Many companies find Japan to be an attractive destination for doing business, as it is the acknowledged leader in electronics and engineering goods as well as being home to some of the best automobile makers in the world. The Japanese are very fastidious about their customs and require a strong basis on which to enter into business partnerships. Their trust and confidence will have to be earned before they undertake any joint dealings in business. Foreign company representatives visiting Japan will be well advised to acquaint themselves with the customs and practices, and put them into practice if they are to meet with success.

The Japanese language and culture go hand in hand, and it may be difficult to understand the nuances of the one without having some understanding of the other, which may be true of most cultures. One of the most significant facets of Japanese culture is their Nemawashi, which signifies ‘consensus arrived at through a process of careful preparation.’ The Japanese penchant for Nemawashi indicates the emphasis they place on maintaining harmony.

Although they may on the surface appear to be of a very serious disposition, which indeed they are (especially in matters related to business), the Japanese are not averse to introducing a bit of humour in their everyday lives.

Business and Economy in Japan
The Japanese economy is said to be one of the strongest in the world, with very few ups and downs. The country revels in advanced technology, especially in the field of electronics and Japanese firms are constantly improving and improvising their products and inventions. They maintain very high standards of quality, and complete any production process to perfection, with the result that Japanese goods command a strong price in international markets.

Doing Business With the Japanese
People from the western world seeking to do business there are quite often perplexed by the complexity of the entire process of negotiation and finalising a business deal. This is because the Japanese hold their conventions relating to business etiquette very dear and will not compromise on quality or process under any circumstances. Their western business associates must first be able to gain their trust and confidence, because they set great store by the concept of honour, duty and obligation. They will thoroughly scrutinise the different products under discussion and will reject anything that does not meet their yardsticks for precision and perfection. Quite often, an overseas partner will have to redesign their products.

Business Negotiation & Etiquette
The Japanese abhor negotiating or doing business with an associate who does not come to the meeting well prepared. The business plans and strategies as well as plans for implementation will have to be tabled for a thorough discussion, which may take place in stages. They are not inclined to rush things through or accept any quick fix solutions. When you attend a meeting, you may be sure that the seating arrangement will have been fixed in advance, on the basis of the status of those present. So you will be directed to the seat assigned to you. The top ranking official from the host company will occupy the head of the table and those placed nearest to him will be high up in the hierarchy. Everyone takes his / her seat when given the cue to do so, and not before. The same process is repeated when the meeting is concluded. Gifts are appreciated, especially a souvenir from the visitor’s country. It is not the practice to open the gifts immediately in the presence of the giver. The Japanese also reciprocate with a gift of their own that represents their culture.

Social Etiquette
When going out for dinner with your Japanese associates, you may be almost certain that your host will foot the bill. This is especially true if you happen to be the buyer of their company’s products: your host is likely to see that you are well entertained and dined at his or her expense. They do not have a practice of sharing the bill, and will in all probability insist on paying the bills, as you are an honoured guest in their country. The Japanese will also insist on offering you a drink, and will consider it most impolite if you were to refuse the offer.

They may sometimes ask a personal question about your age or background, which is perfectly acceptable as far as etiquette goes in Japan, so if you wish not to answer, you are well advised to evade giving a direct answer or to change the subject, rather than to bluntly refuse to answer.

Business Dress
The Japanese have a conservative _style_ at business or official meetings and gatherings. They are impressed by people who pay attention to their attire, which must befit the occasion as well as the official status of the individual concerned. Men wear a dark suit and tie, and women may likewise dress soberly. If they wear a kimono, the left side must be wrapped over the right, as doing the opposite signifies death in the Japanese culture.

To most countries of the western world, Japan is an attractive country to do business with, for many reasons. The Japanese have a set of unique customs and cultural beliefs and practices, about which they are very particular and will on no account compromise. The success of a business proposal and further negotiation will depend to a large extent on the visiting delegates giving due respect to some of the basic courtesies and falling in line with the discipline that their Japanese counterparts expect.