The Concepts of Communication and Culture in Japan, Essay Example

This paper explores the concepts of communication and culture in Japan and addresses four key questions.  Essentially an interview with a Japanese person and completion of the individual response. The paper describes the interview, what was learned from the interview and steps taken to ensure that the communication is as fluent as possible.

The Interview Process

The interview took place with an Executive of a Japanese business operating overseas.  This provided an opportunity to discuss the interface with western culture and how communication protocol and culture differed from Japanese society to that of the West.  This was an informal 1:1 meeting and did not suffer the formality constraints that would have been expected should the meeting have taken place in Japan.

Questions and Answers

The interview explored the following four questions:

How would you go about obtaining information from foreigners visiting Japan, what do you see as the essential differences ?

People tend to be much more direct when asking personal questions, for example they will not be afraid to ask – how much money do you have ?  how large is your house? It is more acceptable in Japanese culture  to be open about these type of questions without the risk of offense or invasion of privacy, hence a difference to western values here.

How important is personal appearance in dealing with business communications?

Generally Japanese business people dress to impress.  As such suits are symbolic of status and casual clothes are not accepted in a business setting.  Women must dress conservative and not wear high heels ( tends to make them tower above the male executives). Need to be careful with hand gestures and facial expressions, these should if possible be avoided. Certain words mean different things – the word OK means money and the number 14 sounds like the word death in Japanese.  Avoid invading peoples personal space and do not be disturbed with the concept of silence. Japanese like silence as thinking time and it is good to offer this in conversation

How is behaviour linked to that of communication?

There are certain things that are unacceptable. Don’t pour yourself a drink as this is the duty of your host.  The Japanese host always pays for the meal. If you are ever invited to a Japanese persons home it is a great honour and appreciation should be shown. If you are eating noodles or soup it is OK to slurp as it indicates enjoyment of the food and is greatly appreciated. Gifts should always be provided at the end of a visit.

What are the most acceptable forms of communication in Japanese Society?

Business cards are very acceptable. It is important to avoid scribbling or writing on your guests business card as this is an act of disrespect.  If greeted with a bow it is important to return this with a bow of the same nature.  In introduction we use the surname followed by the word San (Mr) hence Hirohito San.  Remember that Japanese hate the word “No” and may respond with the word “Yes” when in actual fact this means “No”.  This has confused many western people so you need to frame important questions correctly.

Points learnt from the interview

There are many differences in protocol, ethics, behaviour and communication factors when talking to Japanese people in their native land.  Those doing business overseas have been trained to make allowances for western traits but people are greatly appreciated if they make some efforts to conform to Japanese protocols.  This is particularly important when doing business and may prove the difference in securing a contract and getting a more formal relationship translated to that of a more friendly one.  The Japanese are a very structured and orderly society of people and they like conformity to acceptable standards of behaviour.  Non conformists stand-out and become alienated so it is important to make the effort.  Such efforts are appreciated and treated with both warmth and hospitality.

How to elicit positive communication

Positive communication can be expressed with Japanese people without necessarily understanding the language.  Adherence to formal greetings, as described above, being respectful with bows and avoiding excessive hand movements and facial grimaces.  Japanese are a very tolerant race of people and have become accustomed to dealing with many different races of people.  It is important to remember that they do not like to be shamed ( loss of face), they are an orderly and structured society have established patters of communication and behaviour,  they prefer conformity at all times and adherence to accepted communication protocols will be both appreciated and create greater acceptance of your own position.