GUIDE FOR INTERACTING WITH JAPANESE

Here are some of the tips which were given to the Indian teachers going to japan for teaching English. Found them interesting so posting here.


1. The Japanese often find the Indians somewhat arrogant. Perhaps this is because an Indian, with his superior English language, has a tendency to talk down to the Japanese. Even in India those of us who have been educated at English-medium schools tend to speak down to those who have been through vernacular schools. Actually, apart from having 100% literacy, most of the Japanese acquire a reasonable knowledge of English at the high school stage – it is just that they lack the practice of speaking it. They are generally shy vis-à-vis foreigners; the language problem makes them more so.
2. They appreciate our democracy in the context of free elections and a free and highly vocal press but are shocked at the wide economic disparities.
3. When speaking to them, our language should be simple and sentences short.
4. Precise facts and figures are appreciated.
5. Exaggerations must be avoided. They respect cautious and conservative individuals who can be credible.
6. We have a habit of saying "no problem" in an over-confident manner. The Japanese have had many sad experiences, facing problems at every juncture in India. Hence, avoid saying "no problem".
7. Punctuality is extremely important in Japan. Apart from anything else, it shows that you have respect for the other person’s time
8. The Japanese respect the Indians as highly intelligent people but they also feel that often we are a bit too "clever". In dealing or negotiating with them, it is advisable to overcome their fear of our cleverness at an early stage. This is best done by putting one’s cards on the table honestly and conveying transparency.
9. They find many Indians boastful, domineering and tending to monopolize a conversation or discussion. They like people who are prepared to listen. A degree of humility is appreciated.
10. They appreciate the Indians’ debating capacity but find many Indians excessively argumentative (i.e. arguing for the sake of arguing) and not pragmatic enough. They, on the other hand, are a highly practical people, more proficient with their hands.
11. By Indian standards, their systems sometimes appear inflexible. This is because they plan things in the minutest detail; having done so, any sudden change becomes difficult. We on the other hand are always improvising and can, therefore, be flexible.
12. It may take longer than elsewhere to arrive at an agreement in Japan but, once an agreement is reached, they are entirely dependable and trustworthy.
13. They are extremely neat and hygiene-conscious.
14. And finally, friendships, once made, are long lasting.
by Arjun Asrani(Former Ambassador of Japan)