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.

Japanese Work Culture: A Guide to Success

How We Designed a Corporate English Language Training Program

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Working with Japanese colleagues can be a wonderful experience. And you can better collaborate with them when you learn about both the Japanese language and culture. As an island country, Japan had a period of isolation that solidified its cultural practices. Today, this long-standing culture, rich in tradition and poise, sets the tone for Japanese work culture.

If you will be working in Japan or even meeting with Japanese clients or colleagues in your own country, here are some useful tips.

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1. Introduce yourself formally and respectfully.

Pass your business card to a Japanese person using two hands. Turn the business card to be facing the person you are passing it to. Give a slight bow of the head to show reverence. Japanese people are known to greet with a basic introduction and a bow, but will acclimate to a handshake to immerse themselves into another culture. This goes for saying goodbye as well: Japanese people will walk you out to your car and bow as you are pulling away.

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2. Offer and receive small gifts.

Working side by side in the office, it is common to receive small treats or snacks from your Japanese co-workers. This is a way for them to break the ice and show they are friendly and part of the team. Walking through a Japanese office space, it is normal to see bottles of tea and deep-fried rice cakes known as senbei on desks.

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3. Communicate with care.

To better communicate in English with Japanese colleagues, speak slowly and separate your words instead of connecting them. Remember, though, that speaking louder won’t help them understand what you’re saying. If all else fails, write down your message. Japanese people usually do well with English written down for them to read. (This is true for anyone using their second language, but applies even more so for Japanese people, since their English tests are all written, not spoken). If you write down your message, they can grasp the idea more easily or put it into a translator.

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4. Try this “magic phrase.”

Want to truly impress a Japanese client or co-worker? At the end of the day or just passing them in the hall, say “Otsukaresama desu.” This signifies that you appreciate their hard work. Saying it is a common practice when leaving the office.

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5. Join the party.

On to more festive topics! The Japanese have many work parties. More formal parties celebrate things like the start or end of the year or a retirement or wedding. And then there are more casual parties known as “nomikai” where they can show off their singing skills at karaoke and drink until it is bedtime. It is customary to stay at the party until the head boss goes home.

In the end, the best thing to remember is to enjoy learning about a new culture and realize that this opportunity is unique and exciting. Your Japanese colleagues will be loyal to their co-workers and enjoy a laugh with you during and after work.
When you take the time to get to know each other, collaborating with them will be one of your most rewarding work experiences.

If you plan on relocating to Japan or making trips there frequently, Fluency Corp recommends taking at least 100 hours of Japanese language training. Learning some of the language of your clients or coworkers will show them great respect and will make you stand out. It will also transform your relationship with them and even how you see the world around you. Fluency Corp will be happy to ensure you connect with your Japanese colleagues or clients. Contact us for a free consultation at getfluent@fluencycorp.com or (800) 401-3159.

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Basic Japanese Phrases to Learn for Business

Basic Japanese to Learn for Business

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Japanese is consistently ranked as one of the most useful languages to learn for business. But it’s also one of the most challenging languages for English speakers to learn.

While building fluency in Japanese takes a long time, you can quickly master a few everyday phrases that will make you feel more at ease if Japanese is spoken at your workplace or if you are meeting with business associates who speak Japanese. These are our suggestions for the best Japanese phrases to learn for business, or a basic encounter.

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Everyday Greetings in Japanese

Hello – こんにちは Konnichiwa

Good morning – おはようございます Ohayoo gozaimasu

Good afternoon/evening – こんばんは Konbanwa

Japanese culture note: Say “ohayoo gozaimasu” until 11 a.m. and then switch to “konnichiwa” after that. Then around 5 p.m. or so, or when the sun starts to set, switch to “konbanwa.”

Good night – おやすみなさい Oyasumi nasai

Answering the phone – もしもし Moshi moshi

Goodbye – さよなら Sayonara
See you! – じゃね Jaa ne!
See you tomorrow! – また明日 Mata ashita!

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Introductions in Japanese

My name is _____. — Watashi no namae wa ______.

It’s nice to meet you. — Hajimemashite.

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Asking Questions in Japanese

When you don’t know the Japanese word for something, you can ask a colleague by saying “____ wa nihongo de nanto iimasu ka?” Simply put the word you don’t understand in front and add the phrase after with inflection at the end to indicate you are asking a question.

For example:

How do you say “pencil” in Japanese?

“Pencil” wa nihongo de nanto iimasu ka?

Pencilは日本語でなんと言いますか。

If you need to ask someone to repeat themselves, say “Mou ichido ittekudasai.” もう一度言ってください。

Here’s how to ask a few more common questions in Japanese:

Where is …?
____ wa doku desu ka.

For example:

Where is the bathroom?

トイレはどこですか。
Toire wa doko desu ka.

In this case, bathroom is “toire” and pronounced [toy-ee-lay] with the “lay” portion being a mixture of the r/l sound.

How many …? — xxxx.

For example:

いくつ ikutsu

いくつですか。
Ikutsu desu ka?
How many?

どのぐらい dono gurai

どのぐらいですか。
Dono gurai desu ka?
How many?/ About how many?

“Ikutsu” is referring to something specific, and “dono gurai” is a more general way of asking how many. However, Japanese has specific counters for everything that is counted, such as, “nankai” for how many times and “nanmai” for how many flat objects (like sheets of paper).

For a more specific object, use “nan” (meaning “what”), attach the counter’s equivalent and then add “desu ka” to complete your question.

For example, when asking for sheets of paper:

何枚ですか。
Nanmai desu ka?

What …? —

何・なに
Nan/Nani

Nan/nani is the common way to ask “what.” and the same as before, you would simply add “desu ka” to make it a question form.

A note on “desu” and “ka”: In Japanese there are varying degrees of politeness. Adding “desu” to the end of the sentence makes the sentence polite, and it also acts as the be-verb from time to time, as is the case with a sentence like “Watashi wa Sam desu” (“I am Sam”). It is polite and completes the sentence, and it should definitely be used in an office setting. If you want to show off to the Japanese and truly be polite, then it is best to use, “to moushimasu,” making your introduction professional.

サム と申します。
Sam to moushimasu.

I am called Sam.

“Ka” 「か」added to a sentence makes it a question. Inflection is not as important in Japanese as it is in English, so Japanese people focus on the grammatical ending “ka.”

How do you do? — This phrase is not often used in Japanese because of the culture. You can ask it in several ways, but don’t be surprised when a Japanese person does not ask you how you are doing. They are not being rude; they just don’t like to pry into people’s private lives.

However, should you need to ask someone how they are doing, there are two ways:

元気ですか。
Ogenki desu ka?
How are you?

調子はどうですか。
Choushi wa dou desu ka?
How are you doing?/feeling?

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Expressing Needs in Japanese

I need —. ______ が入ります。
______ ga irimasu.
I want —. ______が欲しいです。
______ ga hoshii desu.
Can I ____ ? — _____してもいいですか。
_____ shite mo ii desu ka?

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Saying ‘Sorry’ or ‘Excuse Me’ in Japanese

Pardon me — すみません Sumimasen. This is what to say when you need to reach across someone or interrupt in any way.

I’m sorry — ごめんなさい Gomen nasai. This is how to ask for forgiveness for something you’ve done.

We hope this guide has helped prepare you for your next business trip to Japan or an interaction with Japanese speakers. If you would like to learn more Japanese, please contact us at getfluenct@fluencycorp.com or (800) 401-3159. We can prepare you for Japanese business trips and showing your coworkers and clients that you are trying to speak their language.

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