It is essential to maintain good connections with Japanese contacts to deal with many Japanese clients. You can learn Japanese online to understand the Japanese language. However, some habits and professional or artistic practices may vary from those in the West.
Sumo wrestling is a Japanese way of approaching business. While the time spent observing and positioning can be tedious, it is quick and decisive when action occurs. These remarks and advice can help you make the most of any contacts you have with Japanese professionals.
Trust Above All
The first visit is usually a courtesy visit and information visit. However, the exchanges are very superficial. Do not rush and try to sell too much. Only trust can lead to serious discussions. Japanese people aren’t looking for just a product, but a range of services and the guarantee that they can implement what you have to offer. Japanese people were extremely attentive to the status and qualifications of their interlocutor. Suppose the visiting person has significant decision-making and responsibility in their society. In that case, it will increase the credibility of the visit.
Your first interaction with Japanese people will be the exchange of business cards. It is a simple gesture that demonstrates your seriousness in approaching the Japanese market. They must be in the same format as Japan’s standard (90mm x55mm). You must include:
- Your names and titles.
- Your telephone number.
- Professional address.
- Your company name.
- Your company logo is in English and Japanese.
A small gift for each of your interlocutors will give them an extra chance to recall you. A typical product from your region of French manufacturing will be appreciated. You can also choose from the usual corporate gifts like key chains and pens. They aren’t very popular, especially if the quality is poor. It is important to remember that the content is more important than the presentation. Take care of the packaging!
Decision-Making System
Japanese companies make decisions collectively after a process that involves all parties. The process can be lengthy and tedious. We attempt to collect as big data as we can during commercial negotiations. This will allow us to fuel internal reflection among different departments and hierarchy levels. Western professionals must be patient and not view the slowness or ambiguity of their interlocutors as an indication of ill will.
He should not favour the top echelons. Because they don’t know much about the day-to-day operations of every company entity, senior executives are often sub-united. Because they are easily influenced and influenced by their subordinates, senior meeting managers do not seal a relationship.
Does It Say Yes Or No?
Verbal approval such as “yes,” “very well,” and “yes” indicates that you are being heard by your interlocutor. This does not necessarily mean he understood or agreed to your request. On the other hand, the Japanese are careful not to state a refusal too strongly, leading to the other party losing their face. They don’t say no, but they hide behind a secret formula and appear embarrassed. Do not try to get a straight answer from them. Don’t express a negative comment or refusal too explicitly.
Perseverance And Patience Pay Off
Japanese negotiators are often viewed as skilled and difficult. They are adept at identifying the right partner and taking the time to do so accurately. To recognize their needs and determine the seriousness of potential partners to avoid disappointments.
To fully grasp, it is necessary to work overtime. You must understand needs, provide a product that meets them, and convince them that you can meet their future and present requirements. It takes time and requires constant promotion.
Japanese proverb: “Even the stone gets warm if it sits there for three years.
Avoid Communication Problems
They follow their culture and the common Japanese greeting is very famous in Japan. They give respect to their new friends and clients. Let’s say that personal contact is essential for Japanese relations. They are used to gather as much information as possible before deciding. Tell them everything about your company, including the date of its creation, employees, and customers. Also, describe your activities. It is preferable to have Japanese documents for smaller agencies or to present a product that is not well-known to your interlocutors.
Promotional material in the mother tongue of the target audience will always generate more interest than that presented in English. A complete Japanese document can be very expensive. A summary of your product and information can be shown on standard paper. This will then be attached to your product.
“To Talk Or Not To Talk …”
Managers of Japanese companies have very different levels of English proficiency. It is infrequent to see somebody who tells Japanese fluently. Interviews in English should be conducted clearly and slowly using simple expressions. If necessary, repeat the most important points. Make sure everyone understands the numbers. As in the West, the Japanese group numbers 4 by 4, not 3 by 3. This is a great source of mistakes and misunderstandings, with many possible consequences. It is safer to bring an interpreter if you are unsure of your English or if you are visiting for the first time.
Dress Code
Japan has a uniform style of professional clothes. This includes plain ties, dark suits, and white shirts. A classic and elegant outfit is recommended. It is common to wear short-sleeved shirts in July and August due to the hot summer weather.
Interesting Related Article: “The Importance of Translation in Business“