Doing business in Japan
Japanese companies are highly hierarchical. Nonetheless, decisions are not made by the chief executive officer alone or solely at the highest management level. Quite the opposite. Japanese invariably strive for harmony and consensus from the bottom upwards.
A special decision-making process, called ringiseido, serves this purpose. Any new idea or plan is summarised in writing first and then passed on from management level to management level.
Depending on their assessment, the senior managers at each level will mark the written document (ringisho) with a personal seal (hanko): If they agree with the new idea or project, the seal will be placed the right side up. If they reject it, it will be placed upside down, and if they abstain, the hanko will appear sidewise on the paper. Comments and change requests are also possible.
After reaching consensus on one level, the ringisho is then forwarded to the next higher level. There, the process is repeated.
Agreement leads to approval
If it is approved, the new plan or project can be implemented straightaway – without having to expect any concerns or even resistance on lower levels, since all managers are already well informed and in agreement.
Additionally, any first idea or plan has already been reviewed, tested and adapted from very different perspectives.
“Implantation” of a new idea
In addition to this official decision-making process along the hierarchical levels of a Japanese company, there is also the more informal nemawashi taking place.”Nemawashi” can be translated as “preparing the implantation”: in informal conversations, different viewpoints are exchanged, input is given and alliances are formed. A ringisho that is currently in circulation is also discussed and modified via these informal communicatino channels.
The subsequent implementation or “implantation” of a new idea or a new project is thus prepared at the grassroots level over a longer period of time. It is ensured that the innovation does not cause any upheaval within the company.
Knowing why you are being kept waiting for so long before getting a decision from your Japanese partners will help you to be patient. Trying to inisist on a faster response will only lead to the Japanese calling off any ongoing talks.
Videos2go
Our intercultural business videos focus on what really matters when entering a specific international business situation. Within minutes you can easily prepare for diverse international business situations.
-
First business meeting in Japan
$2.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Communication in Japan
$2.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Body language in Japan
$2.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Meetings and presentations in Japan
$2.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Negotiations in Japan
$2.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Business meals and after work in Japan
$2.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Visitors from Japan
$2.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Deal!
Video Package Deal Japan I
$11.96$8.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Deal!
Video Package Deal Japan II
$8.97$6.99incl. VAT
Add to cart -
Deal!
Video Package Deal Japan – Buy all
$20.93$14.99incl. VAT
Add to cart
Country Course Japan
In hardly any other country in the world is compliance with the prevailing business etiquette as essential for a deal as in Japan. Our Country Course Japan will teach you all essential intercultural aspects for a successful collaboration with your Japanese business partners, colleagues and clients:
- Initial business contact
- Communication and impact
- Meetings and presentations
- Negotiations, decisions and contracts
- Coordination and cooperation
- Business meals and after work
- Etiquette and dress code
This course includes:
- 90 min efficient and comprehensive eLearning
- Engaging media components for interactive learning
- Certificate
Price: $49
- Initiating Business
- International Sales
- Negotiation Skills
- Virtual Collaboration
- Global Leadership
- Communication Skills
- Multicultural Team-building
- Conflict Resolution
- Presentation Skills
- Project Management
- Country Preparation
- Expat and Spouse Support
Coach Calls
Do you have a specific question in mind? Get matched with your personal coach and talk to them right here on the platform! Our coaches are highly qualified experts in their field who offer many years of work experience in different business sectors, roles, and countries.
From managing international teams to sealing a deal with business partners to going abroad as an expatriate – whatever situation you need to deal with, your personal coach will be there to guide you through it!
Your advantages:
- Professional, individual, confidential advice
- 24/7 flexible booking
- Connect from any device
- Secure environment, talk directly on the platform
Price: $69 per 30 min
Expat and Spouse Support
An international relocation can be overwhelming and getting some clarity to figure out direction offers the best way forward. Get matched with your personal expat and spouse support coach and talk to them right here on the platform!
From life coaching to spouse career development to supporting children during relocation – whatever situation you need to deal with, your coach will be there to guide you through it!
Your advantages:
- Professional, individual, confidential advice
- 24/7 flexible booking
- Connect from any device
- Secure environment, talk directly on the platform
Price: $69 per 30 min
