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
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 communication 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.
Videos Business Culture Japan
Our FREE intercultural business videos focus on what really matters when doing business in Japan. Prepare for diverse international business situations within minutes.
First Business Meeting In Japan
Master the formal ritual of greeting, small talk and company presentations
Communication In Japan
Communicate sensibly with hierarchy levels and personal relationships in mind
Body language In Japan
For successful business communication, it is absolutely necessary to understand non-verbal cues
Meetings And Presentations In Japan
Understand formal procedures, the Japanese presentation style and how to build consensus
Negotiations In Japan
Face the Japanes negotiation style with confidence and achieve the best deal
Business Meals And After Work In Japan
Don’t go without knowing etiquette rules in Japanese restaurants, private homes, karaoke bars and onsen baths
Visitors From Japan
The more comfortable your Japanese guests feel, the better for your mutual business
eLearning 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 eLearning course includes:
- 90 min efficient and comprehensive eLearning
- Engaging media components for interactive learning
- Certificate
Price: $49
Online Coaching Japan
Do you have a specific question in mind? Are you going to work and live in Japan? Get matched with your personal Japan coach and talk to them right here on the platform! Our business coaches are highly qualified experts in their field with many years of work experience in Japan.
From managing international teams to sealing a deal with Japanese business partners to relocating to Japan as an expatriate – whatever situation you need to deal with, your personal Japan coach will be there to guide you through it!
- Professional, individual, confidential advice
- 24/7 flexible booking
