Japan Essay, Research Paper

Japan lies in the northeast corner of Asia and is about four percent the size of the United States. Four main islands make up the geography of Japan, the islands are Hokkiado, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Japan has a population of about 125 million, comprised of about half males and half females. Over 99% of the population consists of native born Japanese and the minority is predominantly Korean. The land represents only 0.3 percent of the world land mass, yet its people represent about 3 percent of the worlds population. This statistic accounts for the extreme crowdedness seen in Japan. The area of Japan is about 146,000 square miles made up of an abundance of mountainous terrain. 72% of Japan?s area is covered by mountains, and 70% is made up of forest region, leaving only about 15% for agricultural purposes and stock rearing. Because of the terrain in Japan, a majority of the population lives in the major cities, such as Tokyo. (CLICK) Japan?s GNP is about $38,160 per capita and the real growth rate is 1.8 percent. Life expectancy in Japan is the highest in the World, it is currently 80 years old. (CLICK)

Japan has been occupied for thousands of years. The current emperor?s dynasty is said to have been founded in 660 B.C. Historically, Japan has resisted outside influences, however their view of foreigners has changed over time and they are accepting of others. Japan was opened to foreign markets in 1853. They have been involved in many Asian conflicts involving Korea, China and Manchuria prior to World War II. After World War II, Japan was occupied for several years, from 1945 to 1952, and the United States instituted many reforms on Japanese after the war. (CLICK)

Japan?s government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch. The chief of state is the emperor who is currently Emperor Akihito. Although the emperor is the head of state, he has no governing power. The head of the government is the Prime Minister where most of the power of the government lies. The prime minister dissolves the House of Representatives every three years and he also appoints the Supreme Court and leads the Cabinet. The legislative power is vested in the Diet in Japan and it is comprised of the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors. The executive power is vested in the Cabinet which is responsible to the Diet and is made up of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, who is responsible for Japan?s re-growth following World War II. (CLICK)

Japanese is the official language of Japan and it is spoken nowhere else in the world as a primary tongue. The literacy rate in Japan is close to 100 percent and 95 percent of the population has a high school education. The high literacy rate is a result of the intense pressure placed on children when it comes to education. The English language is taught to students beginning at age twelve and it is an important aspect of the Japanese education system. Language is usually not considered a major barrier to internationalization, however the Japanese?s ability to speak and understand English will make any businesses international task much easier.

The Shinto religion is the predominant religion in Japan and is unique to the Japanese. Although religion is a major part of the Japanese culture, they are very understanding and tolerant of other religions. (CLICK)

Adam and I believe that there are many reasons to open up a business in Japan. While we do think that it is beneficial, we also realize that to open up in Japan would take a lot of dedication. The workweek in Japan is usually forty-eight hours. Workers for the most part don?t receive overtime pay for the extra hours they put in to the job. Work weeks usually consist of five and one-half working days. The following is the part of the job requirements that make it hard to imagine working in Japan. Adam and myself both have newborns and like to be home to put them to sleep. In Japan, many people leave the office at 5:30 for dinner and return to the office until 9:00 or 10:00 at night. These kind of hours can be very draining if it?s a five day process. Furthermore, like the United States, many retail stores remain open during the holidays. During three different weeks of the year, New Years holidays, December 28 to January 3, Golden Week, April 29 to May 5, and Obon, many people visit the graves of their ancestors. Conducting business during that period of time is almost impossible. Sales decrease during those times of the year. To open up a business in Japan you have to take in to consideration the restraints that will take part in your life. (CLICK)

