue. If yes to any of the above, get in touch!

Relocating to Japan; bet you didn’t expect these 5 things!

Relocating to Japan
Relocating to Japan
photo credit ID 104671681 © Wollertz

Relocating to Another Country – Phew – It’s Hard!

I remember the time before I moved to Mexico – I didn’t really prepare myself culturally at all, and I wish I had. I also wish I had spoken to other Americans who had previously moved to Mexico. But, for the good and the bad, my style is to take action first, ask questions later, and that’s exactly what happened when I moved to Mexico.

How to Prepare for a Relocation Assignment

I’m sure if you’ve also been an expat in another country, you’ve had the same experience. How do you prepare yourself for something that you didn’t know existed, right? In the early 2000s, there wasn’t Youtube! Now, we can learn all about moving to a new country from those who have done it before us – they almost all have videos online now. And that’s how we learned some about the cultural and everyday living differences that there are in Japan.

5 Things that will Surprise you when Relocating to Japan

I actually went there to spend a month at a Japanese immersion school in 2016. So this is a compilation of differences from my own experience and from others.

  1. The Squat Toilet
    Like in some bathrooms that I found in France, Japan also has a nicer version. In France I remember they called it the Turkish toilet or Turkish bathroom, and it was simply a hole in the ground at the back of the restaurant or bar – there was a door of course. But in Japan, it is like an ivory toilet that is in the ground, not raised, like the ones in the USA. Of course, there are Western style (American) toilets found in Japan as well, but these toilets are quite common also. I still prefer a nice sturdy seat to sit on while I use the restroom!
  2. Take Off Your Shoes
    Taking your shoes off before entering a restaurant, dentist or doctor’s office! Yes, that’s right, no shoes allowed, even at the doctor’s. At first it might feel very strange to be walking around your doctor’s office without shoes on, but think of how clean the floor is because of this. You have not brought in anything from the street. So make sure your socks match. This can stress out some Westerns, as it can take time to get your shoes on and off, and there might be people waiting behind you. But do not stress, and if this does stress you out, make sure to wear slip-ons the next time you have a doctor’s appointment.
  3. Slimey, Gooey, & Sticky Foods
    Nebaneba is a phrase to describe the consistency of these types of slimy foods – although slimey is not exactly the word we’re looking for. Sometimes, you just can’t find the exact translation if it doesn’t exist in the English-speaking world. Foods that have this texture/consistency are foods like natto (Japanese dish made of fermented soybeans), yamaimo (a Japanese yam), and okra (not the delicious southern fried one, but the natural one is quite slimey). This texture might not be a favorite for Americans.
  4. Going Naked Into the Onsens
    I personally experienced this one and I jumped right into the culture (after a small fight with the onsen employee). An onsen is a Japanese hot spring, a bathing facility that you must enter naked (you are outside). I, the American, tried to go in with my bathing suit on, and the employee was absolutely not having it. She had learned the word for ‘naked’ in English and she kept repeating it to me: naked, naked, naked. Finally, I went for it. I felt enormous, even though I am only 5’8”. It was very relaxing, even though I had to go in with no clothes – being outside in nature naked was a great experience.
  5. Speaking Keigo to those Older than you or your Boss
    Just as in English we use Sir, Ma’am, Mister, and Mrs, the Japanese have an honorific way of speaking to someone in order to show them respect. This can be challenging for more casual cultures, where if you get to know someone more, you start to talk more casually with them, in Japan, you will always need to use keigo with someone older than you or someone higher in rank than you, no matter how long you have known them. Keigo goes farther than Sir and Ma’am though. They have entire verbs to use instead of the regular verb. For example, if you ask your friend ‘do you want something to eat?’ you use the verb ‘eat’. But in keigo, you would use a completely different word for the verb ‘eat’. Intense! Even if you have married someone from Japan, you must always use keigo with your in-law’s family, as this will always show them respect and their rank over you. This is actually similar in Hispanic countries as well, although they do not use a completely different word for the verb. Kids will even use it with their parents sometimes, throughout their lifetime. Or older couples using keigo with each other. To understand this, they might be showing each other the utmost respect, as if they are trying to honor each other still. It’s seen as cute, not as formal.

