CULTURE OF JAPAN

Submitted By:-
Group 7
Tharun- A30601909012
Mani- A30601909013
Ugendhar- A3060909014
Suuresh- A30601909040
Nandita- A30601909048
Dinesh- A30601909062
Abhinay- A30601909075
Mithun- A30601909082
INTRODUCTION
 4 Main islands-Hokkaido, Honshu (or the
mainland), Shikoku, and Kyushu.
 75% Mountainous. Mt. Fuji is the highest peak
in Japan, standing 3,776 meters above sea
level.
 Chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7
January 1989)
 Head of government: Prime Minister Naoto KAN
(since 8 June 2010)
 Religion- Shinto and Buddhism
 Tokyo is the capital.
CONTINUED

 Excellent fishing waters, key resource.

 Lacks key resources, especially minerals and
metals-relies heavily on trade.
 Very mountainous, little productive farmland.

 Located :- On the Ring of fire, experiences

many Earthquakes.
 Total population was 127.51 million.

 $34,022.94 per Capita is the GDP.

FUN FACTS
 Direct in questioning of foreigners. You may be
asked personal questions such as how much
money do you earn or how large is your house?
 Over 90% of the Japanese population buys a
comic-magazine daily.
 Frogs - symbol of good luck.
 Drink tea - almost every meal.
 Heavy traffic – In Tokyo, a bicycle - faster than a
car for most trips up to 50 minutes.
FLAG
 White rectangular flag with a large red disk.
 Called Nisshōki ("sun-mark flag") in Japanese, but is
more commonly known as Hinomaru ("sun disc").
 Flag Meaning:-
 Circle in the middle represents sun. Japan's name
translates to "The land of the rising sun.― White
represents honesty and purity and red disc is a sun
symbol meaning brightness, sincerity and warmth.
 JGSDF: - Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces
 JASDF:- Japan Air Self-Defense Forces
NATIONAL ANTHEM
 "Kimi Ga Yo" (May 1,000 Years of Happy Reign Be Yours) is the official national
anthem of Japan as was unofficial until 1999. It is in the form of a Waka, an
ancient Japanese style of poem, from the Heian period. The author is
unknown.
Lyrics (Phonetic Translation)
 Kimi ga yo wa
 Chiyo ni,
 Yachiyo ni
 Sazare ishi no,
 Iwao to narite,
 Koke no musu made.
Lyrics (English Translation)
 May my Lord's reign,
 Continue for a thousand,
 Eight thousand generations,
 Until pebbles
 Grow into boulders,
 Covered in moss.
RELIGION
 Shinto: - Believe that all living and non- living
things contain spirits, or kami. It linked
people to the forces of nature.
 Buddhism: - Arrived in Japan as a result of
cultural diffusion. It divided into different
sects, including Jodo, Shin, Nichiren, Zen.
 Confucianism: - Strong emphasis placed on
the principles of filial piety (loyalty to parents)
and loyalty to the ruler.
JAPANESE WOMEN
 Prior to 15th century AD
Confucianism, Buddhism, Samurai feudalism highly
discriminatory to women.
 Confucianism: - ―A woman is to obey her father as
daughter, her husband as wife, and her son as aged
mother.‖
 Buddhism: - ―No salvation for a woman.‖
 Samurai Feudalism: - ―A woman should look upon her
husband as if he were heaven itself.‖
 Believes:- Woman could be happy as full –time house-
wives. Women are dependent and independency is not
welcomed by the society.
 Working women often given menial, secondary jobs and
are often seen as ―wallflowers‖.
EDUCATION

 Japanese language - not so easy to read,

write and learn.
 You have to learn the three forms of spoken
Japanese.
• Intimate :- used when you‘re at home.

• Polite :- used in well-educated companies.

• Honorific :- used to show respect to your

elders.
CLOTHING

 Kimono- worn by all classes, men and

women.
 Materials and colors show class.

