Culture Shock in Japan

The culture shock can be severe. Besides the language barrier, which will be felt more significantly the further away from Tokyo you go, Japanese society has developed a very fixed code of accepted conduct. Foreigners, or gaijin, very seldom fit into this code of conduct without a concerted effort.

Having said this, the Japanese are very hospitable and friendly to foreigners, whom they regard as honoured visitors to their country. They will generally go out of their way to help you and make sure that you feel welcome and comfortable. If you want to fit in and become part of Japanese society, however, the onus will be on you to learn the language, customs and traditions. Even having done this perfectly you will still be considered an outsider, albeit an honoured guest.

Learning Japanese can be very challenging if you want to go beyond the basics of conversation. Besides the difficulty of learning to read and write characters, there are very intricate systems of formal language which even native Japanese speakers find difficult to master. This will generally not be expected of a foreigner, however.

In general, the Japanese are quite forgiving of language mistakes made by foreigners: the fact that you are a foreigner and cannot be expected to know any better will count in your favour. Having said this, it is still the best bet to be overly polite, humble and cautious particularly in business interactions.

Bowing is very much the thing to do in Japan – if you are meeting someone, thanking someone, taking leave of someone, asking for something or just being polite you should bow. Incline your head with your hands at your sides – the deeper the bow the greater the respect being shown. Remember that it is considered impolite for a Japanese person ever to come out with a direct 'No' and bear this in mind when you request anything from a Japanese person. Even a tiny hesitation or any vagueness in the response could actually mean 'no'.
 

In business it is particularly important to be aware of the role of seniority, which is measured according to age and not necessarily company status. It is also very important to make sure you have a substantial number of business cards made as soon as you arrive in Japan (it might be a good idea to have English on one side and Japanese on the other) as the exchange of business cards is the first thing you will do in any business (or sometimes even private) interaction. Give and receive business cards with both hands and a small bow. Always make sure you place the received card in a safe place (your wallet or card holder) and NEVER fold it or put it in your pocket – this is very disrespectful.

Handy guide to Japense culture: www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Primer.html
Guide to Japanese etiquette: www.jref.com/culture/japanese_manners_etiquette.shtml
Further guidance for westerners: www.aikgroup.co.jp/j-school
Further guidance for westerners: www.jls-guide.com/english/index.html