US vs Japanese Cultural Norms

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Thank you for posting today. It is my goal to provide ideas, definitions, research help, and instructions on how you, the student, should approach the assignment.

Let's start with a look at what's normal in Japan. As Americans, we can look at the following list and immediately pick out the differences. I'll do that after I establish some Japanese cultural norms:

"Fun Fact

The Japanese tend to be rather direct in their questioning of foreigners. You may be asked personal questions such as how much money do you earn or how large is your house?

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Geert Hofstede Analysis
Japan

Click Here for Geert Hofstede country scores

The Geert Hofstede analysis for Japan is dramatically different from other Asian Countries such as Hong Kong, Korea or China. In Japan Masculinity is the highest characteristic. The lowest ranking factor is Individualism, which coincides with their high ranking in Uncertainty Avoidance. Japan is a more collectivist culture that avoids risks and shows little value for personal freedom. More Geert Hofstede Details

Religion in Japan

* WORLD FACTBOOK 2002

Due to the philosophical similarity of Buddhist and Shinto societies, these have been consolidated for the purposes of this study. These countries have the closest correlation with Hofstede's Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), which is the same correlation that the majority of Catholic countries have demonstrated. (See the accompanying article)

Appearance

Those who dress according to their status or position impress the Japanese. Dress to impress.

Men should wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable.

Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting.

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.

A kimono should be wrapped left over right to do otherwise symbolizes death.

Remember the Japanese phrase "The nail that sticks up gets hit with the hammer" when considering your choices for attire in Japan.

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.

Avoid the "OK" sign; in Japan it means money.

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