We hope this has helped you understand a little more about the Japanese culture. We thought the above differences were some of the more shocking for us, so they were important to share. When we visit Japan again, we will take great notes about even more differences, and we will share them with our expat followers so that they can be more prepared for their job relocation in Japan. Enjoy the adventure.

If you are interested in learning Japanese for your job relocation, please send us a message or give us a call. We would be happy to set you up with one of our native instructors, whether you prefer classes in your home in the US before going, or in your office or home in Japan once you get there, and if you want to stay with the same instructor throughout, we can set you up with someone online – always a live instructor – no video classes, ever! The only way to get fluent is through real conversation. Don’t forget it!

Cool Facts About Japan. Sugoi!

Cool Facts About Japan | Infographic | Fluency Corp

From its culture to its language to its food, Japan is one of the most fascinating places in the world. A lot of people became intrigued with this country thanks to the recent “Queer Eye: We’re in Japan!” episodes on Netflix. And then there are the 2020 Summer Olympic Games coming up in Tokyo.

If you’re moving to Japan, traveling to Japan or just want to learn more about this country, we wanted to share some interesting Japanese facts.

Japanese Culture

  • Japanese homes are smaller than what we are used to in the U.S. For example, less than 1% of apartments in Tokyo are over 1,000 square feet.
  • Because of a low birth rate, the population of Japan is shrinking. This demographic shift is hitting rural areas hard.
  • The Japanese are known for working long hours. Overtime is often required — and unpaid.
  • Hello Kitty, the iconic cartoon character from Japanese company Sanrio, may look perpetually youthful. But she was created in 1974. Since then, Sanrio has added a multitude of other characters. But Kitty still reigns supreme at No. 1 in popularity.
  • We always recommend listening to popular music as a way to learn a language faster. Hot recording artists in Japan right now include King GNU, Kenshi Yonezu and LiSA.

Japanese Language

  • Japanese can be one of the hardest languages for native English speakers to learn.
  • Written Japanese uses kanji, symbols that represent a specific word or phrase, and hiragana, which represent the different syllables that make up the Japanese language and katakana, which represent foreign words that did not originally come from the Japanese language. If you’re in Japan, or watching a Japanese movie or TV show, the more complex symbols that you see are likely kanji. The simpler ones are probably hiragana or katakana.
  • If you watched “Queer Eye’s” Japan episodes, you became familiar with the honorific suffix “san” (Yoko-san, Matoko-san, etc.). But did you know there’s also a diminutive version: “chan”? It’s most commonly used with the names of children or pets, but there are exceptions. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger is known as Shuwa-chan in Japan!
  • Japan has many loan words from other cultures. For example, “maiku” means “microphone.” This is when you would see the katakana used, since this is a word not originally from Japanese.
  • Meanwhile, in the U.S., we’re becoming more familiar with Japanese words —and uniquely Japanese concepts. Ikigai, which means a sense of purpose or reason for being, is a trendy idea in the U.S. right now. (Of course, though, it was around long before we discovered it!) Same with wabi-sabi, which means embracing life’s imperfections.

Japanese Food

  • Osaka, Japan’s third most-populous city, is a hot spot for foodies. Its signature treat is takoyaki. Diced octopus is stirred into a ball of batter and then baked. (You can find takoyaki with different fillings if you’re squeamish about octopus.)
  • Okinawa is one of the world’s “blue zones” — regions where people live exceptionally long lives. According to bluezones.com, Okinawans eat a lot of plants, especially sweet potatoes, and very little meat.
  • Remember the bubble tea trend? It has come back around in Japan.
  • One reason for that might be that, just as in the U.S., social media networks have made photogenic food popular in Japan.
  • Before you eat a meal in Japan, be sure to say “itadakimasu.” It’s a way of giving thanks for the food.

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If you’re preparing for an international assignment in Japan, or helping employees of your company get ready to work there, or connecting with your colleagues headquartered in Japan, contact uscontact us at getfluent@fluencycorp.com or (800) 401-3159.