 Silk reserved for upper classes like samurai

while others wear hemp, ramie, cotton and
other common fabrics.
LAND
 Situated off the eastern seaboard of the Eurasian
continent in northern hemisphere.
 Located between approximately 20 degrees to 45
degrees north latitude and stretches over 3,200
kilometers.
 Land is full of undulations, with mountainous regions
including hilly terrain accounting for about three-
quarters of its total area. Mountains are generally
steep and are intricately carved out by ravines. Hilly
terrain extends between mountainous regions and
plains.
 Forests account - largest portion.
CLIMATE
 Annual average temperature - 10 to 20 degrees
centigrade, and annual precipitation - 1,000 to 2,500
millimeters.
 Typically experiences hot, humid summers and cold,
dry winters.
 Unique characteristic - it has two long spells of rainy
seasons, one in early summer when southeast
monsoon begins to blow and other in autumn when
winds cease. From summer to autumn, tropical
cyclones generated in tropical seas develop into
typhoons and hit Japan, sometimes causing storm
and flood damage.
FOOD HABIT
 The Meal (gohan):-
 Two Kinds of Food:
 ‗Staple‘ and ‗Other dishes‘
 Staple (gohan) is rice
 Other dishes (okazu) are fish, meat, vegetables.
 Traditional Concept of Meal:-
 Neutral flavor of rice considered complement to meal.
 Fill up on gohan, okazu stimulate appetite.
 Traditional meal has no Western counterpart.
 Sake = rice, so the two are not consumed simultaneously.
 Most basic meal: rice, soup, side dish.
JAPANESE CUISINE

