Etiquette Guide to Japan

Ok, travelers, will focus on you, but will also add some commentary for those seeking DNA elements of the Toyota Production System ("TPS", also known as "lean manufacturing"). I am busy at home and work, so when a business trip to Japan was suggested, I wanted a brief, yet comprehensive book on basic etiquette. This author not only achieves both these aims, but also describes "why" customs and such are the way there are... knowing the "why" makes the "how" easier to do correctly, no matter how foreign (or contradictory) something might appear. Pro: +Brief, yet surprisingly comprehensive, details not only "how" things work, but the "why" as well +Awkward miscues (i.e. the whole bowing and shaking hands when exchanging business cards thing) and contradictory/confusing behaviors (e.g. friendly when one-on-one in the evening, but cold and distant the next day at work) finally explained! +Historical notes of where things came from was interesting as a traveler and practitioner of lean manufacturing as well... helps explain some of those little things that make TPS so hard to translate into a functional system in the West Con: -None observed, and I pride myself on finding at least one observation to add balance to my reviews (and to build reviewing/observations skills as well) Bottom line: HIghly recommended for travelers. I think it is also a must read for passionate lean zealots.

Pretty useful -teaches you what to do in Japan, though I haven't made a trip, yet, so I'm not sure how good the advice is. If you have an older book, you may want to update your information. The Japanese *do* relax, if only a little bit, so you probably want to know that there are some things you can do that would previously be unthinkable. Sometimes it tells you the "why" of etiquette, as well. Those little envelopes and presents people give have some symbolism. When you give something at a wedding or funeral, you tie the string/ribbon with a square-knot, symbolizing permanence.

I read this book before my trip to Japan, and it proved to be a great guide. It covers key etiquette—like how to present business cards and proper table manners—with helpful examples. I noticed many of the things mentioned during my visit. It gave me a better understanding of the culture and made interactions smoother and more respectful.

This little book is great. It has a lot of condensed information on the Japaense ettiquet. I feel that I learned a good bit from it. And I feel that it would help others who want to learn.

Great book for anyone interested in Japanese social & business customs. Casual readers and 1st time travelers will find this to be the perfect crash course in Japanese etiquette. Aside from a few black & white photos, there are no visuals to speak of, but don't let that disuade you! Brief, well-written chapters; Casually written for general audience with the last several chapters focused on doing business with the Japanese. Great, up-to-date resource on everything from dating, to eating, gift-giving, and MUCH more.

I got this book to find out what my Japanese wife hadn't told me about being polite during our visits to Japan. I found a few new tidbits in the book (keep in mind that I've visited Japan a dozen times or so) that I didn't know. And much of the stuff I already knew was well described for the most part. It goes into detail, such as with gift giving, holidays, visits to friends and family, some business protocols (such as viewing business cards). The book misses some trivial errors, such as never moving a floor pillow (sabuton) with your feet, how to drink from a fountain at a buddhist shrine, and that you don't have to bow to every store clerk that bows to you. With that said, there is plenty to learn in this guide. I feel the book will be most useful to someone who plans an immersion trip to Japan or needs to go there on business. If you are just sight-seeing, this book is probably a bit much. The book also does not go into details for making a living, getting an apartment or the such, so if you are moving, this may make a nice second book. (I wish I got this book for my brother-in-law, who went to Japan to sign a deal. The next morning, after a wild night on the town with the president of the company, he hugged the president in front of numerous employees bidding him farewell--instead of a bow and handshake. The million-dollar deal fell through and he never hard from the president again.)

It’s a great introduction into general Japanese culture, but most of the chapters don’t dive too deep into each topic.

First big thank you to the seller! My book got lost in the mail and they were awesome sending a replacement that thankfully arrived safely ☺️ The book itself? Very interesting read, the title is pretty much self explanatory but the content I have to say is well organized and clear. It will be a good preparation for my next post covid-19 trip!

A must read for anyone interested in an insight on Japan people, and how to behave as a turist or during business meetings.

A quick guide to know various aspects of Japan and Japanese Culture

Very interesting read, learned a ton!

I believe a key factor to successful communication with a foriegn culture is to understand that culture and the differences to your own. It is so easy to cause inadvertant offence through ignorance of boundaries in etiquette. This book gives a wonderful insight, not only on how seemingly normal (in the Western World) actions and responses could have far reaching and unintended reaction, but also an explanatory insight into why the Japanese culture can be expected to react that way. This fosters an understanding at a base level, allowing successful communication beyond learning the language. I thoroughly recommend this book as a must for for anyone embarking on a prolonged business relationship with Japanese counterparts, and advisory for those already finding such communication a challenge. There's so much more to successful communication than language alone.

All relevant topics covered and sorted by chapter so that you can jump over non relevant chapters. Nicely written with useful examples