Negotiating business deals in Japan has some similarities as the US and some clear cut differences. Like the United states, when the Japanese respond with ? I?ll consider it, it probably means that they are not interested in your proposal. Furthermore, connections are very helpful in conducting business with the Japanese. Adam and I are fortunate because Adam?s older brother has been a translater in Japan for many years. He has worked with the likes of Toyota, Mitsubushi, Sony, and JAL. He will be influencial in helping us conduct business with those huge companies. If you do not have a connection in Japan, a personal call is much more effective then a written letter. More often then not letters will be lost in the shuffle. Age is very important to the Japanese. Age equals rank, so show the greatest respect to the oldest members of the Japanese group that you are negotiating business with. Unlike the United States, a question like ? Does Microsoft want our business will be answered yes if the Japanese think that Microsoft does not want you. In English, we would answer with no, they do not want you. In addition, contracts are not perceived as the final agreements. Contracts are often up for renegotiating. The Japanese will not compliment individuals for their success, but they will compliment the group for the success. Remember not to single out Japanese workers while doing business. Another interesting aspect of the Japanese is the job rotation. Japanese workers go through a job rotation where they change jobs within the same company every few years. This is instrumental in helping all of the employees truly get to know all the different aspects of the company. We believe that this is something we would definitely incorporate if we opened up a business in Japan. Adam and I want our employees to understand how the company operates as a whole. We don?t want employees putting customers on hold to ask other employees questions. Suggestions boxes, which are ignored all of the time in the United Sates, are very beneficial in conducting business in Japan. Lastly, the Japanese are very serious while on the job. Don?t even think about using humor to lighten up the Japanese that you are doing business with. This poses a serious problem for Adam and myself. We both are very humorous and enjoy a good laugh. We will have to really pay attention to that fact when conducting business in Japan. (CLICK)

As far as business entertaining, there are rules that need to be followed. When you are taken out for dinner, your host will treat. Furthermore, allow your host to order for you, considering most likely you won?t understand the menu. Show appreciation after the meal with a standard, thanks a lot. Business entertaining is for building friendships, but business can be conducted during the late evening. Be enthusiastic during the meal, and if the food is bad, deal with it, it?s not your last meal.

When and if you are invited to the homes of your Japanese business counterparts, keep in mind that it?s a huge honor. Don?t worry if you get lost on the way to the house, it?s appropriate to be fashionably late. When you do arrive and enter the house, expect to take off your shoes at the door. This may be a problem for Adam because he hates to walk around the house barefoot. You will have to wear one pair of slippers from the door to the living room. In the living room you will remove the shoes again. If you need to use the bathroom, make sure that you put the toilet slippers on before entering. Americans like to point with silverware when they talk, don?t even think about it when in a Japanese home. It is very offensive to point with your chopsticks. When you are not using them, put then next to your plate. This is a tip that Americans should think about when conducting business in the United States. Eventually, you will wish to invite your host out. If they say no, insist, show that you are serious by offering. They will really appreciate the offer even if thy say no.

When greeting the Japanese be sure to greet with the handshake. There is no need to be firm because the Japanese don?t shake hands aggressive. Be sure to bow after the handshake. Notice how far down the bow is made. The length of the bow indicates your relationship with the person bowing. Lower your eyes as you bow. This is critical in your exchange with the Japanese. Adam and I both have chronic back problems so this could be a potential problem. (CLICK)

Some other areas of interest if you are to conduct business In Japan are gestures. Japan is a high context culture. Therefore, avoid expansive arm and hand movements, unusual facial expressions and dramatic gestures. Shugging of the shoulders and winking hold no meaning to the Japanese, so don?t be cute and try winking. Many Americans like to point when they talk, don?t, wave your hand with your palm up toward the object your focusing on. You can spit, sniff and snort in public, but don?t use a handkerchief in public. The Japanese find it grotesque to leave mucus in a neatly folded handkerchief. (CLICK)

As far as dress goes, men should look conservative, never casual during business. Slip on shoes are beneficial because you will be removing them all of the time. Women, if you like jewelry, perfume and makeup, tone it down in Japan. Conservative is best. If your high heels make it appear like you are towering over your Japanese counterpart, don?t bother wearing the shoes. Make sure that you have a lot of different outfits unless you plan on doing laundry often. The Japanese are very serious about neatness, so if you are sloppy, be prepared. (CLICK)

We believe that Japan would be an ideal locale for conducting business administrations. Although the economy was faced with many complications over the past decade due to the Asian crisis, it has recently recovered and prospered in the business sector. With the correct information and familiarity with Japanese customs, opening business operations in Japan would be extremely lucrative to any business.