 Suyaki—beef
 Fugu—puffer fish, delicacy

 Tofu and Natto--soybeans

 Tempura

 Noodles

 Pickles and Preserved Seafood

DESSERT

 Mochi—rice cakes
 Sugar historically rare

 Green tea taken after meals to ―quench thirst

and change the mood‖
 Sweets taken with tea between meals

 Dessert stems from Western influence

EATING AND DINING
 If you leave your plate empty it means you want
more food. If you‘re finished, leave some food
on your plate.
 There is no American way like ―help yourself.‖
Do not eat until the host offers food.
 No tipping system in restaurants.
 Eating and drinking while walking down the
street is considered impolite to others.
 Do not leave a mess when you‘re done eating.
Put your chopsticks down, fold your napkins and
fix your area.
CONTINUED
 Do not pick up food on the same end that you used to eat
your with. Try to use the ends of the chopsticks for picking
up, and the front (smaller end) to eat with.
 It is normal to make slurping noises when drinking or
eating noodles. It shows that you enjoy food and keeps it
from burning your mouth.
 When leaving a restaurant or somewhere do not steal or
take some napkins or little souvenirs - Considered very
rude.
 Before you start eating you say ―Itadakimasu‖ and
―Gochisosama deshita‖ when finished. ―Kampai‖ means
cheers and is used for drinking.
 Don‘t pour your own drink; if the glass is empty usually
the host will pour it.
APPEARANCE
 Dress to impress – dress as per your status.
 Men - dark conservative attire. Business suits - most suitable.
 Shoes should be easy to remove, as you will do so often. Slip-ons
are the best choice.
 Women‘s dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should
be placed on accessories. They should be minimal.
 Women should not wear pants in a business situation. Japanese
men tend to find it offensive.
 Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering
over men.
 Avoid using large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions and
any dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their
hands and to do so could distract your host.
 Pointing in not acceptable.
 Do no blow your nose in public.
CONTINUED
 Avoid the "OK" sign; in Japan it means money.
 Personal space is valued. Because the Japanese live in such a densely
populated area, they value their personal space.
 A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or
displeasure. Use caution with your facial expressions. They can be
easily misunderstood.
 The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. They use it to their
advantage in many situations. Allow your host to sit in silence.
 ―Ladies first‖ is not used in Japan.
 The Japanese will refuse help from ANYONE even if it is needed. But
the third times the charm. Usually you just ask until the third time when
they will either accept or politely refuse.
 Sarcasm is not appropriate for any situation. The Japanese consider it
rude and may ruin a relationship.
 Japanese women wear their kimono with the left side over the right. DO
NOT wear it the other way; it is only for the deceased person at a
funeral.
 Japanese women cover their mouth when they laugh.
BEHAVIOUR
 The word for toasting is kampai, pronounced 'kahm-pie'. When
toasting the glass is never left unfilled. Drinking is an important
part of Japanese culture. It is a way to relieve business stress.
 Never pour a drink yourself; always allow someone else to do it
for you.
 Most business entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after
business hours. Often in karaoke or "hostess bars."
Businesswomen should not attend "hostess bars.‖
 Let the host order the meal and pay. Business may be discussed
at dinner during these events.
 Japanese rarely entertain in the home. If you are invited to the
home of your Japanese host, consider it a great honor and
display a tremendous amount of appreciation.
 Style is tantamount. The gift itself is of little importance, the
ceremony surrounding it is very important.
CONTINUED
 In social event, punctuality is not expected. It is the custom to be
"fashionably late.‖
 If you do take your host out insist upon paying. They will refuse
but insist. They will prefer Western-style restaurant when
entertain them.
 Key phrases to learn are "itadakimasu" at the beginning of
dinner, and "gochisou-sama-deshita" at the end. It is polite use
these phrase and it will show you host that you have enjoyed the
meal.
 "Sumimasen" (excuse-me) is a very useful term to add to your
vocabulary along with the phrase "kekko desu" (I've had enough).
 Do not openly display money. It is rare to see it given from person
to person in Japan. Important to use an envelope to pass money.
 In Asia the number 14 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds
like the word ‗shuh-shuh‘, which sounds like the word for death.
BODY LANGUAGE
 Japanese people prefer not to stand close to others. The Japanese
frown on open displays of affection. They do not touch in public. It is
highly inappropriate to touch someone of the opposite sex in public. Try
and avoid touching others.
 Do not take a smile as being a signal of happiness, the Japanese smile
when mad, embarrassed, sad or disappointed.
 While sitting, don‘t show the bottom of your shoes.
 It is rude to talk to someone when leaving your hands in your pockets.
 Put your hand in front of your face. Make sure your palm is facing
towards your face. Then wave it back and forth, this is a polite way to
answer ―no‖ or ―I don‘t know‖ to a compliment.
 It is considered rude to stare at someone. Eye contact isn‘t polite.
 Don‘t lean against anything, a chair, a wall, a door, etc.
 When visiting someone, sit towards the edge to show proper respect
and leaning back means closeness (such as a childhood friend).
COMMUNICATION
 Business cards are called meishi. Give and receive meishi with both
hands.Printed in your home language on one side and Japanese on the other.
Present the card with the Japanese language side up.
 Card will contain the name and title along with company name, address and
telephone number of the businessman. In Japan, businessmen are call
"sarariman."
 Take special care in handling cards given to you. Do not write on the card. Do
not put the card in you pocket or wallet, as either of these actions will be viewed
as defacing or disrespecting the business card. Upon receipt of the card, it is
important to make a photocopy of the name and title of the individual in your
mind. Examine the card carefully as a show of respect.
 In a business situation, business cannot begin until the meishi exchange process
is complete.
 The customary greeting is the bow. However, some Japanese may greet you
with a handshake, albeit a weak one. Do not misinterpret a weak handshake as
an indication of character.
 If you are greeted with a bow, return with a bow as low as the one you received.
How low you bow determines the status of the relationship between you and the
other individual. When you bow keep your eyes low and your palms flat next to
your thighs. The business card should be given after the bow.
CONTINUED
 In introductions use the person‘s last name plus the word san
which means Mr. or Ms. the Japanese prefer to use last names.
Do not request that they call you by your first name only. If you
are uncertain about the pronunciation of a name, ask for
assistance.
 Understand that the Japanese prefer not to use the word no. If
you ask a question they may simply respond with a yes but
clearly mean no. Understanding this is critical in the negotiation
process.
 In Asia the number 4 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds
like the word ‗shuh-shuh‘, which sounds like the word for death.
 Heightened sense of formality and professionalism.
 Usually drinks are handed out at the start of the meeting. They
will we handed out in order of rank. Wait for the top guy to drink
his first.
 Tourists and foreigners are not expected to bow, or at least bow
correctly, unless they are greeting the emperor.
GIFTING
 Do not give ANYONE a gift unless you have for everyone.
 The idea of gift giving on birthdays and holidays like Christmas
and Chanukah isn‘t very common yet.
 Use two hands and do a formal bow to give and take gift.
 Bring back souvenirs when you return from a trip.
 ―Oseibo and chugen‖- In December and June, friends and family
give gifts to each other. Usually worth not more then 5,000 yen,
(about $42.32) these gifts are called ―Oseibo and chugen‖
 Birthdays-The West has greatly influences the people here, and
even though this isn‘t a traditional gift-giving occasion, some
families have started.
 When unwrapping a gift, carefully remove the wrapping paper.
CONTINUED
 Presentation of the gifts more important than the actual gift. It is
also polite to send a thank you note back.
 Gift giving is very important both business and personal gifts.
 Always wrap gifts. Do not wrap in white as it symbolizes death.
Do not use bright colors or bows to wrap the gift. It is better to
have the hotel or the store wrap the gift to ensure that it is
appropriate.
 Do not surprise the recipient. Give warning to host that you intend
to give them gift.
 Do not give gifts in odd number (4 and all as it is bad luck and
four sounds like the word for death)
 Good gift ideas include top choice beef, fruit and alcohol such as
brandy, quality whiskey and Bourbon along with excellent wines.
They also appreciate gifts from high-end department stores like
Saks and Neiman Marcus.
ORGANIZATION BEHAVIOUR
 Business organization:-
 Hierarchical and Bureaucratic
 High degree of harmony and cooperation
 Key focus on quality
 Information oriented
 Seniority system:-
 Based on factors like age, sex, family name,
occupation, physical features and birthplace
 Titles are extremely important - signifies prestige and
respect
 Hierarchy legitimates the use of power
CONTINUED
 Decision making:-
 Centralized
 ‗Ringi‘ system – all members involved in the process
 Often slow – unwillingness to take risk and avoids on the
spot decision making
 Long term perspective
 Other aspects:-
 Punctuality- always be on time
 Indirectness critical in communication and avoid conflicts
 Private people and uncomfortable with physical contact
 Japanese less pressured by deadlines, slowdown as
complications develop – threatened by stressful
situations.
CONTINUED
 Information exchange:-
 Wait for counterpart‘s signal before starting negotiation
 Japanese are information oriented - offer detailed explanations
before making actual proposal
 Ensure to discuss long term generalized goals
 Use informal channel of communication to get the true feeling of the
Japanese
 Concession and agreement:-
 Make the first proposal and receive counter proposal – focus on
reciprocity
 Japanese examine all issues simultaneously in a more holistic
approach
 Concessions are made only near the end of the talks and usually all
at once – basic goal of long term mutual benefit
 Customary to give the buyer a discount (called sabitsu) when
agreement is reached - to demonstrate friendship and sincerity
HOFSTEDE

