Japanese Business Culture And Practices: A Guide to Twenty-first Century Japanese Business

by John Alston, Isao Takei

Japanese Business Culture and A Guide to Twenty-first Century Japanese Business presents valuable insight on the proper ways to conduct business in Japan. It focuses on the principles of Japanese culture that influence business-related behavior, including the ways Japanese executives develop loyalty among workers. Drawing on their practical real-life experiences, authors Jon P. Alston and Isao Takei describe not only how Japanese work, entertain, make decisions, and use language in unique ways, but they also offer practical advice on how to work for and with Japanese. The combination of cultural facts and extensive descriptions of behavior provide an easy-to-understand guide to conducting business in contemporary Japan. Because the Japanese are loyal to those they trust and respect, foreigners will gain respect and facilitate success by knowing and adhering to the minutiae of Japanese social etiquette and business protocols. From advice on how to avoid cultural misunderstandings to the proper techniques for negotiations, Japanese Business Culture and Practices is your guide to forming productive work relationships the “Japanese way.”

Genres: Japan

184 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2005

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, approachable writing. Helpful in understanding contrasts between US and Japanese culture. While no doubt more helpful for business people in particular, the focus on business practices is a useful lense for anyone wishing to see and understand generalities of Japanese culture. I'd recommend it for anyone spending a significant time in Japan. There were a few typos (missing or extra words) in later chapters, and be aware that the publishing date is 2005, so some parts may not reflect the latest developments in certain customs.

[Daria Kalinina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, even though it did not contain many things unknown to me. For those who are not familiar with the Japanese business culture this book will be extremely fascinating.

[Mat Davies]

This is quite a general and yet solid guide to some of the barriers and opportunities when it comes to working with, for and in Japan. I enjoyed it and found it quite accurate. Although, with the challenges facing the Japanese economy and Abe's Economic Policy being implemented in tandem with company restructuring - there are a host, based on my experience, of changes that are not mentioned.