Working in Japan

Japan prides itself on innovation, a strong economy and a rich heritage. Working here can be very lucrative for expats, especially once you have a hold on its unique business culture.

Despite its GDP flatlining for many years, Japan is still one of the world’s largest economies and a very important business destination for expats. Many international corporations have bases in the country.

While working in Japan can provide many opportunities, some drawbacks include Japan’s cumbersome and expensive tax laws and the complexity involved in starting a business.

The work environment in Japan is formal and conservative. It’s based on strict unwritten rules of conduct that can be difficult for expats to understand. Fortunately, you won’t be expected to know all the nuances. Showing a willingness to learn is appreciated, so consider enrolling in a cross-cultural training course when you first arrive.

Underlying all aspects of Japanese business culture is the concept of kaizen – the drive for constant improvement. You’ll see this reflected in the country’s work ethic, customer service and never-ending quest to innovate.

Silence in meetings is common and people often close their eyes to reflect. This isn’t a sign of things going badly and it shouldn’t be interrupted. Decisions are seldom made in meetings, which are more commonly used to build relationships and exchange information. Try not to be too direct or aggressive – and learn the art of subtly deflecting a difficult question to avoid embarrassment or disappointment.

Japanese companies have a hierarchical structure, and each level of management is expected to defer to its seniors. Equality in the Japanese workplace is improving, but it’s still behind Europe and the USA. Women tend to be paid less than men, even in senior positions, and they can have difficulties managing older Japanese male colleagues.

After-hours drinking with colleagues, business partners and clients is still an established practice in Japan. Strict office rules are abandoned at these social events, which are often considered a key part of building relationships and progressing deals.

Japanese is the official language of business. English isn’t widely spoken, so you may need to hire a translator. Business hours are usually from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday. Both men and women dress formally in the workplace.

Greetings are formal and usually involve a bow of the head followed by a handshake. Greet the most senior member of the group first and avoid too much eye contact as this can be considered rude. Gift-giving is an important ritual when doing business in Japan and can set the tone of the relationship.

Companies in Japan offer some of the best expat packages in the world, partially to offset the high cost of living in its cities. Many of these packages include lucrative benefits such as accommodation, international school fees and the use of a car.

See what people responding to our Expat Explorer Survey think about living in Japan.