 Masculinity is the highest characteristic.

 Individualism is the lowest ranking factor.

 Uncertainty Avoidance is ranked high

 Japan is a more collectivist culture that

avoids risks and shows little value for
personal freedom.
INDIA VS. JAPAN
Basis INDIA JAPAN
Government Federal parliamentary Unitary parliamentary
constitutional republic and democracy and
democratic. constitutional monarchy.
Legislature Termed Sansad. Termed Diet of Japan.
Position in the globe Lies in the south Asian Lies in the East of Asia.
region.
Description Peninsula. Archipelago.
Economy Less stable and Stable and more
industrialized. industrialized.
Currency Rupee. Yen.
Human Race Several Races. Single Race.
Caste System Prevalent in India. Devoid of caste system.
Captivity of the Under the captivity of It was never Captive or
English English till 1947. Invaded.
CONTINUED
Basis INDIA JAPAN
Climate Temperate type of climate. Influenced by Thar Desert and
It is interesting to note that the Himalayas. Hence you
you would find the climate would find that four different
of Japan largely varied types of climate called the
from north to south. tropical wet, tropical dry,
subtropical humid and Montana
exist in India.
Influencing Petroleum products, textile Influenced by various industries
product goods, engineering goods, in the production of electronics,
software, gems and jewelry, machine tools, steel, ships,
chemicals, fertilizers, chemical substances and motor
machinery and crude oil. vehicles. Japan‘s is known for
its abundance in service sector
too as it is a seat of banking,
insurance, transportation, real
estate and telecommunication.
CONTINUED
Basis INDIA JAPAN
Area Larger than Japan. Smaller as compared to
India.
Languages spoken Many. Only one.
Official name Republic of India. Nippon.
Division India is divided into many Japan is divided into
states. prefectures.
Cultural Linkage India also has a vast Japan‘s cultural linage
tradition and culture, can be traced to the
which dates back to the prehistoric
Indus valley civilization. Jomon culture.

Similarities :- Both Indians and Japanese give much importance to family.

BIG FIVE FACTOR

 Extraversion:- High
 Neuroticism:- Low

 Agreeableness:- High

 Openness to experience:- Moderate

 Conscientiousness:- Moderate
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